The Vauxhall B20DTH is a 1,995 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 350 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end pull for compact and mid-size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Grandland, Insignia B, and Astra K—including the 2.0 Turbo D variants—the B20DTH was engineered for responsive urban driving 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 6d standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 19‑062. This issue is often linked to marginal lubrication during cold starts and extended oil change intervals. From 2021 onward, revised camshaft and HPFP materials were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7896).
The Vauxhall B20DTH is a 1,995 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2018–2023). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances everyday performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 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 | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for mixed 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-2021 engines feature updated camshaft surface treatment per Vauxhall SIB 19-062; pre-2021 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 19-062). Meets ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all production years 2018–2023 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7896).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on Grandland 2.0 Turbo D (VIN 8th digit 'H') per Vauxhall TIS V33‑006.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V32‑1520, V32‑1525, SIB 19‑062
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7896)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall B20DTH was used across Vauxhall's Grandland, Insignia B, and Astra K platforms with transverse mounting and co-developed with PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) under the joint Euro 6d diesel program. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Insignia and modified intake manifolds in the Astra—and from 2021 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 V32‑1540). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for B20DTH). Pre-2021 models use a standard camshaft surface finish; post-2021 units have nitrided camshaft lobe treatment. Critical differentiation from B20DTL: B20DTH is higher-output (150 PS) with reinforced internals, while B20DTL is 120 PS. Service parts for fuel system require production date verification—HPFP kits for engines before 05/2021 are incompatible with later units due to camshaft material revision (Vauxhall SIB 19‑062).
The B20DTH'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 2022 indicated a notable share of pre-2021 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 95,000 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 (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-20-DTH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VAUXHALL or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
