Engine Code

VOLKSWAGEN CHZB engine (2012–2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CHZB is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering responsive performance across the rev range with strong mid-range pull.

Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Octavia, the CHZB was engineered for dynamic yet efficient driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter, precise lambda control, and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 5 standards for early builds and Euro 6 for later production depending on market.

One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear linked to insufficient lubricity in low-sulfur fuels, highlighted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin TSB-2016-12. This issue stems from cam follower degradation under marginal oil conditions. From 2017, revised HPFP and follower designs with hardened surfaces were introduced to improve durability.

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2020 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).

CHZB Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CHZB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and family vehicles (2012–2020). It combines direct injection (TSI) with variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with urban efficiency.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,395 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke74.5 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output110 kW (150 PS)
Torque250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2020)
Compression ratio10.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle twin‑scroll turbo (BorgWarner KP45)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted; low wear design)
Oil typeVW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40)
Dry weight115 kg
Practical Implications

The CHZB’s twin-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range torque and reduced lag but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 spec oil every 15,000 km or annually. The high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel lubricity—only EN 228-compliant petrol with ≤E10 ethanol should be used. Cam follower wear can lead to HPFP failure; post-2017 engines include hardened components per TSB-2016-12. Carbon buildup on intake valves remains a risk due to direct injection; induction cleaning every 70,000–90,000 km is advised for urban-driven vehicles.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen TSB-2016-12). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable if VW-approved.

Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 6 compliance from 2015 onward.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on EU-spec vehicles with 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01-2013-CHZB).

Primary Sources

Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-2013-CHZB, TSB-2016-12

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code

CHZB Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CHZB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and modified cooling ducts in the Golf—and from 2017 the Octavia facelift adopted updated HPFP hardware, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda and SEAT to use identical CHZB units in their lineups. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2012–2020
Models:
Golf VII
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. CHZB-1395
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Touran II
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. CHZB-1395
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2013–2020
Models:
Octavia III
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK-CHZB-2013
Make:
SEAT
Years:
2013–2020
Models:
Leon III
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
SEAT ETKA #ST-CHZB-2013
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 01-2013-CHZB). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code block (e.g., 'CHZB') confirm identity. CHZB units use a black plastic intake manifold with integrated charge pipe and a BorgWarner KP45 twin-scroll turbo. Differentiate from CHYA: CHZB has higher torque (250 Nm vs 200 Nm) and twin-scroll turbo; CHYA uses fixed-geometry turbo. HPFP cam follower design changed in 2017—pre-2017 units use standard steel; post-2017 use nitrided surface. Always verify with ETKA part lookup before ordering service components.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01-2013-CHZB

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover near oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 01-2013-CHZB).

Visual Cues:

  • Black intake manifold with integrated intercooler pipe
  • Twin-scroll turbo (KP45) with dual exhaust inlets
HPFP Revision

Issue:

Pre-2017 CHZB engines prone to cam follower wear leading to HPFP failure due to marginal lubricity in modern petrol.

Evidence:

Volkswagen TSB-2016-12

Recommendation:

Install updated hardened cam follower and HPFP per TSB-2016-12 during replacement.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CHZB

The CHZB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using marginal-quality fuel or extended oil intervals. Volkswagen internal data (2017) indicated over 25% of pre-2017 CHZB engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased misfire-related emissions failures linked to fuel pressure instability. Frequent short trips and low-RPM driving accelerate wear, making oil spec and fuel quality critical.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear
Symptoms: Hard starts, long crank times, P0087 or P0191 fuel rail pressure fault codes, misfires under load.
Cause: Cam follower degradation due to insufficient lubricity in low-sulfur petrol and marginal oil film strength.
Fix: Replace HPFP and cam follower with latest OEM-specified hardened components per TSB-2016-12; verify fuel meets EN 228 and oil meets VW 502 00.
Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, cold-start misfires, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Lack of fuel wash over intake valves combined with oil vapour from PCV and EGR recirculation.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell or chemical induction cleaning; ensure correct oil spec and consider updated PCV baffle if pre-2016 build.
Turbocharger actuator failure
Symptoms: Loss of boost, limp mode, overboost or underboost DTCs, sluggish acceleration.
Cause: Electrical or mechanical wear in the electronic wastegate actuator under thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace turbo actuator or full turbo unit with OEM part; recalibrate boost control via diagnostics.
Timing chain tensioner rattle (rare)
Symptoms: Brief rattle on cold start (<2 sec), especially below 5°C ambient.
Cause: Minor oil aeration or delayed pressure build-up affecting hydraulic tensioner response.
Fix: Verify oil level and spec; replace tensioner only if rattle persists beyond 2 seconds or DTCs appear.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHZB

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHZB.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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