The Volkswagen CRLB is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features common‑rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 81 kW (110 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, prioritizing fuel economy and low‑rpm drivability for compact applications.
Fitted to models such as the Polo, Golf Mk7, and Caddy, the CRLB was engineered for urban efficiency and light commercial use. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing full Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2014‑09. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under frequent short‑trip driving and is exacerbated by extended oil change intervals. From 2015, revised HPFP cam followers and updated oil specifications were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2012–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8215).
The Volkswagen CRLB is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and light commercial vehicles (2012–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and excellent fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances urban drivability with emissions 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 | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 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 | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 146 kg |
The CRLB prioritizes fuel efficiency and urban drivability but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 507 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower. Short-trip driving accelerates HPFP wear due to fuel dilution and insufficient lubrication. EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel is mandatory; bio-diesel blends above B7 may degrade injector seals. DPF regeneration cycles are frequent in stop-start use; periodic motorway driving is recommended. Revised HPFP cam followers (post-2015) improve reliability per VW STB 2014‑09.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (VW STB 2014‑09). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CRLB engines (2012–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8215).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 590 diesel; degraded fuel reduces torque by ~5% (VW TIS Doc. 03L‑2100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03L‑1023, 03L‑1045, STB 2014‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8215)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CRLB was used across Volkswagen's Polo, Golf Mk7, and Caddy platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Caddy and revised EGR routing in the Golf—and from 2018 the facelifted Polo adopted the EA288 Gen 3, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (VW TIS 03L‑1020). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate should read “CRLB”. Visual identification: black cam cover with “TDI” logo; Garrett VGT turbo with silver compressor housing. Critical differentiation from CRKB/CRKA: CRLB uses Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump with updated cam follower design. Pre-2015 HPFP cam followers (part no. 03L 127 025 A) are prone to spalling; post-2015 units (03L 127 025 C) include hardened surfaces per VW STB 2014‑09.
The CRLB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. VW internal quality data from 2015 indicated a significant share of pre-2015 engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in city-driven examples. Short-trip driving and extended oil intervals increase wear, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CRLB.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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