The Vauxhall B14XER is a 1,399 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard form it delivered 74 kW (101 PS) at 6,300 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, providing responsive urban performance with everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa F and Crossland X, the B14XER was engineered for compact city driving with fuel‑efficient cruising capability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise electronic throttle control, sequential fuel injection, and a three‑way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 6d‑TEMP compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator solenoids, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 20‑011. This issue stems from thermal cycling and electrical contamination in high‑humidity environments, leading to erratic cam phasing and reduced performance. From mid‑2021, revised solenoid seals and updated ECU calibrations were introduced to improve reliability.
All production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9376).
The Vauxhall B14XER is a 1,399 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for subcompact and compact crossover models (2018–2023). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with dual‑VVT to deliver smooth throttle response and urban fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with low emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,399 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 81.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Bosch ME17.4.6) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with dual VVT actuators | |
| Oil type | Dexos2 0W‑20 (ACEA C5) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The B14XER provides linear throttle response and low-maintenance reliability but requires strict adherence to Dexos2 0W-20 oil and 20,000 km (or 12-month) service intervals to preserve dual-VVT actuator function. High-humidity or coastal environments accelerate solenoid seal degradation, potentially causing cam phasing faults and rough idle. Use of 95 RON minimum fuel is essential to prevent knock and maintain calibration integrity. Revised VVT solenoids introduced in mid-2021 improve sealing—pre-2021 engines should be inspected per Vauxhall SIB 20‑011.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 0W-20 (ACEA C5) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2019). Non-Dexos oils void warranty and accelerate VVT wear.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to all B14XER production (2018–2023) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9376).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Power output verified via VCA chassis dyno certification (VCA/EMS/9376).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B14XER‑01, ES‑B14XER
Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin 20‑011
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9376)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall B14XER was used across Vauxhall's Corsa F and Crossland X platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Crossland X and modified intake manifolds in the Corsa F—and from mid‑2021 the Corsa F LCI adopted updated VVT solenoid seals 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 B14XER‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('4' for 1.4L). All B14XER units feature black plastic cam covers with '1.4' embossed and dual VVT actuators on both camshafts. Critical differentiation from B10XEP: B14XER uses DOHC with dual VVT; B10XEP is SOHC with single VVT. Post-2021 engines have revised solenoid part numbers; pre-2021 actuators are not backward-compatible (Vauxhall SIB 20‑011).
The B14XER's primary reliability risk is VVT solenoid seal failure, with elevated incidence in high-humidity or coastal regions. Vauxhall internal data (2022) noted cam phasing faults in ~7% of pre-2021 engines beyond 60,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to erratic valve timing. Thermal cycling and infrequent oil changes accelerate solenoid degradation, making oil specification and environment critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2020–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-14-XER.
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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