The Volkswagen DDYA is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features common-rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque. The aluminium-silicon block reduces weight while maintaining structural rigidity for everyday efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Tiguan, and Passat B8, the DDYA was engineered for fuel-efficient commuting with responsive low-end torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 6b and Euro 6d-temp standards depending on model year.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive mechanism, particularly in units built before mid‑2017. This issue was addressed in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2017‑12, which attributes the fault to insufficient lubrication of the HPFP tappet under frequent short-trip driving. From 2018, revised HPFP and camshaft profiles were introduced to improve durability.

Production years 2015–2017 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-temp (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Volkswagen DDYA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015–2020). It combines Bosch CRS3 common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient motorway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6b and Euro 6d-temp standards, it balances drivability with stringent emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 compliant) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS3 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2015–2017); Euro 6d-temp (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, low‑maintenance design) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo provides responsive low-end torque ideal for urban and highway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes using VW 507 00 (5W‑30) to protect the HPFP drive cam lobe and timing chain. EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel is mandatory to prevent injector and HPFP wear. Early DDYA units (pre-06/2017) are prone to HPFP tappet failure under short-trip conditions—symptoms include misfires and P0087 codes. Post-2018 engines include updated HPFP and camshaft. AdBlue system requires periodic top-ups; neglect triggers limp mode. DPF regeneration is passive during highway driving—frequent short trips may cause clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (VW TIS 04L‑1008). Not compatible with ACEA C3 unless explicitly approved for diesel particulate filter systems.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to 2015–2017 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921). Euro 6d-temp compliance mandatory from 2018 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 150 PS output requires EN 590 diesel with sulfur content ≤10 ppm (VW TIS Doc. 04L‑1030).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04L‑1002, 04L‑1015, SIB 2017‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DDYA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling in the Tiguan Mk2 and enhanced SCR calibration in the Passat B8—and from 2018 the introduction of on-board diagnostics for real-driving emissions (RDE), creating hardware distinctions. Partnerships enabled shared use in Škoda Superb and SEAT Altea. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (VW TIS 04L‑1001). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('DY' for DDYA series). Pre-2018 models lack RDE-compliant NOx sensors and use a simpler AdBlue dosing module; post-2018 units feature dual NOx sensors and updated SCR catalyst. Critical differentiation from EA288 Evo (e.g., DCZA): DDYA uses a cast-iron block with integrated exhaust manifold and Garrett VGT, whereas later variants may use different emissions hardware. HPFP tappet wear is common on engines built before 06/2017—verify production date via engine serial number.
The DDYA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) tappet wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2018 indicated a significant number of pre-2017 engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF and SCR-related MOT advisories in poorly maintained examples. Frequent cold starts and low-quality diesel accelerate wear, making oil specification and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DDYA.
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