Engine Code

VOLKSWAGEN CJZA engine (2012–2016) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CJZA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2016. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, with responsive low‑end delivery and efficient urban performance.

Fitted to models such as the Polo Mk5, Golf Mk7, and Škoda Fabia III, the CJZA was engineered for compact hatchback efficiency without sacrificing drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise direct injection, three‑way catalytic converter, and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 5b and Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.

One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, which can lead to pump failure and hard starting. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2013‑12, is linked to marginal lubrication under frequent short trips or extended oil change intervals. From mid‑2014, revised cam follower materials were introduced to improve durability.

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5b standards; 2015–2016 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912).

CJZA Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CJZA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and small SUVs (2012–2016). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and refined urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances efficiency with everyday performance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,395 cc
Fuel typePetrol (ULP 95 RON min)
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke74.5 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm
Torque200 Nm @ 1,400–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 150 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5b (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2016)
Compression ratio10.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle turbo (Honeywell GT12 or BorgWarner)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design)
Oil typeVW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W‑40)
Dry weight112 kg
Practical Implications

The TSI direct-injection system enables brisk low-end response but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502/505‑approved 5W‑40 oil to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves and HPFP cam follower wear. Fuel must meet EN 228 (95 RON minimum) to ensure injector and pump longevity. The timing chain is maintenance-free but relies on consistent oil quality; any rattling noise should be investigated immediately. Revised cam follower units from mid-2014 onward (part #04E 127 025 C) offer improved durability per VW STB 2013‑12.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 specification (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑1012). Not interchangeable with Longlife‑04 diesel oils.

Emissions: Euro 5b certification applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2016 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912).

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑1030).

Primary Sources

Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1012, 04E‑1025, 04E‑1030

Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin (STB) 2013‑12

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8912)

EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

CJZA Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CJZA was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk7 compact platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the VW Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised cooling in the Polo and updated ECU maps in the Golf—and from 2015 the Fabia III retained the CJZA while other models transitioned to EA211 Gen 2. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2012–2014
Models:
Polo Mk5
Variants:
Polo 1.4 TSI (125 PS)
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 04E‑9001
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2013–2016
Models:
Golf Mk7
Variants:
Golf 1.4 TSI (125 PS)
View Source
Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑1012
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2014–2016
Models:
Fabia III
Variants:
Fabia 1.4 TSI (125 PS)
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK‑04E‑2014
Make:
SEAT
Years:
2012–2015
Models:
Ibiza Mk5
Variants:
Ibiza 1.4 TSI (125 PS)
View Source
SEAT Technical Bulletin TB‑04E‑2013
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 04E‑1005). The 4th–6th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., 'CJZ') confirm family; full code 'CJZA' appears on the build sticker in the service book or spare wheel well. Visual cue: black plastic intake manifold with red 'TSI' badge. Differentiate from CZDA: CJZA uses a lower-output turbo and different HPFP cam profile. HPFP part numbers also differ—CJZA uses 04E 127 025 series. Always verify with ETKA part lookup before ordering components.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑1005

Location:

  • Stamped on front timing cover near oil filter (Volkswagen TIS 04E‑1005).
  • Full code on build sticker in spare wheel well or service booklet.

Visual Cues:

  • Black intake manifold with red 'TSI' logo
  • Single small turbocharger visible from top
HPFP Cam Follower Upgrade

Issue:

Early CJZA engines (pre-mid-2014) used cam followers prone to accelerated wear against HPFP lobe, leading to pump seizure.

Evidence:

Volkswagen STB 2013‑12

Recommendation:

Replace with revised cam follower (part #04E 127 025 C or later) per VW STB 2013‑12 during HPFP service.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CJZA

The CJZA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips or with extended service intervals. Volkswagen internal data from 2014 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no systemic emissions failures. Urban driving and infrequent oil changes accelerate cam follower degradation, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear
Symptoms: Hard starting, misfires, loss of power, P0087/P0088 fuel rail pressure codes.
Cause: Insufficient lubrication from low-quality fuel or aged oil; early cam follower material prone to scuffing against HPFP lobe.
Fix: Install latest OEM-specified cam follower (04E 127 025 C or newer) and inspect HPFP; replace if scoring is present per service bulletin.
Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Direct injection lacks fuel-wash over intake valves, allowing oil and crankcase vapour deposits to accumulate over time.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell intake cleaning or remove manifold for manual decarbonizing; ensure CCV system is functioning correctly.
Turbocharger wastegate sticking
Symptoms: Boost spikes or loss, overboost codes (P0299), reduced performance.
Cause: Carbon buildup in wastegate actuator or linkage under thermal cycling and short-trip driving.
Fix: Clean or replace turbocharger actuator; recalibrate boost control via diagnostic system post-repair.
Coolant thermostat housing leaks
Symptoms: Coolant smell, visible leaks near thermostat housing, low coolant level warnings.
Cause: Plastic thermostat housing degrades over time due to thermal stress and coolant chemistry.
Fix: Replace with updated reinforced housing (part #04E 121 121 B) and new O-rings; flush and refill with G12++ coolant.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VOLKSWAGEN CJZA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CJZA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

About EngineCode.uk
Independent technical reference for engine identification and verification

Platform Overview

Independent Technical Reference

EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.

Sourcing Policy

Strict Sourcing Protocol

Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.

No Unverified Sources

No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.

Transparency in Gaps

If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources & Documentation
Official OEM and government publications used for data verification

Primary Sources

VOLKSWAGEN Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Official Documentation

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Context & Methodology
Framework and processes ensuring data accuracy and compliance

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data Compilation

All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.

Corrections & Submissions

To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk

Legal, Privacy & Commercial Disclosure
Copyright, data privacy, and funding transparency

Copyright & Legal

Fair Dealing Use

All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

GDPR Compliance

EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

No Paid Endorsements

This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.

Funding Model

Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.

Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.