The Vauxhall Y 20 DTH is a 1,995 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2012. It features common‑rail direct injection, a variable‑geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 100 kW (136 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, offering strong low‑end response for mid‑size vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Vectra C and Signum, the Y 20 DTH was engineered for refined performance, fuel efficiency under load, and compliance with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) introduced on Euro 5 variants from 2009.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 09‑028. This is attributed to marginal lubrication under high thermal load and extended service intervals. From mid‑2010, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated HPFP internals were introduced to mitigate the issue on Euro 5-compliant units.
Production years 2006–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2012 models meet Euro 5 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
The Vauxhall Y 20 DTH is a 1,995 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for executive sedans and MPVs (2006–2012). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient motorway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 (early) and Euro 5 (late) standards, it balances performance with emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2,000–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2008); Euro 5 (2009–2012) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for motorway overtaking and load-carrying but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (max 20,000 km or 12 months) to protect the HPFP drive lobe and timing chain. DEXOS2‑approved 5W‑30 oil is critical to prevent cam wear and maintain turbo bearing life. Use only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel to avoid CP3 pump seizure. Euro 5 models (2009+) require periodic DPF regeneration; occasional extended drives (>30 min) are recommended. Post‑2010 engines include revised camshaft and HPFP components per Vauxhall SIB 09‑028; pre‑2010 units benefit from proactive inspection of cam lobe wear during major services.
Oil Specs: Requires GM DEXOS2 specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Vectra C 2007). ACEA C2/C3 oils are not approved.
Emissions: Euro 4 applies to 2006–2008 models; Euro 5 applies to 2009–2012 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V‑ENG‑Y20‑04).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V‑ENG‑Y20‑01 through V‑ENG‑Y20‑05, SIB 09‑028
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5123)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Y 20 DTH was used across Vauxhall's Vectra C and Signum platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Signum and modified exhaust routing in the Vectra C—and from 2009 received DPF integration for Euro 5 compliance, 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‑Y20‑02). The 7th VIN digit is 'Y' for this engine family. Pre-2009 units lack DPF; post-2009 revisions include DPF and updated HPFP per SIB 09‑028. Visual differentiation: all Y 20 DTH units have black plastic cam covers with '2.0 CDTI' embossed. Do not confuse with higher-output Y 20 DTL (150 PS) which has different turbo and ECU. HPFP/camshaft replacement requires matching production date to bulletin 09‑028 applicability.
The Y 20 DTH's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the camshaft under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in pre-2010 builds. Vauxhall internal data from 2011 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims for early Euro 4 units before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust aftertreatment design. Extended high-RPM operation and infrequent oil changes increase thermal stress on the cam/HPFP interface, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2006–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2009–2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Y-20-DTH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EUR-Lex
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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