The Volkswagen DAJB is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 162 kW (220 PS) and 350 Nm of torque, with strong mid‑range pull enabled by its twin‑scroll turbocharger.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf R, Mk3 Tiguan, and Audi S3 (8V), the DAJB was engineered for high performance with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of three‑way catalytic converter, secondary air injection, and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 5 and later Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑07. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication under high‑load conditions and can lead to pump failure. From 2016, revised cam follower materials and updated oil specifications were introduced to mitigate the risk.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models meet Euro 6 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DAJB is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance hatchbacks and SUVs (2012–2019). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive power and strong mid‑range torque. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 162 kW (220 PS) @ 5,100–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,700–5,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Twin‑scroll IHI IS20 | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 149 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving but demands high-quality synthetic oil (VW 502/504) changed every 15,000 km or annually to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower. Use of RON 98 fuel is recommended to prevent knock under boost and maintain performance. The timing chain is designed as maintenance-free, but oil degradation can accelerate wear on tensioners. Post-2016 engines feature an upgraded cam follower (part no. 06K 109 309 B); pre-2016 units should be retrofitted per SIB 2015‑07 to prevent pump seizure. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to port injection absence, but regular DSG fluid changes are critical in transverse applications.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07). Not compatible with ACEA A3/B4 alone.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance mandatory for 2015 onward in EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 220 PS output requires RON 98 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 06K‑D21).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 06K‑A12, 06K‑B34, SIB 2015‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DAJB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Audi under the Volkswagen Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Golf R and modified exhaust routing in the Tiguan—and from 2016 the facelifted Golf R adopted updated cam followers and oil jets, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Audi S3 and SEAT Cupra variants to use identical long blocks. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 06K‑A12). The 4th–6th characters of the VIN engine code field (e.g., 'DAJ') indicate engine family. DAJB units feature a black plastic intake manifold with '2.0 TSI' badge and twin-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from CAHA/CZDA: DAJB uses Bosch MED17.5 ECU with dual oxygen sensors and specific camshaft profiles. Service parts for high-pressure fuel pump require verification of cam follower revision—pre-03/2016 engines use part 06K 109 309 A; post-03/2016 use 06K 109 309 B (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07).
The DAJB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or track-driven vehicles. Volkswagen internal field data from 2016 indicated a measurable increase in pump-related warranty claims for pre-2016 builds, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures linked to this engine. Extended oil intervals and use of non-spec oil increase cam follower stress, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DAJB.
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