The Vauxhall A16FDH is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2022. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger (VGT) and common‑rail direct injection. In standard tune it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) at 3,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 1,750–2,250 rpm, providing strong low‑end pull and fuel‑efficient urban driving for compact and mid‑size models.
Fitted to models such as the Astra K, Mokka X, and Crossland X, the A16FDH was engineered for low CO₂ emissions and full compliance with Euro 6 standards. Emissions control was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with AdBlue injection.
One documented concern is AdBlue injector crystallisation leading to dosing faults, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑18‑112. This stems from thermal shock during short‑trip operation, causing urea deposits that restrict injector flow. From 2019, revised injector materials and updated ECU calibration were introduced to mitigate the issue.
All production years (2015–2022) meet Euro 6b/6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9473).
The Vauxhall A16FDH is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2015–2022). It combines common‑rail injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger and AdBlue SCR aftertreatment to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and sub‑100 g/km CO₂ emissions. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances urban efficiency with motorway refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 ULSD) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.7 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b/6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell VNT17) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC (front mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The four‑cylinder layout delivers strong low‑rpm torque ideal for mixed 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 SCR system. EN 590 diesel and AdBlue of ISO 22241 quality must be used to prevent injector crystallisation. Short‑trip driving without DPF/SCR regeneration cycles can cause system faults; occasional highway runs are recommended. Post‑2019 engines feature revised AdBlue injectors per Vauxhall SB‑18‑112.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W‑30 meeting ACEA C3 (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook Astra K 2016). Non‑low‑SAPS oils will damage aftertreatment systems.
Emissions: Full Euro 6b/6d-TEMP compliance across all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9473). SCR with AdBlue mandatory.
Power Ratings: Measured under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. Output consistent across Astra/Mokka/Crossland applications (Vauxhall PT‑2015).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A16FDH‑01, A16FDH‑02
Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑18‑112
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9473)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Vauxhall A16FDH was used across Vauxhall's Astra K, Mokka X, and Crossland X platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Crossland and updated exhaust routing in the Mokka X—and from 2019 the introduction of Euro 6d-TEMP calibration and AdBlue injector 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 A16‑101). The code 'A16FDH' appears on the compliance plate under the bonnet and in the 7th VIN digit ('F' for 1.6L diesel). Pre‑2019 units use AdBlue injector with silver nozzle; post‑2019 Euro 6d-TEMP variants feature black nozzle and updated ECU calibration. Differentiate from A16DTH (non-SCR) by presence of AdBlue tank and dosing module. Engine numbers beginning with 'A16FDH' confirm identity.
The A16FDH's primary reliability risk is AdBlue injector crystallisation in pre‑2019 units, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short urban trips. Vauxhall internal warranty data from 2018 noted increased SCR dosing fault claims under 60,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF and SCR-related failures as common in city‑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 (2015–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-16-FDH.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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