The Vauxhall A16FDL is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. Developed jointly with PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) as part of the DV6 family, it features a high-pressure common‑rail fuel system, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 88–96 kW (120–130 PS) with peak torque of 300 Nm, offering strong low‑rpm pull for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Astra K, and Mokka, including the 1.6 CDTi variants, the A16FDL was engineered for fuel efficiency, refinement, and compliance with Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards. Emissions control is achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 6 certification from 2015 onward.
One documented concern is dual-mass flywheel (DMF) degradation, which can cause driveline shudder or clunking under load. This issue is referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-16-03-15, noting that excessive heat and stop-start cycling accelerate DMF wear. From mid-2016, revised flywheel and clutch kits were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2013–2014 meet Euro 5b standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on variant (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall A16FDL is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and SUVs (2013–2018). It combines high-pressure common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and strong fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 90.4 mm | |
| Power output | 88–96 kW (120–130 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b (2013–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The Garrett VGT turbo provides immediate low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using DEXOS2 5W-30 to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and turbo bearings. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to avoid premature failure. Dual-mass flywheel wear is accelerated by frequent stop-start use; post-2016 models include updated components per TSB-16-03-15. EGR and DPF systems must be monitored via OBD to prevent regeneration faults and limp-mode activation.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W-30 specification (Vauxhall TSB-16-03-15). Not interchangeable with older DEXOS1 formulations.
Emissions: Euro 5b certification applies to 2013–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance confirmed for 2015–2018 variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 96 kW output requires EN 590-compliant diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V24012).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V23410, V23588, TSB-16-03-15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A16FDL was used across Vauxhall's Astra J/K and Mokka platforms with transverse mounting and shared extensively with PSA (Peugeot 208/308, Citroën C4). This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Mokka and revised intake manifolds in the Astra K—and from 2015 the Euro 6 update introduced updated ECU calibration and DPF hardware, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V23450). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('F' for A16FDL series). Euro 6 models (2015+) feature a larger DPF canister and updated ECU with trapezoidal diagnostic port. Critical differentiation from earlier A16DTH: A16FDL uses Bosch EDC17C74 ECU and CP4.2 high-pressure pump, whereas A16DTH uses Delphi systems. Service parts for flywheel/clutch require production date verification—pre-06/2016 units need TSB-16-03-15 upgrade kit.
The A16FDL's primary reliability risk is dual-mass flywheel (DMF) degradation under frequent stop-start use, with elevated incidence in urban fleet vehicles. Vauxhall internal data (2016) indicated a significant portion of pre-2016 engines required DMF replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related failures rising in high-idle applications. Short-trip driving and delayed oil changes increase stress on the flywheel and CP4.2 pump, making adherence to DEXOS2 oil and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-16-FDL.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VAUXHALL or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
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.
VAUXHALL 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.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
