The Volkswagen CRCA is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features common-rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), delivering 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) enable compliance with Euro 5 emissions standards while maintaining strong low-end responsiveness.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk6, Passat B6/B7, and Tiguan, the CRCA was engineered for balanced performance and fuel economy in compact and mid-size applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through a cooled high-pressure EGR loop combined with an oxidation catalyst and DPF, meeting Euro 5 requirements across all production years.
One documented concern is injector carbon fouling and occasional high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2010‑09. This stems from thermal cycling and marginal fuel lubricity interacting with Bosch CP4.2 pump internals. From mid‑2012, revised injector calibration and updated HPFP seals were introduced per TSB 2012‑21.
All production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CRCA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2008–2015). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with regulatory compliance.
| 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett VNT17) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo delivers responsive low-end torque ideal for urban and motorway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 507 00 (5W‑30) oil to protect the HPFP and turbo bearings. EN 590-compliant ultra-low-sulfur diesel is mandatory to prevent CP4.2 pump wear. Carbon buildup on injectors and EGR valves may cause rough idle or limp mode after 100,000 km; periodic cleaning is advised. Post‑2012 engines include updated HPFP seals per TSB 2012‑21.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (VW TIS Doc. 03L‑9500). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if VW‑approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CRCA engines (2008–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel (Volkswagen Group PT‑2013).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03L‑9102, 03L‑9205, 03L‑9500, TSB 2010‑09, TSB 2012‑21
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CRCA was used across Volkswagen's Mk6 and B6/B7 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the VAG group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Tiguan and revised EGR routing in the Passat—and from 2015 the Golf Mk7 transitioned to the EA288 Gen 2, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (VW TIS 03L‑8001). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine number (e.g., 'CR') confirm the family; 'CA' suffix denotes the 140 PS Euro 5 variant. Visual cue: black plastic intake manifold with 'TDI' badge. Critical differentiation from CAYC/CFHC: CRCA uses a Garrett VNT17 VGT turbo and lacks secondary air injection. HPFP part number must match production date—pre-06/2012 units require updated seals per TSB 2012‑21.
The CRCA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) seal degradation and injector carbon fouling, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-EN 590 fuel or extended service intervals. VW internal field data from 2012 indicated a notable rate of HPFP-related drivability complaints before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show frequent DPF/EGR-related emissions failures in high-mileage examples. Consistent use of EN 590-compliant diesel and timely HPFP updates make long-term reliability achievable.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CRCA.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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