The Volkswagen DFEA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger with intercooler, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient motorway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7.5 Golf, Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2—including the 1.5 TSI 150 variants—the DFEA was engineered for drivers prioritising fuel efficiency, low-end torque, and emissions compliance. Emissions compliance was achieved through cylinder deactivation (ACT), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), enabling full Euro 6d-TEMP and later Euro 6d compliance.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves and premature GPF clogging under short-trip driving conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2019112/1. The combination of direct injection and frequent stop-start operation accelerates soot accumulation in the GPF. From 2020, revised engine management strategies improved regeneration frequency and reduced GPF-related fault codes.
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6b/6c standards; 2019–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
The Volkswagen DFEA is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2016–2023). It combines direct injection with a single turbocharger, intercooler, and active cylinder management to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and class-leading fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances performance with stringent emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with intercooler | |
| 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 (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b/6c (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP/Euro 6d (2019–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The DFEA’s high 12.5:1 compression ratio and cylinder deactivation (ACT) system enable excellent fuel economy but require strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 (0W-20) oil to protect the turbo and GPF. The Bosch HDEV6 direct injection system lacks fuel wash over intake valves, leading to carbon buildup over time—periodic intake cleaning may be needed after 100,000 km. GPF clogging is accelerated by short trips; extended highway driving or forced regenerations via diagnostics are recommended. Use only EN 228-compliant 95 RON (or higher) unleaded petrol.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (0W-20) specification (VW SIB 2019112/1). Critical for GPF longevity and ACT system function.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to 2019–2023 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012). Earlier units meet Euro 6b/6c.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel quality (VW TIS Doc. 03-2016-DFEA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03-2016-DFEA, SIB 2019112/1
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9012)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DFEA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7.5/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and Audi under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat and modified exhaust manifolds in the Tiguan—and from 2020 minor ECU updates improved GPF regeneration logic, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (VW TIS 03-2016-DFEA). The 7th VIN digit for VW models is 'F' for DFEA-equipped vehicles. Visual identification: black plastic cam cover with 'TSI' logo and presence of a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in the exhaust system. Critical differentiation from older 1.4 TSI engines: DFEA uses Bosch MED17.5.25 ECU, features cylinder deactivation (ACT), and has a higher compression ratio (12.5:1 vs. 10.0:1).
The DFEA's primary reliability risk is gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging under urban or short-trip usage, with elevated incidence in vehicles driven under 10,000 km annually. VW internal quality reports from 2021 noted a measurable uptick in GPF-related limp-mode events before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows emissions system faults as a growing MOT failure category for 2018–2022 Golfs. Carbon buildup on intake valves and ACT system malfunctions further compound drivability concerns, making oil specification and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2016–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DFEA.
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