The Vauxhall A13DTC is a 1,248 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a DOHC 12‑valve layout with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger (VGT) and common‑rail direct injection. In standard tune it delivered 70 kW (95 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 1,750–2,500 rpm, providing strong low‑end pull and fuel‑efficient urban driving for compact models.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa E, Adam, and Meriva B, the A13DTC was engineered for low CO₂ emissions and compliance with Euro 5b standards. Emissions control was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling sub‑100 g/km CO₂ outputs in certain applications.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to lubrication issues under low‑sulfur fuel conditions, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑14‑087. This stems from inadequate fuel lubricity in ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel (ULSD), leading to premature wear of the cam‑driven HPFP plunger. From 2015, revised pump internals and updated calibration were introduced.
Production years 2011–2014 meet Euro 5b standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Vauxhall A13DTC is a 1,248 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for supermini and small MPV applications (2011–2018). It combines common‑rail injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and sub‑100 g/km CO₂ emissions. Designed to meet Euro 5b and later Euro 6 standards, it balances urban efficiency with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,248 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 ULSD) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 97.0 mm | |
| Power output | 70 kW (95 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b (2011–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell VNT15) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC (front mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The three‑cylinder layout delivers strong low‑rpm torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000‑km or 12‑month oil change intervals to protect the timing chain and turbo. DEXOS2 5W‑30 oil is critical due to its low‑SAPS formulation protecting the DPF and aftertreatment system. ULSD fuel must meet EN 590 standards to prevent HPFP wear. Short‑trip driving without DPF regeneration cycles can cause filter clogging; occasional highway runs are recommended. Post‑2015 engines feature revised HPFP internals per Vauxhall SB‑14‑087.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W‑30 meeting ACEA C3 (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook Corsa E 2014). Non‑low‑SAPS oils will damage DPF.
Emissions: Euro 5b applies to 2011–2014 models; Euro 6 compliance achieved from 2015 via updated ECU and aftertreatment (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
Power Ratings: Measured under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. Output consistent across Corsa/Adam/Meriva applications (Vauxhall PT‑2012).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A13DTC‑01, A13DTC‑02
Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑14‑087
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Vauxhall A13DTC was used across Vauxhall's Corsa E, Adam, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva and updated exhaust routing in the Adam—and from 2015 the introduction of Euro 6 calibration and HPFP revisions, creating service part compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS A13‑101). The code 'A13DTC' appears on the compliance plate under the bonnet and in the 7th VIN digit ('D' for diesel 1.3L). Pre‑2015 units use Bosch CP4.2 HPFP with silver cam follower; post‑2015 Euro 6 variants feature black follower and updated ECU calibration. Differentiate from A17DTR (1.7L) by displacement badge and turbo size—A13DTC uses Honeywell VNT15. Engine numbers beginning with 'A13DTC' confirm identity.
The A13DTC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in pre‑2015 units, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non‑EN 590 diesel or operating in short‑trip cycles. Vauxhall internal warranty data from 2014 noted a spike in HPFP claims under 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related failures as the second most common issue in urban‑driven examples. Infrequent oil changes and incorrect oil specification accelerate timing chain and turbo wear, making adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2011–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-13-DTC.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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