The Volkswagen CKFC is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features common-rail direct injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, balancing efficiency with strong low-end responsiveness.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Passat B8, and Tiguan II, the CKFC was engineered for refined urban and motorway driving with reduced emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 6b standards across all production years.
One documented concern is EGR cooler internal leakage, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2017‑09. This issue stems from thermal fatigue in the aluminum EGR housing under repeated high-load cycles. Revised EGR coolers with improved metallurgy were introduced from mid‑2018 onward.
All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Volkswagen CKFC is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015–2020). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and fuel-efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions standards, it integrates AdBlue-based SCR technology for NOx control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 compliant) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable geometry turbo (Honeywell/Volkswagen) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The VGT turbo and SCR system deliver strong low-RPM torque and Euro 6b compliance but require strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) using VW 507 00 oil to protect the timing chain and turbo. The CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel contamination; only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel should be used. Carbon buildup in the intake and EGR system may occur after 100,000 km. Early CKFC units (pre-mid-2018) should be inspected for EGR cooler leakage per VW STB 2017‑09.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual CKFC). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all CKFC production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel (Volkswagen Group PT‑2016).
Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins: STB 2017‑09, Diesel Engine Handbook 2015
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CKFC was used across Volkswagen's A7/B8/5N2 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the VAG group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised AdBlue tank routing in the Passat B8 and enhanced cooling in the Tiguan II—and from 2019 the updated Golf Mk7.5 retained the CKFC while later models transitioned to EA288 Evo. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen ETKA 04L‑901). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CKFC”) confirm identity. Visual cues: black cam cover with “TDI” logo, integrated EGR cooler with AdBlue injector upstream of SCR catalyst. Differentiate from CRLB by power output (150 PS vs. 190 PS) and absence of twin-dosing SCR. Pre-mid-2018 EGR coolers are prone to coolant leakage; verify replacement status via service history or STB 2017‑09 inspection.
The CKFC's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler internal leakage on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or towing applications. Volkswagen internal field data from 2018 indicated a notable rate of EGR-related repairs before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show secondary issues with DPF regeneration faults in short-trip urban use. Extended oil intervals and poor-quality diesel accelerate wear, making oil/fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CKFC.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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