The Vauxhall A20DT is a 1,956 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. Developed jointly with General Motors as part of the Family 0 diesel series, it features a high-pressure common‑rail fuel system, a fixed-geometry turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 88–103 kW (120–140 PS) with peak torque of 320–350 Nm, offering strong low‑rpm pull for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia A, Zafira Tourer, and Cascada, including the 2.0 CDTi variants, the A20DT was engineered for mid-size applications with emphasis on refinement, towing capability, and Euro 5b compliance. Emissions control is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling compliance without AdBlue or SCR systems.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe on the camshaft, which can lead to fuel pressure instability. This issue is referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-13-09-14, noting that extended oil change intervals or incorrect oil viscosity accelerate camshaft lobe wear. From mid-2014, revised camshaft and pump materials were introduced to improve durability.
All production years (2011–2018) meet Euro 5b standards; no Euro 6 variants were produced (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Vauxhall A20DT is a 1,956 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid-size sedans and MPVs (2011–2018). It combines high-pressure common‑rail injection with a fixed-geometry turbocharger to deliver robust low-end torque and strong towing performance. Designed to meet Euro 5b emissions standards, it relies on EGR and DPF systems without SCR/AdBlue.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,956 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88–103 kW (120–140 PS) | |
| Torque | 320–350 Nm @ 1,750–2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed-geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 162 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo provides predictable boost delivery ideal for towing but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using DEXOS2 5W-30 to protect the camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump. The Bosch CP3.4 pump relies on engine oil for cam lobe lubrication; incorrect oil or extended intervals accelerate wear. From mid-2014, revised camshafts with hardened lobes were introduced per TSB-13-09-14. 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-13-09-14). Not interchangeable with older DEXOS1 formulations.
Emissions: Euro 5b certification applies to all model years (2011–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 103 kW output requires EN 590-compliant diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V19012).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V18730, V18802, TSB-13-09-14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A20DT was used across Vauxhall's Insignia A, Zafira Tourer, and Cascada platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel and Holden under GM global architecture. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—reinforced engine mounts in the Zafira and acoustic covers in the Insignia—and from mid-2014 the camshaft material update created minor interchange limits for fuel pump compatibility. 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 V18750). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for A20DT series). All A20DT units feature a black plastic cam cover with "2.0 CDTi" badge and lack AdBlue hardware. Critical differentiation from A20DTH: A20DT uses Bosch EDC16C39 ECU and CP3.4 pump, whereas A20DTH uses Delphi systems. Service parts for camshaft/fuel pump require production date verification—pre-06/2014 units need TSB-13-09-14 material upgrade.
The A20DT's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear driving the high-pressure fuel pump, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals. Vauxhall internal data (2015) indicated a notable share of pre-2014 engines required camshaft replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related failures rising in high-idle applications. Infrequent oil changes and incorrect viscosity increase stress on the cam lobe and pump, making adherence to DEXOS2 oil and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2013–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-20-DT.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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