The Vauxhall B20DTJ is a 1,956 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 100 kW (136 PS) with 320 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban performance and long-distance efficiency in compact and mid-size vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia B, Zafira Tourer C, and Vivaro C, the B20DTJ was designed for drivers seeking a balance of fuel economy, low-end torque, and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower, leading to pump failure and fuel system contamination. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-15-05-16, stems from marginal lubrication under high thermal load in early production units. From 2016 onward, revised cam followers and updated fuel pump designs were introduced to mitigate the failure mode.
Production years 2013–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543).
The Vauxhall B20DTJ is a 1,956 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid-size sedans, MPVs, and light commercial vehicles (2013–2018). 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 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,956 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 90.4 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2013–2015); Euro 6 (2016–2018) | |
| 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 | 150 kg |
The VGT turbo delivers responsive low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos2 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent CP4.2 pump seizure. EGR and DPF systems are sensitive to short-trip driving; periodic highway runs help maintain regeneration cycles. Post-2016 engines include a reinforced cam follower per TSB-15-05-16, significantly reducing pump failure risk.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall TSB-15-05-16). Meets ACEA C3 but adds OEM-specific wear protection.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2013–2015 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543). 2016–2018 models meet Euro 6 in all EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V89240).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V89230, V89235, TSB-15-05-16
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6543)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall B20DTJ was used across Vauxhall's Insignia B/Zafira Tourer C platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Renault under OEM supply agreements for light commercial variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Vivaro C and revised cooling ducts in the Insignia—and from 2016 the Euro 6-compliant variants adopted updated ECU calibrations and cam follower designs, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS V89260). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for 2.0 diesel series). Pre-2016 models use a silver cam cover with round diagnostic port; post-2016 Euro 6 units have black cam covers and updated ECU with trapezoidal OBD port. Critical differentiation from B20DTH: B20DTJ is 136 PS with DOHC; B20DTH is 110 PS with SOHC. Fuel pump cam followers are not interchangeable across model years due to TSB-15-05-16 redesign.
The B20DTJ's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure due to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2017 indicated a notable share of pre-2016 engines requiring pump replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in short-trip vehicles. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel accelerate wear, making oil specification and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2015–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-20-DTJ.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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
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