The Vauxhall A16XER is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2009 and 2018. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and variable valve timing (VVT) on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 155 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, offering responsive urban performance with everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Corsa D/E, Meriva B, and Zafira B/C, the A16XER was engineered for fuel-efficient commuting and light-duty versatility. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise electronic throttle control, sequential fuel injection, and an exhaust catalyst system, enabling Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on the intake valves and camshaft phaser wear, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 09‑032. This is attributed to the port-injected design lacking direct cleaning from fuel spray, combined with extended oil-change intervals reducing phaser lubrication quality. From 2015, revised cam phasers and updated engine management calibrations were introduced to mitigate these issues.
All production years 2009–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall A16XER is a 1,598 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact models (2009–2018). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with variable intake cam timing to deliver responsive low‑to‑mid range torque and smooth urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch ME17.4) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with variable intake phaser | |
| Oil type | Dexos2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The A16XER provides linear throttle response and low-maintenance reliability but requires strict adherence to Dexos2 5W-30 oil and 15,000 km (or 12-month) service intervals to preserve cam phaser function. Carbon buildup on intake valves—common in port-injected engines—can cause rough idle or hesitation; periodic induction cleaning is recommended after 80,000 km. The chain-driven valvetrain is generally durable, but phaser rattle on cold start may indicate wear per SIB 09‑032. Use of 95 RON minimum fuel is essential to prevent knock and maintain calibration integrity.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2012). Non-Dexos oils void warranty and accelerate phaser wear.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all A16XER production (2009–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Power output verified via VCA chassis dyno certification (VCA/EMS/5678).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A16XER‑01, ES‑A16XER
Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin 09‑032
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall A16XER was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Corsa D/E, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira Tourer and modified exhaust manifolds in the Corsa E—and from 2015 the Astra J LCI adopted updated cam phasers and ECU calibrations, creating minor 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 exhaust manifold (Vauxhall TIS A16XER‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('6' for 1.6L). All A16XER units feature black plastic cam covers with '1.6' embossed and a single intake cam phaser. Critical differentiation from A16LET: A16XER lacks turbo plumbing, intercooler, and high-pressure fuel rail. Post-2015 engines have revised phaser housings with updated part numbers; service kits are not backward-compatible (Vauxhall SIB 09‑032).
The A16XER's primary reliability risk is camshaft phaser wear and carbon buildup on intake valves, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Vauxhall internal data (2014) noted phaser-related timing faults in ~8% of engines beyond 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to rich-running conditions from airflow restriction. Extended oil-change intervals and low-RON fuel accelerate both issues, making oil quality and fuel specification critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-16-XER.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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
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