The Vauxhall B20NHT is a 1,997 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2019 and 2023. Developed under the GM/Stellantis joint diesel program, it features a high-pressure common‑rail fuel system, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) with peak torque of 350–400 Nm, offering strong low‑rpm pull for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia B, Grandland, and Vivaro, including the 2.0 Turbo D variants, the B20NHT was engineered for mid-size and light-commercial applications with emphasis on refinement, towing capacity, 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 premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the intake camshaft, which can lead to fuel pressure instability and misfires. This issue is referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-20-03-22, noting that extended oil change intervals or incorrect oil viscosity accelerate cam lobe wear. From mid-2021, revised camshaft and HPFP materials were introduced to improve durability.
All production years (2019–2023) comply with Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9230).
The Vauxhall B20NHT is a 1,997 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid-size sedans, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles (2019–2023). It combines high-pressure common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and excellent towing performance. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it integrates SCR/AdBlue technology alongside EGR and DPF systems.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,997 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) | |
| Torque | 350–400 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 0W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The Garrett VGT turbo provides immediate low-RPM torque ideal for towing and motorway cruising but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using DEXOS2 0W-30 to protect the HPFP drive lobe and turbo bearings. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to avoid premature failure. Dual-mass flywheel wear is accelerated by frequent stop-start use; post-2021 models include updated camshaft lobes per TSB-20-03-22. AdBlue and DPF systems must be monitored via OBD to prevent regeneration faults and limp-mode activation.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 0W-30 specification (Vauxhall TSB-20-03-22). Not interchangeable with older DEXOS1 or 5W formulations.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all model years (2019–2023) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9230).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 125 kW output requires EN 590-compliant diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V46500).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V46100, V46180, TSB-20-03-22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9230)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall B20NHT was used across Vauxhall's Insignia B, Grandland, and Vivaro platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Stellantis (Peugeot Rifter, Citroën SpaceTourer). This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Vivaro and acoustic covers in the Insignia—and from mid-2021 the camshaft material update created minor interchange limits for fuel system compatibility. 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 V46120). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for B20NHT series). All B20NHT units feature a blue AdBlue reservoir cap and SCR catalyst downstream of the DPF. Critical differentiation from B20DTH: B20NHT uses Bosch EDC17C74 ECU with AdBlue dosing control and CP4.2 pump, whereas B20DTH uses Delphi systems and lacks SCR. Service parts for camshaft/HPFP require production date verification—pre-06/2021 units need TSB-20-03-22 material upgrade.
The B20NHT's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft lobe wear driving the high-pressure fuel pump, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals. Vauxhall internal data (2022) indicated a notable share of pre-2021 engines required camshaft replacement before 100,000 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 HPFP and AdBlue system, making adherence to DEXOS2 oil and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2020–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL B-20-NHT.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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