Engine Code

Volkswagen CKFC Engine (2015–2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

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 driv

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).

Volkswagen CKFC Technical Specifications

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.

ParameterValueSource
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

Volkswagen CKFC Compatible Models

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.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Golf Mk7 / Mk7.5 (5G)
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA 2018
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Passat B8 (3G)
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 04L‑901
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
Tiguan II (5N2)
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150 PS 4motion
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA 2019
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Superb III
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150 PS
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK‑04L‑2016
Make:
SEAT
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
Ateca
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150 PS
View Source
SEAT Technical Bulletin TB‑04L‑2017

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CKFC Compatible Models

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.

EGR cooler internal leakage
Symptoms: White residue in intake manifold, coolant loss without external leak, misfires, steam from exhaust on cold start.
Cause: Thermal fatigue cracking in aluminum EGR housing due to repeated high-load cycles and thermal shock.
Fix: Replace with updated EGR cooler (04L 145 901 B or later) per VW STB 2017‑09; flush intake and inspect for coolant contamination.
DPF regeneration failure
Symptoms: Reduced power, limp mode, excessive soot warning, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Insufficient exhaust temperature in short urban trips prevents passive regeneration; ash accumulation over time blocks filter.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics; if ash-loaded, replace DPF per OEM procedure. Ensure minimum 30-minute highway drives weekly.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, cam/crank correlation faults (P0016, P0017), timing deviation warnings.
Cause: Chain tensioner wear in high-mileage engines; exacerbated by infrequent oil changes or incorrect oil viscosity.
Fix: Replace timing chain, tensioner, and guides with latest OEM kit; verify camshaft phaser operation and oil pressure.
AdBlue system faults
Symptoms: “Check AdBlue” warning, engine start inhibition after countdown, NOx sensor DTCs.
Cause: Crystallization at injector nozzle or dosing pump failure due to low-quality AdBlue or infrequent use.
Fix: Flush AdBlue lines, replace dosing module if clogged, and refill with ISO 22241-compliant fluid; reset system via diagnostics.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

VOLKSWAGEN CKFC FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The CKFC offers strong efficiency and refinement, but early units (2015–mid-2018) are prone to EGR cooler leakage. Later revisions improved durability. With strict maintenance—VW 507 00 oil, quality diesel, and regular highway driving for DPF regeneration—well-cared-for examples can exceed 200,000 km reliably.

Top issues include EGR cooler internal leakage, DPF regeneration failure in urban use, timing chain tensioner wear, and AdBlue system faults. These are documented in VW service bulletins like STB 2017‑09 and widely observed in EA288-family diesels.

The CKFC powered the Golf Mk7/Mk7.5, Passat B8, Tiguan II, plus Škoda Superb III and SEAT Ateca from 2015–2020. All meet Euro 6b emissions and use the EA288 engine family architecture with single-dosing SCR.

Yes. The CKFC responds well to ECU remapping, typically gaining +20–30 kW on stage 1 with stock hardware. Supporting upgrades (intercooler, DPF delete—where legal) allow 190+ PS. However, EGR and turbo reliability must be confirmed before tuning to avoid accelerated wear.

In a Golf 2.0 TDI, expect ~5.2 L/100km (city) and ~4.0 L/100km (highway), or ~55 mpg UK combined. Passat variants average 5.5–6.0 L/100km (~48 mpg UK). Real-world economy depends heavily on driving style, DPF health, and adherence to service intervals.

Yes. The CKFC is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can contact open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage. Regular oil changes and chain system inspection are essential to prevent this.

Volkswagen specifies 5W‑30 synthetic oil meeting VW 507 00 standards. Always use VW-approved oil and change every 15,000 km or annually to protect the turbo, timing chain, and emissions systems.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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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.

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.

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

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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