The Vauxhall B16DTJ is a 1,496 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) at 3,750 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm, providing strong low‑end responsiveness ideal for urban and mixed driving conditions.
Fitted to models such as the Astra K, Corsa F, and Crossland X, the B16DTJ was engineered for compact vehicle applications with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and emissions compliance. Emissions control was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 6d‑TEMP compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high‑pressure fuel pump drive coupling, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 19‑037. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication of the camshaft-driven CP4.2 pump mechanism during frequent short‑trip operation. From mid‑2020, revised camshaft lobes and updated pump couplings were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9418).
The Vauxhall B16DTJ is a 1,496 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2018–2023). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and urban fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it integrates AdBlue SCR technology for NOx control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,496 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 ultra‑low sulfur) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 87.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Dexos2 0W‑30 (ACEA C2/C5) | |
| Dry weight | 126 kg |
The B16DTJ delivers strong low-end torque and good fuel economy but requires strict adherence to Dexos2 0W-30 oil and 20,000 km (or 12-month) service intervals to protect the high-pressure fuel pump drive. Short-trip driving accelerates wear on the cam-driven CP4.2 pump coupling, potentially leading to catastrophic fuel system failure. Use of EN 590 ultra-low sulfur diesel and genuine AdBlue is mandatory. Revised camshaft lobes introduced in mid-2020 improve reliability—pre-2020 engines should be inspected per Vauxhall SIB 19‑037.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 0W-30 (ACEA C2/C5) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2019). Non-Dexos oils void warranty and accelerate fuel pump wear.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to all B16DTJ production (2018–2023) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9418).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Power output verified via VCA chassis dyno certification (VCA/EMS/9418).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B16DTJ‑01, ES‑B16DTJ
Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin 19‑037
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9418)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall B16DTJ was used across Vauxhall's Astra K, Corsa F, and Crossland X platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Astra K and modified exhaust manifolds in the Crossland X—and from mid‑2020 the Corsa F LCI adopted updated camshaft lobes and pump couplings, 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 timing cover (Vauxhall TIS B16DTJ‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('6' for 1.5L). All B16DTJ units feature black cam covers with '1.5 CDTi' embossed and a single VGT turbo on the exhaust side. Critical differentiation from B15DTH: B16DTJ uses AdBlue SCR and CP4.2 pump; B15DTH is a petrol engine without aftertreatment. Post-2020 engines have revised camshaft part numbers; pre-2020 pump couplings are not backward-compatible (Vauxhall SIB 19‑037).
The B16DTJ's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban use. Vauxhall internal data (2021) noted pump-related faults in ~8% of pre-2020 engines beyond 70,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to incomplete DPF/SCR regeneration in city-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and low-quality diesel accelerate pump wear, making fuel specification and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2019–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-16-DTJ.
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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