The Volkswagen DDAA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with responsive mid‑range performance ideal for compact and mid‑size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Octavia—including the Golf 1.4 TSI 150 PS and Octavia 1.4 TSI—the DDAA was engineered for brisk acceleration and efficient motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) from 2018 onward, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on production year.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2016‑03‑OIL. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under high-load conditions and can lead to hard starts or fuel pressure faults. From 2017 onward, revised cam follower materials and updated oil specifications mitigated—but did not eliminate—the risk.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2017 models meet Euro 6b; 2018–2020 models meet Euro 6d-TEMP with GPF (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen DDAA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2020). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6b (2015–2017); Euro 6d-TEMP with GPF (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The TSI direct-injection system enables strong torque delivery but increases risk of carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of fuel washing. Regular induction cleaning every 70,000–90,000 km is recommended. The HPFP cam follower is prone to wear under high-load conditions; using only VW 502 00/504 00 oil and adhering to 15,000 km service intervals is critical. From 2018, GPF-equipped variants require consistent highway driving to enable passive regeneration. The front-mounted timing chain is generally durable but requires correct oil spec to avoid tensioner wear.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑03‑OIL). Not interchangeable with generic ACEA A3/B4 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 builds; Euro 6b to 2015–2017; Euro 6d-TEMP with GPF to 2018–2020 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03C‑1050).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03C‑1001, 03C‑1022, SIB 2016‑03‑OIL
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen DDAA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling in the Golf and reinforced mounts in the Octavia—and from 2018 the facelifted Golf Mk7.5 adopted a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), creating minor software and hardware interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda's 1.4 TSI 150 PS and SEAT's Leon 1.4 EcoTSI to use identical hardware. 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 03C‑1001). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the V5C logbook or under bonnet VIN plate will read 'DD'. Pre-2018 models use Bosch ECU MED17.5.25; post-2018 units use MED17.5.35 with GPF control. Critical differentiation from DBKA: DDAA produces 150 PS (vs. 125 PS) and uses a reinforced HPFP cam follower. Service parts require build date verification—intake manifolds before 01/2018 lack GPF-compatible EGR routing (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑11‑GPF).
The DDAA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or track use. Internal Volkswagen engineering data from 2018 indicated over 20% of pre-2017 engines showed cam lobe scoring by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions-related failures in GPF-equipped post-2018 examples due to short-trip driving. Frequent high-RPM operation and incorrect oil accelerate HPFP wear, making oil specification and service discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DDAA.
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