The Vauxhall A20DTC is a 1,956 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve layout with common‑rail direct fuel injection and a fixed-geometry turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, offering strong low‑end pull suited to mid‑size vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia A, Zafira C, and Antara—including the 2.0 CDTi 140 variants—the A20DTC was engineered for refined performance and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing it to meet Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips without full warm-up. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin SIB‑11‑07‑14, is attributed to marginal lubrication under cold-start conditions and fuel contamination. Affected engines exhibit hard starting, fuel pressure faults, and reduced power.
All production years 2011–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8124).
The Vauxhall A20DTC is a 1,956 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size sedans, estates, and MPVs (2011–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,956 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 90.4 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry turbo (Mitsubishi TD04HL-15T) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo provides predictable boost delivery ideal for highway cruising but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑B‑025–approved oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. Short trips without full warm-up accelerate fuel dilution and oil degradation. The Bosch CP3.4 pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590); poor fuel quality can cause rapid wear of the pump drive lobe. EGR and DPF systems demand periodic regeneration cycles—extended city driving without highway runs may trigger limp mode. Post-2014 units feature updated pump drive components per SIB‑11‑07‑14.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑B‑025 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2011). Equivalent to ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8124). No market variations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified across Insignia A and Zafira C applications (Vauxhall PT‑2011).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T11‑335, SIB 11‑07‑14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8124)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall A20DTC was used across Vauxhall's Epsilon II and Z30 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira C and modified exhaust routing in the Insignia A—and from 2015 the facelifted Insignia A models retained the same engine code but updated ECU calibrations for improved DPF management, creating minor software 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 T11‑335). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('0' for 2.0L). All A20DTC units feature black plastic cam covers with 'CDTi' embossing. Critical differentiation from A20DTH: A20DTC uses a fixed-geometry turbo and Bosch CP3.4 pump; A20DTH has variable-geometry turbo and higher output. ECU part number begins with '1368475' for pre‑2015 units and '1369012' for post‑DPF‑update. Service parts require calibration verification—fuel pumps and injectors are not interchangeable across ECU generations (Vauxhall SIB 12‑09‑15).
The A20DTC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles used primarily for short urban trips. Vauxhall internal field data from 2015 indicated pump failures in a notable subset of engines exceeding 120,000 km without strict oil and fuel maintenance, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to DPF blockage and EGR faults. Cold-start cycles without full warm-up increase pump stress, making fuel quality and oil change interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2011–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-20-DTC.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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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