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…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The DFEA is generally robust with proper maintenance, though GPF clogging and carbon buildup are common in urban-driven vehicles. Using VW 504 00/507 00 (0W-20) oil, high-quality 95 RON petrol, and ensuring regular highway driving are essential for longevity beyond 200,000 km.
Top issues include GPF clogging from short trips, intake valve carbon buildup, cylinder deactivation (ACT) system faults, and high-pressure fuel pump wear. All are documented in VW service bulletins and technical updates.
The DFEA powered the Golf Mk7.5, Passat B8, Tiguan Mk2, Škoda Superb III, and Audi A3 8Y (all 1.5 TSI/TFSI 150 variants) from 2016–2023. It belongs to the EA211 evo engine family and was used across the VW Group’s MQB platforms.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–25 kW (175–180 PS) safely, as the internals support moderate torque increases. However, aggressive tuning may disable ACT and accelerate GPF/HPFP wear. Always use supporting mods and high-quality fuel.
Excellent. In a Passat 1.5 TSI 150, expect ~6.5 L/100km (city) and ~4.3 L/100km (highway), or ~55 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 50–56 mpg (UK) when the GPF and ACT systems are functioning correctly.
Yes. Like all modern VW petrol engines, the DFEA is an interference design. Timing chain failure—though rare due to front-mounted low-wear design—could cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic damage.
Volkswagen mandates 0W-20 synthetic oil meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification. This low-viscosity, low-ash oil is critical for GPF protection, ACT system function, and turbo lubrication. Never substitute with non-approved oils.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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