The Volkswagen DAJA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm responsiveness for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk2 Tiguan—including the 1.5 TSI 150 PS variants—the DAJA was engineered as a Euro 6‑co…
All DAJA engines meet Euro 6 standards across all production years (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6021).
The Volkswagen DAJA is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and crossover models (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing and active cylinder management (ACT) to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (350 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 0W‑20 or 5W‑30) | |
Dry weight | 118 kg |
The Volkswagen DAJA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tiguan and modified exhaust manifolds in the Golf—and from 2018 the facelifted Touran adopted GPF-equipped variants, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The DAJA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure linked to cam follower wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or performance-oriented use. Volkswagen internal data from 2018 indicated up to 5% of pre-2018 DAJA engines required HPFP replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures tied to lean-running conditions from fuel delivery faults. Extended oil intervals and aggressive driving exacerbate cam follower wear, making correct oil specification and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2016–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The DAJA is generally reliable when properly maintained, but early units (2015–late 2017) are prone to high-pressure fuel pump failure due to cam follower wear. Post-2017 revisions resolved this. Using correct VW 504 00/507 00 oil and adhering to service intervals greatly improves longevity.
Top issues include HPFP failure from cam follower wear (early engines), intake valve carbon buildup, ACT system faults, and GPF regeneration issues in post-2018 models. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins and addressed with updated OEM parts.
The DAJA appears in the Golf VII (2015–2020), Touran II (2015–2020), Tiguan II (2016–2020), and Passat B8 (2016–2019), all as the 1.5 TSI 150 PS variant. It is not used in SEAT, Škoda, or Audi under this code.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +25–30 kW (185–190 PS) safely on stock internals. The turbo and fuel system support modest gains, but aggressive tuning without upgraded intercooler or HPFP risks long-term reliability.
In a Golf 1.5 TSI, expect ~6.0 L/100km (city) and ~4.3 L/100km (highway), or ~49 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 44–52 mpg (UK), depending on conditions and maintenance.
Yes. The DAJA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed for life and rarely fails if oil is maintained.
Volkswagen specifies 0W‑20 or 5W‑30 synthetic oil meeting VW 504 00 or 507 00 standards. Never use non-approved oils, as they lack the low-ash formulation needed for GPF and HPFP protection.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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