The Vauxhall D 16 DTJ is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features common‑rail direct injection, a single variable‑geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 88 kW (120 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm response ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Astra K, Corsa F, and Crossland, the D 16 DTJ was engineered for fuel efficiency, responsive torque delivery, and compliance with stringent emissions regulations. 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, enabling full Euro 6d compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 09‑051. This is attributed to marginal lubrication under high thermal load and frequent short trips. From mid‑2021, revised camshaft and HPFP materials were introduced to address the issue.
All production years (2018–2023) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Vauxhall D 16 DTJ is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2018–2023). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances everyday drivability with low emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.7 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 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 with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (max 20,000 km or 12 months) to protect the camshaft-driven HPFP. DEXOS2‑approved 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 oil is critical to prevent cam lobe wear. Use only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel to avoid CP4.2 pump seizure. Frequent short trips increase soot loading and DPF regeneration frequency; occasional motorway runs are recommended. Post‑2021 engines include revised camshaft metallurgy per Vauxhall SIB 09‑051; pre‑2021 units benefit from proactive inspection of HPFP drive lobe wear.
Oil Specs: Requires GM DEXOS2 specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Astra K 2019). ACEA C2/C3 oils are not approved.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2018–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V‑ENG‑D16‑04).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V‑ENG‑D16‑01 through V‑ENG‑D16‑05, SIB 09‑051
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall D 16 DTJ was used across Vauxhall's Astra K, Corsa F, and Crossland platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Corsa F and modified exhaust routing in the Crossland—and from 2021 received updated camshaft and HPFP materials, creating minor service part distinctions. 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 V‑ENG‑D16‑02). The 7th VIN digit is 'D' for this engine family. Pre-2021 units use Bosch CP4.2 HPFP with standard camshaft; post-2021 revisions use hardened cam lobe and updated pump per SIB 09‑051. Visual differentiation: all D 16 DTJ units have black plastic cam covers with '1.6 CDTI' embossed. Do not confuse with earlier D 16 DTH (136 PS) which has different ECU and SCR calibration. HPFP drive lobe inspection requires cam cover removal and bore scope per Vauxhall procedure.
The D 16 DTJ's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe wear on the camshaft, with elevated incidence in frequent short-trip urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2022 indicated a measurable uptick in camshaft-related warranty claims for pre-2021 builds before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust SCR/DPF design. Cold starts and low-load operation increase lubrication stress on the HPFP drive mechanism, making oil quality and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL D-16-DTJ.
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