The Vauxhall A17DTS is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2015. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 95 kW (130 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, with strong low-rpm pull for responsive everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Zafira C, and Meriva B—including the 1.7 CDTi variants—the A17DTS was engineered for fuel-efficient urban commuting and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger actuator failure, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 11‑032. This issue is often linked to soot ingress and thermal fatigue in the variable nozzle mechanism. From 2013 onward, updated actuator components were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Vauxhall A17DTS is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2010–2015). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 95 kW (130 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,700–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 140 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 (5W-30) to prevent turbo actuator and bearing wear. The Bosch CP3.4 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel contamination—only ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) should be used. Extended idling or short-trip driving increases DPF soot accumulation, risking regeneration failures. Post-2013 engines feature updated turbo actuators per Vauxhall SIB 11-032; pre-2013 units benefit from proactive actuator inspection. EGR cooler clogging is common in stop-start use and may trigger limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 11-032). Meets ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all production years 2010–2015 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on Astra J 1.7 CDTi (VIN 8th digit 'T') per Vauxhall TIS V25‑002.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V23‑0987, V23‑0990, SIB 11‑032
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A17DTS was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Zafira C, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting and co-developed with PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) under the joint Euro 5 diesel program. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira and modified intake manifolds in the Meriva—and from 2013 the updated turbo actuator design improved reliability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS V23‑1020). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('T' for A17DTS). Pre-2013 models use a silver turbo actuator arm; post-2013 units have black actuator housing with reinforced linkage. Critical differentiation from A17DTR: A17DTS has DPF and EGR cooler, while A17DTR lacks DPF. Service parts for turbo system require production date verification—actuator kits for engines before 04/2013 are incompatible with later units due to pivot redesign (Vauxhall SIB 11‑032).
The A17DTS's primary reliability risk is turbocharger actuator failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips or urban driving. Vauxhall internal data from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-2013 engines requiring actuator replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in city-driven examples. Stop-start cycles and poor fuel quality accelerate wear, making fuel specification and oil interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2011–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-17-DTS.
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
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VCA Certification Portal
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