Covers Volkswagen petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines used across UK and European models - from air-cooled classics to modern EA series turbocharged units. Each engine code includes specifications, compatible vehicles, and emissions data, sourced from official Volkswagen and EU records.
Data sourced from Volkswagen Group Technical Documentation, EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, and VW ELSA/WIS service information.
Find Volkswagen engine codes by family, model, or generation
| Engine Code | Fuel Type | Series | Specifications |
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See where Volkswagen power drives Audi, SEAT, Škoda, and Porsche.
Explore Volkswagen's electrified powertrain technologies.
Engine specifications and technical data sourced from Volkswagen Group Technical Documentation and EU Vehicle Type Approval Database. Consult vehicle documentation or professional guidance before undertaking mechanical work. Report errors or omissions through our contact channels.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
The engine code is essential for ordering parts, diagnosing issues, and verifying compatibility. It is not the same as the VIN or chassis number. This guide shows exactly where to find it - by model and engine type - using official Volkswagen and DVLA sources
A unique identifier stamped on the engine block or cover used for parts and service.
The vehicle identification number that holds encoded vehicle and engine information.
The chassis or frame number used for registration and legal identification.
Locate the engine code on a white label attached to the timing belt cover, visible when looking at the front of the engine. It reads 'CRBC', 'CBAB', or similar. The code may also be stamped into the engine block near the oil filter housing.
The engine code is located on a label attached to the front right of the engine, near the turbocharger and intake manifold. It reads 'CJXA', 'CJXG', or similar. Also check the data sticker in the spare wheel well.
Open the bonnet and look at the valve cover. The engine code is on a white label near the oil filler cap. It reads 'CHYA', 'DKJA', or similar. Confirm 'TSI' for petrol; 'TDI' for diesel models.
The engine code is cast into the front of the cylinder head, near the thermostat housing. Look for 'AAA', 'ABV', or similar. The code may also appear on a label attached to the camshaft cover.
Engine code locations per VW ELSA Pro Vehicle Identification Guide. V5C field definitions from DVLA Guide to Vehicle Registration. VIN structure compliant with EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, Article 7.
A technical breakdown of Volkswagen's core engine systems including TDI Common Rail, TFSI Turbo, EA series modular architecture and timing systems with documented reliability impacts. All data sourced from Volkswagen Group Technical Documentation, VW ELSA/WIS and EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Volkswagen's TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) Common Rail system delivers precise fuel delivery at high pressure for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Introduced in 2008, it replaced Pumpe Düse technology across the range.
A high-pressure pump supplies fuel to a common rail at up to 2,000 bar. Piezo or solenoid injectors deliver multiple precise injections per cycle for optimal combustion, noise reduction, and emissions control.
1.9 TDI (2008)
1,600 bar rail pressure
2.0 TDI (2010)
Piezo injectors, improved EGR
2.0 TDI evo (2015)
2,000 bar, Euro 6 compliance
2.0 TDI evo2 (2020)
Twin-dosing SCR, 48V mild hybrid ready
EGR cooler failure
EA189: TSB 2038039 recommends inspection/replacement
DPF clogging
Urban short-trip driving prevents regeneration
Injector wear
High-mileage units may exhibit rough idle, power loss
Volkswagen's TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) Common Rail system delivers precise fuel delivery at high pressure for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Introduced in 2008, it replaced Pumpe Düse technology across the range.
A high-pressure pump supplies fuel to a common rail at up to 2,000 bar. Piezo or solenoid injectors deliver multiple precise injections per cycle for optimal combustion, noise reduction, and emissions control.
1.9 TDI (2008)
1,600 bar rail pressure
2.0 TDI (2010)
Piezo injectors, improved EGR
2.0 TDI evo (2015)
2,000 bar, Euro 6 compliance
2.0 TDI evo2 (2020)
Twin-dosing SCR, 48V mild hybrid ready
EGR cooler failure
EA189: TSB 2038039 recommends inspection/replacement
DPF clogging
Urban short-trip driving prevents regeneration
Injector wear
High-mileage units may exhibit rough idle, power loss
All technical descriptions and failure data sourced from Volkswagen Group Product Technical Reports, VW ELSA/WIS Service Information, and EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on vehicle type-approval.
Authoritative data on Volkswagen's global engine production, plant operations, and strategic partnerships. All figures sourced from Volkswagen Group Annual Reports, Sustainability Reports, and EU industrial compliance records.
Volkswagen manufactures engines at four primary facilities, each specialising in specific families.
Volkswagen produces over 550,000 engines per year. Note the steady decline in Diesel production due to Euro 6d and WLTP regulations, while Hybrid and electric integration rises.
Note: Diesel production has declined steadily due to Euro 6d and WLTP regulations (Regulation (EC) No 715/2007). Hybrid and plug-in hybrid integration rising.
Strategic platform sharing across Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Škoda, and Porsche. EA888, EA211, and EA288 engines are used across multiple brands with brand-specific calibrations.
EA888 2.0 TSI used in VW Golf GTI, Audi A3, SEAT León Cupra, Škoda Octavia RS
Engines built at Salzgitter, then calibrated and installed at brand-specific assembly plants
Volkswagen Group Platform Strategy Documentation
Shift in production reflects EU emissions policy and changing consumer demand.
This aligns with Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP/RDE) and EU 2035 ICE phase-out roadmap.
Engine production years verified via Volkswagen Group Product Reports and EU type-approval records
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
Confirm the full engine designation using vehicle-specific manufacturer records and the engine marking. An engine serial number, a registration record and a marketed power badge are not automatically the same identifier. Match the VIN/build data and the installed engine before selecting parts or a replacement.
No. A factory-application reference and a replacement-interchange decision are different. Match the full engine designation, vehicle build data, emissions equipment, controls and relevant supplier/OEM information.
No. Records have different review states. Read the correction notice, source scope and application limits on the individual record. Missing technical fields must not be inferred from similar engine codes.
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