The Vauxhall D 20 DTJ is a 1,956 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2021. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 100 kW (136 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) enable strong low‑rpm torque for everyday drivability while meeting stringent emissions targets.
Fitted to models such as the Astra K, Insignia B, and Zafira Tourer—including the 2.0 CDTI variants—the D 20 DTJ was engineered for balanced performance, fuel economy, and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, cooled EGR, and a wall‑flow DPF, allowing full Euro 6b compliance from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 12‑053. This is often linked to extended oil change intervals or use of non‑dexos2‑approved lubricants. In 2018, Vauxhall introduced a revised camshaft surface treatment and updated HPFP calibration to mitigate wear.
Production years 2015–2021 meet Euro 6b standards across all markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7234).
The Vauxhall D 20 DTJ is a 1,956 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015–2021). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,956 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 84.4 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and highway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using GM dexos2 (5W-30) to protect the camshaft HPFP drive lobe and turbo bearing. The Bosch CP4.2 fuel pump is highly sensitive to fuel contamination—only EN 590-compliant ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) should be used. Short-trip driving may accelerate carbon buildup in the EGR and DPF systems. Post-2018 engines include a nitrided camshaft per Vauxhall SIB 12 053 to improve HPFP drive durability.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 12 053). Equivalent to ACEA C3 but with GM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all 2015–2021 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7234). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 100 kW output requires EN 590 diesel fuel quality (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V40300).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V40210, V40215, V40300, SIB 12 053
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7234)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall D 20 DTJ was used across Vauxhall's Astra K, Insignia B, and Zafira Tourer platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Insignia for NVH refinement and compact exhaust manifolds in the Astra—and from 2018 the Zafira LCI adopted updated camshaft hardware, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V40230). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for D20 series). All D 20 DTJ units feature a black plastic cam cover with '2.0 CDTI' badge. Critical differentiation from earlier D20DTH: D 20 DTJ uses Bosch CP4.2 fuel system and Euro 6b emissions hardware. Camshaft part numbers changed in 2018—pre-2018 camshafts (GM 55587650) are not interchangeable with post-2018 units (GM 55587651) due to surface treatment updates (Vauxhall SIB 12 053).
The D 20 DTJ's primary reliability risk is camshaft HPFP drive lobe wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non‑dexos2 oil or extended service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2019 indicated a measurable increase in camshaft‑related warranty claims before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant DPF‑related MOT failures linked to this engine. Oil quality and change discipline make camshaft longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL D-20-DTJ.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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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