Engine Code

GM LTA Engine (2023–Present) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The GM LTA – Petrol is a 1,490 cc, inline‑three turbocharged engine produced from 2023 onwards. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct fuel injection, delivering responsive performance from its compact displacement. In standard form, it produces 107 kW (145 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, making it suitable for entry — level performance in small vehicles.

Fitted primarily to the Opel/Vauxhall Astra and Grandland, the LTA

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2023–Present meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9023).

GM LTA Technical Specifications

The GM LTA – Petrol is a 1,490 cc inline‑three turbocharged engine engineered for compact vehicles (2023-Present). It combines direct fuel injection with a small, single-scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low-end response and competitive fuel economy. Designed to meet stringent Euro 6d standards, it balances urban agility with highway refinement.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,490 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Bore × stroke
74.0 mm × 86.6 mm
Power output
107 kW (145 PS) @ 5,000-5,500 rpm
Torque
230 Nm @ 1,750-4,000 rpm
Fuel system
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Emissions standard
Euro 6d
Compression ratio
10.0:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
Single-scroll (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)
Timing system
Chain-driven
Oil type
GM Dexos 2 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight
106 kg

GM LTA Compatible Models

The GM LTA – Petrol was used across GM's global EMP2 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-including unique engine mounts for the Opel Grandland and revised cooling packages for the Opel Astra-creating minor interchange considerations. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Opel
Years:
2023–Present
Models:
Astra (L)
Variants:
1.5T (145 PS)
View Source
GM EPC Doc. VEH-9123
Make:
Vauxhall
Years:
2023–Present
Models:
Astra (L)
Variants:
1.5T (145 PS)
View Source
GM EPC Doc. VEH-9123
Make:
Opel
Years:
2023–Present
Models:
Grandland
Variants:
1.5T (145 PS)
View Source
GM EPC Doc. VEH-9234

Common Reliability Issues - GM LTA Compatible Models

The LTA – Petrol's primary reliability consideration is intake valve carbon buildup, a systemic trait of its direct-injection design. GM internal service data indicates this is a manageable maintenance item rather than a critical failure point. Adherence to the specified oil type and driving patterns that allow GPF regeneration are key to long-term performance.

Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough or unstable idle, misfires under light load, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, check engine light (codes P0300-P0303).
Cause: Lack of fuel spray over intake valves in the direct-injection system allows oil vapors and blow-by gases to bake onto valve stems and backs, restricting airflow.
Fix: Perform professional intake valve cleaning (e.g., walnut shell blasting). Consider using fuel system cleaners periodically as a preventative measure.
GPF blockage
Symptoms: Loss of power, increased fuel consumption, warning light for exhaust system, engine may enter limp mode.
Cause: Accumulation of soot in the Gasoline Particulate Filter due to frequent short trips that prevent the filter from reaching its regeneration temperature.
Fix: Initiate a forced regeneration via a diagnostic tool, or drive the vehicle at sustained highway speeds to allow passive regeneration. In severe cases, the GPF may need replacement.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
Symptoms: Engine cranks but won't start, loss of power, check engine light (codes P0087, P0230), audible clicking noise from the pump.
Cause: Wear of internal components or contamination in the fuel system leading to insufficient fuel pressure for the direct injection system.
Fix: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump. Always replace the fuel filter simultaneously and ensure the fuel tank is clean to prevent recurrence.
Oil leaks from camshaft cover
Symptoms: Oil residue on the top of the engine, burning smell, potential drips onto the exhaust manifold or turbocharger.
Cause: Degradation of the rubber gasket sealing the camshaft cover to the cylinder head over time and heat cycles.
Fix: Replace the camshaft cover gasket. Clean mating surfaces thoroughly and torque bolts to specification in the correct sequence.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2023-2023) and aggregated owner-reported data (2023-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

GM LTA FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The GM LTA – Petrol is designed for reliability with proper maintenance. Its main known consideration is intake valve carbon buildup, which is manageable with periodic cleaning. The turbocharger and timing chain are robust. Using the correct GM Dexos 2 oil and adhering to service intervals is crucial. Many examples are expected to exceed 150,000 km without major issues.

The most frequent issues are carbon buildup on intake valves (causing rough idle) and potential GPF blockage from short-trip driving. High-pressure fuel pump failure and oil leaks from the cam cover are also reported as the engine ages. These are well-documented in GM service information.

This 1.5L turbo engine is used in the current generation Opel/Vauxhall Astra L (2023-Present) and Opel Grandland (2023-Present). It's a key engine for GM's compact car and crossover lineup in Europe, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.

Yes, the LTA responds well to ECU remapping. Stage 1 tunes can reliably produce around 125-130 kW (170-175 PS) and 260-270 Nm of torque by adjusting boost pressure and ignition timing. The stock internals are strong enough for these gains. More power requires upgraded turbo and injectors.

Real-world fuel economy is around 6.5-7.5 L/100km (38-43 mpg UK) combined, depending on the vehicle and driving style. Highway cruising can achieve 5.5 L/100km (51 mpg UK), while city driving may consume 8.5 L/100km (33 mpg UK). It's efficient for a turbocharged performance engine.

Yes. The GM LTA – Petrol is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage. This underscores the importance of addressing any timing chain noise immediately, although failures are rare.

GM mandates the use of Dexos 2 specification oil, typically in 5W-30 viscosity. This low-SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur) oil is crucial for protecting the turbocharger, GPF, and emissions components. Using non-Dexos oil can void warranties and lead to premature wear.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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Transparency in Gaps

If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources

GM Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data Compilation

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialGM documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.

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