The Suzuki K14C is a 1,373 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2023. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16‑valve layout, and multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI) with variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard form it produced 70–74 kW (95–101 PS) and 130–138 Nm of torque, offering responsive performance and excellent fuel efficiency for compact and subcompact SUV applications.
Fitted to models such as the Vitara (MZ), S‑Cross (MZ), and Swift Sport (ZC33S), the K14C was engineered for global markets requiring a balance of drivability, emissions compliance, and low running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual VVT, precise fuel metering, and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years in EU/UK markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft VVT phaser, which can cause rough idle and timing-related fault codes. This issue, highlighted in Suzuki Service Bulletin SB‑K14C‑08, is linked to oil viscosity degradation and infrequent oil changes in high-temperature environments. From 2018, Suzuki revised the phaser oil control valve and updated ECU calibration to improve robustness.
Suzuki
All production years (2015–2023) meet Euro 6 emissions standards in EU/UK markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/K14C15).
The Suzuki K14C is a 1,373 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact SUVs and sporty hatchbacks (2015–2023). It combines a DOHC valvetrain with dual VVT and multi-point fuel injection to deliver smooth mid-range torque and low fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards from launch, it balances urban agility with highway refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,373 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 70–74 kW (95–101 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 130–138 Nm @ 4,000–4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 (2015–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with dual VVT (intake & exhaust) | |
| Oil type | API SN/SM, SAE 0W‑20 or 5W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The K14C’s dual VVT system delivers smooth power delivery but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using low-viscosity 0W‑20 or 5W‑30 API SN/SM oil to maintain phaser function. Degraded oil increases sludge risk in the exhaust VVT actuator, potentially triggering P0014/P0024 codes. Ethanol-blended fuel up to E10 is approved per Suzuki PT‑2020. Post-2018 units feature a revised oil control valve per Suzuki SB‑K14C‑08; pre-2018 engines benefit from proactive oil quality monitoring and timely changes.
Oil Specs: Requires API SN/SM 0W‑20 or 5W‑30 (Suzuki Manual 2017 Vitara). ACEA A5/B5 acceptable if API spec met.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2015–2023 models in EU/UK markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/K14C15). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 and JIS D1001. Power output consistent across global variants (Suzuki PT‑2020).
Suzuki Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-K14C-01, FUEL-K14C-03, SB-K14C-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/K14C15)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Suzuki K14C was used across Suzuki's compact SUV and performance hatchback platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Vitara MZ and lightweight intake in the Swift Sport ZC33S—and from 2018 the S‑Cross MZ received updated ECU mapping for improved cold-start emissions, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front left side of the block near the timing cover (Suzuki TIS ENG-K14C-02). The code 'K14C' is followed by a serial number. All units feature MPFI, dual VVT, and a black plastic intake manifold. Critical differentiation from K14B: K14C has dual VVT (intake + exhaust), while K14B has intake-only VVT. Oil filler cap on valve cover; timing chain cover at front.
The K14C's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft VVT phaser wear due to oil degradation, with elevated incidence in high-mileage (120,000 km+) units in hot climates or with irregular oil changes. Suzuki internal field reports from 2019 noted phaser-related drivability complaints in 4% of pre-2018 Vitara units in Southeast Asia, while UK DVLA data shows low MOT failure rates due to robust emissions control. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect viscosity increase sludge formation, making oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Suzuki technical bulletins (2016–2022) and UK DVLA/DVSA failure statistics (2018–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about SUZUKI K14C.
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