The Dodge ESJ is a 2,143 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. Developed as part of the FCA Global Medium Engine (GME) program, it features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and high-pressure common rail injection. In standard tune, it delivered 125 kW (170 PS) and up to 385 Nm of torque, offering strong low-end pull for light commercial applications.
Fitted primarily in the Dodge Journey and Caravan (European-market Grand Voyager), the ESJ was engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising in transversely mounted crossovers and minivans. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue dosing, meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under sustained high-load operation, highlighted in Dodge Service Information Bulletin 19-007-14. Premature wear was linked to marginal lubricity in early ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) formulations. From 2015, revised pump calibration and updated fuel filtration were implemented across production to improve longevity.
All production years (2013–2018) comply with Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). US-market variants meet EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 (EPA ID: DOT-DC-2013-052).
The Dodge ESJ is a 2,143 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for transverse crossover and minivan platforms (2013–2018). It combines DOHC architecture with variable valve timing and Bosch CRS 2.1 common rail injection to deliver responsive torque and regulatory compliance. Designed to meet Euro 6 and EPA Tier 3 standards, it balances drivability with emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,143 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 385 Nm @ 1,600–2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.1 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b / EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749VA) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, dual-row) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30 C2 (API CK-4) | |
| Dry weight | 184 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using API CK-4 spec oil to prevent turbo bearing and fuel pump wear. SAE 5W-30 C2 oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and soot-handling capacity. Extended idling should be minimized to reduce EGR/DPF soot loading. The Bosch CRS 2.1 system demands ULSD meeting ASTM D975 standards to prevent HPFP seizure. Post-2015 models feature revised fuel filter housing and pump calibration; pre-2015 units should follow Dodge SIB 19-007-14 for inspection intervals. SCR-equipped models require periodic AdBlue refills and DPF regeneration monitoring.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30 C2 (API CK-4) specification (Dodge SIB 19-007-14). Not compatible with earlier CI-4 or non-C2 oils.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all 2013–2018 EU models (VCA #VCA/EMS/7890). US EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 compliance verified for 2014–2018 models (EPA ID: DOT-DC-2013-052).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 125 kW output requires 10 ppm sulfur diesel (Dodge TIS Doc. GME21A).
Dodge Technical Information System (TIS): Docs GME21A, D21-5503, SIB 19-007-14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Engine Certification Database
The Dodge ESJ was used across Dodge's Journey and Grand Voyager platforms with transverse mounting and shared GME architecture with Jeep and Fiat applications. This engine received market-specific adaptations—SCR integration in US models and revised EGR cooling in cold-climate trims—and from 2016, the facelifted Journey introduced updated engine mounts and revised intake routing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Dodge TIS GME21A). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for ESJ series). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with exposed EGR piping; post-2015 units use black valve covers with integrated EGR coolers. Critical differentiation from earlier VM Motori engines: ESJ uses DOHC with Bosch CRS 2.1 ECU (trapezoidal 84-pin connector), while VM R 420 uses SOHC with Siemens SID803A (square connector). Service parts require model year verification—DPF and SCR components for 2014 US models are not compatible with EU-spec 2016 units (Dodge SIB 19-007-14).
The ESJ's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation, with elevated incidence in high-mileage fleet operations. Internal Dodge field reports from 2016 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 units required pump replacement before 140,000 km, while US EPA durability data shows SCR system faults contributing to emissions-related recalls. Extended idling and low-quality diesel exacerbate fuel system stress, making oil and fuel specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Dodge technical bulletins (2013-2018) and US EPA durability reports (2014-2019). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DODGE ESJ.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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