The Vauxhall B16DTU is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. Developed jointly with Stellantis (formerly PSA) as part of the DV5 family, it features a high-pressure common‑rail fuel system, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 81–88 kW (110–120 PS) with peak torque of 250–270 Nm, offering responsive urban drivability with low fuel consumption.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa F, Crossland, and Grandland, including the 1.5 Turbo D variants, the B16DTU was engineered for compact vehicle applications with emphasis on refinement, CO₂ reduction, and Euro 6d compliance. Emissions control is achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection.
One documented concern is AdBlue injector crystallisation during short-trip driving, which can trigger limp-home mode and regeneration faults. This issue is referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-19-11-22, noting that ambient temperatures below 5 °C combined with infrequent highway use accelerate deposit formation. From late 2021, revised AdBlue dosing strategies and line insulation were introduced to mitigate the problem.
All production years (2018–2023) comply with Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9125).
The Vauxhall B16DTU is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for subcompact and compact SUVs (2018–2023). It combines high-pressure common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end response and class-leading CO₂ figures. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it integrates SCR/AdBlue technology alongside EGR and DPF systems.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 81–88 kW (110–120 PS) | |
| Torque | 250–270 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 0W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The compact inline‑3 layout provides agile response and low CO₂ output but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using DEXOS2 0W‑30 to protect the high-pressure CP4.2 pump and turbo bearings. The AdBlue system demands regular highway driving (>30 min at >60 km/h) to prevent crystallisation; short urban trips increase DPF and SCR regeneration frequency. Bosch CP4.2 pump sensitivity to fuel contamination necessitates EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Post-2021 models include insulated AdBlue lines per TSB-19-11-22.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 0W‑30 specification (Vauxhall TSB-19-11-22). Not backward-compatible with older DEXOS1 or 5W formulations.
Emissions: Full Euro 6d compliance confirmed for all model years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9125).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 88 kW output requires EN 590-compliant diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V45500).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V45100, V45180, TSB-19-11-22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9125)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall B16DTU was used across Vauxhall's Corsa F, Crossland, and Grandland platforms with transverse mounting and shared extensively with Stellantis (Peugeot 208/2008, Citroën C3 Aircross). This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised engine mounts in the Grandland and acoustic covers in the Corsa—and from late 2021 the AdBlue system hardware was updated to reduce crystallisation risk, 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 V45120). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('U' for B16DTU series). All B16DTU units feature a blue AdBlue reservoir cap and SCR catalyst downstream of the DPF. Critical differentiation from B16DTR: B16DTU uses Bosch EDC17C74 ECU with AdBlue dosing control, whereas B16DTR lacks SCR. Service parts for AdBlue lines require production date verification—pre-11/2021 units need TSB-19-11-22 insulation kit.
The B16DTU's primary reliability risk is AdBlue system crystallisation under short-trip urban use, with elevated incidence in cold climates. Vauxhall internal data (2022) indicated a notable share of pre-2021 engines required AdBlue line cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show SCR-related emissions failures rising in high-idle applications. Infrequent highway driving and delayed oil changes increase stress on the CP4.2 pump and SCR injector, making adherence to DEXOS2 oil and driving patterns critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-16-DTU.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EUR-Lex
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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