The Citroën EW10A is a 1,997 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2001 and 2015. Developed by PSA Group, it features a DOHC 16-valve configuration, multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), and variable valve timing (VVT) on the intake camshaft. In standard tune it delivered 88 kW (120 PS), with torque output of 190 Nm @ 3,000 rpm, providing balanced performance for mid-size applications.
Fitted across Citroën’s Xsara, C5, and C6 platforms, the EW10A was engineered for smooth cruising and responsive urban driving. It was paired with both manual and automatic transmissions and used in both front-wheel-drive and, in the C6, hydraulic self-levelling suspension configurations. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 3 compliance from launch and Euro 4 from 2006 onward.
One documented reliability concern is premature camshaft wear in early production units (2001–2004), linked to inadequate lubrication at the cam lobes under sustained high-RPM operation. This issue, referenced in PSA Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-0092, led to revised camshaft material specifications and updated oil pump flow rates from 2005. Later models also received revised valve stem seals to reduce oil consumption.
Production years 2001–2005 meet Euro 3 standards; 2006–2015 models comply with Euro 4 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Citroën EW10A is a 1,997 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for mid-size and executive vehicles (2001–2015). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with intake-side variable valve timing (VVT) and multi-point fuel injection to deliver linear power delivery and smooth refinement. Designed to meet Euro 3 and Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances drivability with fuel efficiency in mixed driving conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,997 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (pre-2006); Euro 4 (2006–2015) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Valvetrain | DOHC with intake-side variable valve timing (VVT) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (service interval: 150,000 km or 10 years) | |
| Oil type | Total Quartz 504/505 5W-30 (PSA B71 2010) | |
| Dry weight | 137 kg |
The EW10A delivers smooth, linear power ideal for relaxed driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km service intervals to prevent camshaft and VVT mechanism wear. PSA-specified Total Quartz 504/505 5W-30 oil (PSA B71 2010) is essential for maintaining cam lobe lubrication and preventing premature wear. The timing belt must be replaced at 150,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first (PSA SIB 13 04 18). Early models (2001–2004) are prone to camshaft wear under high-RPM loads; post-2005 revisions with improved oil flow and hardened cam lobes resolve this. Valve stem seals should be monitored for oil consumption, particularly on high-mileage units.
Oil Specs: Requires PSA B71 2010 specification (Total Quartz 504/505 5W-30). Replaces ACEA A3/B3; not compatible with standard A1/B1 oils.
Emissions: Euro 3 applies to 2001–2005 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 4 compliance from 2006 onward varies by market and VIN coding.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585. Output remains consistent across model years; no performance variants exist within the EW10A designation.
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B107-4520, E10-7760, TSB-ENG-0092
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO 1585:2017 Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Citroën EW10A was used across Citroën's Xsara/C5 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the PSA Group for use in Peugeot and Fiat models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the C6 and revised intake manifolds in the Xsara Picasso-and from 2006 the Euro 4-compliant revision introduced updated ECU mapping and secondary air injection, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS B107-4520). The 8th VIN digit identifies the engine family ('K' for EW10 series). Pre-2006 models have silver valve covers with black camshaft caps; post-2006 Euro 4 units use black valve covers with updated PCV routing. Critical differentiation from EW10J4: EW10A uses Bosch MP3.3 ECU with 38-pin connector, while EW10J4 uses Siemens SID803 with 88-pin port. Service parts require production date verification—timing belts for pre-2005 models are incompatible with later tensioner revisions (PSA SIB 13 04 18).
The EW10A's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-RPM driving. PSA internal quality reports from 2004 indicated a significant number of pre-2005 camshafts showing wear before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows ignition coil and lambda sensor faults as leading causes of emissions-related failures. Sustained motorway driving and extended oil intervals increase cam and VVT stress, making service interval adherence and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2001-2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN EW10A.
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