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‑compliant successor to earlier 1.4 TSI units, offering improved thermal efficiency and reduced emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise engine management.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2016‑09. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under high-load conditions and was addressed in late‑2017 with an updated cam follower design and revised oil specifications.
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 TSI turbo with ACT (Active Cylinder Management) provides strong low-RPM torque and improved highway economy but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear. VW 504 00/507 00 oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the turbo, GPF, and HPFP. Early DAJA engines (pre-11/2017) may exhibit cam follower wear leading to HPFP failure; affected units should receive updated cam follower per SIB 2016‑09. The direct injection system is prone to intake valve carbon buildup—periodic induction cleaning is recommended after 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑09). ACEA C5 oils may be used if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all DAJA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6021). Includes GPF in post-2018 models for WLTP compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output verified on dyno per Volkswagen Group PT‑2020.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2015‑DAJA, SIB 2016‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6021)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
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.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the alternator bracket (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2015‑DAJA). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine code (e.g., 'DA' for DAJA series). Early units (pre-11/2017) use black valve covers with silver timing covers; post-update units have all-black covers. Critical differentiation from CZDA/CZDD: DAJA uses a 1.5L displacement with ACT and higher compression (12.5:1). ECU part number 04E 906 037 CL (or later) confirms DAJA fitment.
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.
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