Engine Code

VOLKSWAGEN CKDA engine (2012–2019) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CKDA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. 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, with responsive low‑rpm performance ideal for urban and motorway driving.

Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Jetta, Mk3 Touran, and Škoda Octavia Mk3—including the 1.4 TSI 150 PS variants—the CKDA was engineered for a balance of performance, refinement, and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a three‑way catalytic converter, and, from 2015 onward, an Otto particulate filter (OPF) in Euro 6d‑TEMP applications, allowing Euro 5 compliance for early builds and full Euro 6 for post‑2015 units.

One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly in vehicles with extended oil change intervals or frequent short‑trip operation. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2016‑07, is linked to thermal stress and insufficient lubrication from degraded oil. From mid‑2016, revised HPFP components and updated engine control software were introduced to mitigate premature failure.

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 (including Euro 6d‑TEMP with OPF from 2018) depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).

CKDA Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CKDA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and MPV applications (2012–2019). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver brisk acceleration and smooth highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 (early) and Euro 6 (later) standards, it balances efficiency with everyday drivability.

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 HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019)
Compression ratio10.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell TD025)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted; low wear design)
Oil typeVW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40)
Dry weight112 kg
Practical Implications

The CKDA’s turbocharged TSI design offers strong low-end torque and good fuel economy but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. Extended intervals or incorrect oil can accelerate HPFP wear and carbon buildup on intake valves. The engine requires RON 95 petrol minimum; RON 98 is recommended for optimal performance and longevity. Post-2016 models include updated HPFP components per STB 2016‑07, reducing failure risk. Vehicles from 2018 onward with OPF require periodic highway driving to enable passive regeneration and prevent clogging.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen STB 2016‑07). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.

Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680). Euro 6 compliance confirmed for 2015–2019 builds; OPF-equipped variants meet Euro 6d‑TEMP.

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2013‑CKDA).

Primary Sources

Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2013‑CKDA, STB 2016‑07

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5680)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code

CKDA Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CKDA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and updated cooling ducting in the Golf—and from 2018 the Golf Mk7.5 and Octavia Mk3 facelifts adopted Otto particulate filters (OPF), creating minor ECU and sensor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2012–2019
Models:
Golf (Mk7)
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. CKDA‑01
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2013–2018
Models:
Jetta (Mk2)
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. CKDA‑01
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2019
Models:
Touran (Mk3)
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2015‑Touran
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2013–2019
Models:
Octavia (Mk3)
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS (engine code CKDA)
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK‑CKDA‑2014
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2013‑CKDA). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CK”) confirm TSI family, while the full code “CKDA” appears on the service label in the boot or on the timing cover. Pre-2016 models use Bosch HDP5 HPFP with silver housing; post-2016 units have black housing and updated cam follower. ECU part number 04E 906 021 BD (pre-2016) vs. 04E 906 021 CJ (post-2016) indicates emissions hardware differences. OPF-equipped models (2018+) feature a particulate filter in the exhaust manifold and distinct lambda sensor layout.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2013‑CKDA

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover near oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2013‑CKDA).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2016: Silver HPFP housing, ECU 04E 906 021 BD
  • Post-2016: Black HPFP housing, ECU 04E 906 021 CJ
  • 2018+: Exhaust manifold includes integrated OPF (visible as bulkier downpipe section)
Compatibility Notes

E C U:

ECUs are not interchangeable between Euro 5 and Euro 6 variants due to emissions sensor calibration differences.

Evidence:

Volkswagen STB 2016‑07

Fuel System:

HPFP and cam follower kits must match production date—pre- and post-2016 designs differ in material and geometry.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CKDA

The CKDA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals or frequent short trips. Volkswagen internal field data (2016) indicated a notable increase in HPFP replacements before 80,000 km in non‑compliant service regimes, while UK DVSA MOT data shows low emissions failure rates overall. Thermal cycling and oil degradation accelerate cam follower wear, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
Symptoms: Hard starts, misfires, fuel pressure DTCs (P0087, P0191), loss of power.
Cause: Cam-driven HPFP suffers from inadequate lubrication due to oil degradation or extended service intervals; early cam followers wear prematurely.
Fix: Replace HPFP and cam follower with latest OEM-specified parts per STB 2016‑07; verify oil quality and reset adaptation values.
Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Direct injection lacks fuel-wash effect on intake valves, allowing oil and EGR soot to accumulate over time.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell intake cleaning or remove manifold for manual decarbonizing; consider oil catch can for high-mileage prevention.
Turbocharger actuator faults
Symptoms: Boost pressure errors, limp mode, whistling or hissing under load.
Cause: Plastic actuator arms or vacuum diaphragms degrade under heat cycles, causing boost control inaccuracies.
Fix: Replace turbo actuator or full turbo assembly with OEM unit; inspect vacuum lines and solenoid function.
Otto particulate filter (OPF) clogging (2018+ models)
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, DTCs related to exhaust backpressure or lambda sensors.
Cause: Insufficient passive regeneration due to predominantly short urban journeys prevents soot burn-off.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostic tool; if clogged beyond threshold, replace OPF. Advise regular highway driving (>60 km/h for 15+ minutes weekly).
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VOLKSWAGEN CKDA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CKDA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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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“ .

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