The Vauxhall D 16 DTE is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 88 kW (120 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, providing strong low‑rpm pulling power for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Zafira Tourer, and Meriva B—including the 1.6 CDTi 120 variants—the D 16 DTE was engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive mechanism, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 12‑034. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under frequent short-trip driving conditions. From 2015, revised pump drive components were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2011–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall D 16 DTE is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and MPV models (2011–2018). It combines Bosch common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.7 mm × 80.1 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2,000–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| 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 | 138 kg |
The VGT turbo provides responsive low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump wear. GM Dexos2 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its compatibility with the Bosch CP4.2 pump’s lubrication demands. Short-trip driving without proper warm-up accelerates pump drive wear. The EGR/DPF system mandates occasional highway driving to enable passive regeneration. Revised pump drive kits from 2015 onward should be retrofitted per Vauxhall SIB 12 034 on pre-2015 engines showing early wear symptoms.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 12 034).
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output validated with EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V26015).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V24680, V25142, SIB 12 034
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall D 16 DTE was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Zafira Tourer, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Zafira and revised cooling routing in the Meriva—and from 2015 received updated high-pressure fuel pump drive components, creating service part 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 V24890). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for D 16 DTE). Pre-2015 units use Bosch CP4.2 pump with early-design drive lugs; post-2015 models feature reinforced lugs. Critical differentiation from D 16 DTH (136 PS): DTE has single exhaust manifold outlet and lower boost pressure. Service parts for fuel pump drive require production date verification—pre-06/2015 kits are incompatible with later revisions (Vauxhall SIB 12 034).
The D 16 DTE's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive wear on pre-2015 builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Vauxhall internal quality data from 2016 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring pump drive repair before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in vehicles with limited highway use. Cold-start cycles without warm-up increase pump drive stress, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL D-16-DTE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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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)
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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
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VCA Certification Portal
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