The Vauxhall D 16 DTH is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2015. It features common‑rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 81 kW (110 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm responsiveness ideal for urban and mixed driving.
Fitted to models such as the Astra H, Zafira B, and Corsa D, the D 16 DTH was engineered for compact vehicle efficiency, offering low CO₂ emissions and compliance with Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards depending on production year. Emissions control is managed through a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF) on post‑2010 variants, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling compliance across EU markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive mechanism, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 12‑032. This issue is linked to insufficient lubrication under frequent short‑trip usage and cold starts. From mid‑2010, revised pump drive components and updated camshaft sprockets were introduced to mitigate the failure mode.
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2015 models meet Euro 5 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Vauxhall D 16 DTH is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2006–2015). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and urban efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 4 (pre‑2010) and Euro 5 (post‑2010) standards, it balances CO₂ reduction with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2015) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The compact four-cylinder layout provides brisk low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and turbocharger. GM Dexos2 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation, which safeguards the DPF (on Euro 5 variants) and EGR system. Frequent short trips without full warm-up cycles accelerate carbon buildup in the intake and EGR cooler. Post-2010 engines include an updated fuel pump drive gear per Vauxhall SIB 12 032. DPF regeneration must not be interrupted to avoid clogging and limp-mode activation.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 12 032). Meets ACEA C2/C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2006–2009 models; Euro 5 applies to 2010–2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output validated on EU5+ ultra-low-sulfur diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V20220).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V20110, V20115, SIB 12 032
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall D 16 DTH was used across Vauxhall's Astra H, Zafira B, and Corsa D platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel and Saab under GM Europe. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Zafira B and revised airbox routing in the Astra H—and from 2010 the updated fuel pump drive gear, creating minor service part distinctions. Partnerships allowed Saab 9-3 and Opel Meriva to use identical DTH units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front cam cover near the timing chain cover (Vauxhall TIS V20180). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for diesel DTH series). All D 16 DTH units feature black plastic cam covers with integrated VGT actuator. Critical differentiation from petrol Z16 variants: diesel units have a Bosch CP3.4 high-pressure pump mounted on the rear of the cylinder head and a DPF in the exhaust on Euro 5 models. Service parts for fuel pump drive gears differ before and after production date 06/2010 (Vauxhall SIB 12 032).
The D 16 DTH's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive wear, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2012 indicated a measurable uptick in pump failures before 100,000 km in vehicles with frequent cold starts, while UK DVSA records show DPF-related MOT advisories rising in high-idle usage profiles. Incomplete warm-up cycles and incorrect oil specification accelerate wear, making adherence to Dexos2 oil and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2009–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL D-16-DTH.
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
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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
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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