The Volkswagen DFGA is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive low‑rpm performance and fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Tiguan, and Passat—including the 2.0 TDI 150 variants—the DFGA was engineered for refined daily driving with strong low-end torque and motorway stability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue, enabling Euro 6 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2017‑07. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication under frequent short-trip operation. Volkswagen revised the cam follower material and updated lubrication specifications in 2018 to mitigate the failure mode.
All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DFGA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015–2020). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The VGT turbo and SCR/AdBlue system deliver responsive torque and full Euro 6 compliance but require strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 507 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590). Short-trip driving increases cam follower wear risk—Volkswagen recommends periodic long drives to maintain DPF and SCR health. Post-2018 engines include an upgraded cam follower per SIB 2017‑07.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑07). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all DFGA models (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 590-compliant diesel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G‑1100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03G‑1001, 03G‑1025, SIB 2017‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen DFGA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tiguan and modified exhaust routing in the Passat—and from 2018 the cam follower and oil jet upgrades, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical DFGA units in their 2.0 TDI 150 variants. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 03G‑1005). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for 03G series). All DFGA units feature a black plastic valve cover with “2.0 TDI” and an AdBlue tank. Critical differentiation from other 03G variants: DFGA uses Bosch EDC17CP54 ECU and CP4.2 high-pressure pump. Pre-2018 engines have cam follower P/N 03G 109 309 A; post-2018 use 03G 109 309 B per SIB 2017‑07.
The DFGA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2018 indicated a measurable uptick in pump-related warranty claims before 80,000 km for pre-2018 builds, while UK DVSA MOT data shows DPF/AdBlue system faults as the second-most common diesel-related failure. Frequent cold starts and infrequent highway driving accelerate wear, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DFGA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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