Engine Code

Volkswagen CKTC Engine (2016–2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CKTC is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. The compact aluminium block with integrated exhaust manifold enables rapid warm‑up and reduced emissions.

Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7.5, T — Roc, and Škoda Karoq, the CKTC was engineered for responsive urban p

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2016–2023 meet Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9215).

Volkswagen CKTC Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CKTC is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engineered for compact and subcompact SUVs and hatchbacks (2016–2023). It combines direct injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low-end torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards from launch, it balances performance with stringent emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,498 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended)
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Bore × stroke
74.5 mm × 85.9 mm
Power output
110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm
Torque
250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6b
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermal management
Turbocharger
Single turbo with integrated exhaust manifold (Honeywell TD025)
Timing system
Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design)
Oil type
VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight
108 kg

Volkswagen CKTC Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CKTC was used across Volkswagen's Mk7.5/AQ platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the T-Roc and revised intake routing in the Golf—and from mid‑2020 the Karoq received updated camshaft hardware, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2017–2023
Models:
Golf VII.5
Variants:
1.5 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. CKTC‑01
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2018–2023
Models:
T-Roc
Variants:
1.5 TSI 150 PS (4Motion)
View Source
Volkswagen Group PT‑2022
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2018–2023
Models:
Karoq
Variants:
1.5 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2016‑CKTC

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CKTC Compatible Models

The CKTC's primary reliability risk is HPFP drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft in early production units, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-premium fuel or exceeding service intervals. VW internal data from 2020 indicated a measurable uptick in cam-related warranty claims before 90,000 km for pre‑mid‑2020 builds, while UK DVSA MOT data shows low emissions failure rates due to robust Euro 6b compliance. Fuel quality and oil change discipline make long-term reliability highly dependent on owner maintenance habits.

HPFP drive lobe wear on intake camshaft
Symptoms: Misfires under load, hard starts, P0087/P0191 DTCs, fuel rail pressure fluctuations.
Cause: Marginal lubrication at cam/HPFP interface under high thermal load in early-design camshafts.
Fix: Install updated OEM camshaft (part 04E 109 021 C) and HPFP per VW SIB 2019‑04‑05; flush fuel system.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle
Symptoms: Ticking/rattling noise at idle or light load, boost instability, P2262/P0299 codes.
Cause: Wear in wastegate actuator linkage due to thermal cycling and carbon buildup.
Fix: Inspect and replace turbo actuator or full turbo assembly with OEM unit; recalibrate via ODIS.
PCV/oil separator diaphragm failure
Symptoms: Oil in intake tract, rough idle, excessive crankcase pressure, oil leaks at cam cover.
Cause: Age-related hardening of diaphragm in integrated crankcase ventilation system.
Fix: Replace breather/oil separator module with latest OEM part; inspect for oil ingestion damage.
Coolant flange (thermostat housing) leaks
Symptoms: Coolant smell, low coolant warning, residue near front timing cover, overheating risk.
Cause: Plastic coolant flange prone to cracking from repeated thermal expansion cycles.
Fix: Replace flange with updated metal-reinforced OEM unit; bleed cooling system per procedure.
Research Basis

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

VOLKSWAGEN CKTC FAQ Common Questions Answered

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

The CKTC is generally robust when maintained properly. Early units (2016–mid-2020) had HPFP cam lobe wear concerns, but post-update engines are more durable. Using RON 98 fuel and adhering to 15,000 km oil changes with VW 504 00/507 00 spec oil significantly improves longevity. The timing chain is maintenance-free and rarely problematic.

Most documented issues are HPFP drive lobe wear (pre‑2020), turbo wastegate rattle, PCV diaphragm failure, and coolant flange leaks. These are covered in VW service bulletins. Carbon buildup is minimal due to direct injection.

The CKTC powered the Golf Mk7.5 (1.5 TSI 150 PS), T-Roc (1.5 TSI 150 PS 4Motion), and Škoda Karoq (1.5 TSI 150 PS) from 2016 to 2023. It was not used in SEAT or Audi under this code—those brands used related but distinct EA211 Evo variants.

Yes. The CKTC responds well to ECU remapping, typically gaining +20–30 kW on stage 1 with stock hardware. The Honeywell TD025 turbo and internals support up to ~190–200 PS reliably. Supporting mods (intercooler, exhaust) are recommended for higher stages. Always use high-octane fuel post-tune.

In a Golf Mk7.5, expect ~6.5 L/100km (city) and ~4.4 L/100km (highway), or ~52 mpg UK combined. The T-Roc 4Motion is slightly thirstier at ~7.1 L/100km city. Real-world economy depends heavily on driving style—aggressive use can push consumption above 8.8 L/100km.

Yes. Like all modern VW TSI engines, the CKTC is an interference design. If the timing chain fails (extremely rare), piston-to-valve contact will cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is front-mounted and designed for life-of-engine use with proper oil maintenance.

Volkswagen specifies SAE 5W‑30 oil meeting VW 504 00 (petrol) or 507 00 (diesel-compatible) standards. Always use fully synthetic oil approved to these specs and change every 15,000 km or 12 months to protect the turbo, HPFP, and camshaft.

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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