The Vauxhall B13DTN is a 1,248 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2021. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 66 kW (90 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, providing responsive low-end pull for compact vehicle applications.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa E, Adam, and Karl—including the 1.3 CDTi variants—the B13DTN was engineered for urban efficiency and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 6 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 16‑038. This issue is often linked to marginal lubrication during cold starts and extended oil change intervals. From 2018 onward, revised camshaft and HPFP materials were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2015–2021 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543).
The Vauxhall B13DTN is a 1,248 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for subcompact models (2015–2021). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances everyday performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,248 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The compact three-cylinder layout delivers 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 HPFP cam lobe wear. The Bosch CP4.2 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to avoid pump seizure. Extended idling or short-trip driving increases DPF soot accumulation, risking regeneration failures. Post-2018 engines feature updated camshaft surface treatment per Vauxhall SIB 16-038; pre-2018 units benefit from proactive HPFP inspection. Cooled EGR reduces NOx but requires periodic cleaning to maintain efficiency.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 16-038). Meets ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all production years 2015–2021 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on Corsa E 1.3 CDTi (VIN 8th digit 'N') per Vauxhall TIS V27‑001.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V26‑1230, V26‑1235, SIB 16‑038
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6543)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall B13DTN was used across Vauxhall's Corsa E, Adam, and Karl platforms with transverse mounting and co-developed with PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) under the joint Euro 6 diesel program. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Adam and modified intake manifolds in the Karl—and from 2018 the updated camshaft design improved HPFP durability, 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 V26‑1260). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('N' for B13DTN). Pre-2018 models use a standard camshaft surface finish; post-2018 units have nitrided camshaft lobe treatment. Critical differentiation from B13DTH: B13DTN has DPF and EGR cooler, while B13DTH lacks DPF. Service parts for fuel system require production date verification—HPFP kits for engines before 06/2018 are incompatible with later units due to camshaft material revision (Vauxhall SIB 16‑038).
The B13DTN's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the camshaft in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-Dexos2 oil or exceeding service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2019 indicated a notable share of pre-2018 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in urban-driven examples. Short-trip cycles and poor oil quality accelerate wear, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2016–2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-13-DTN.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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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)
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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.
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VCA Certification Portal
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