The Volkswagen DFHA 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 refined highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Passat B8, Tiguan Mk2, and Touran, including variants like the 2.0 TDI 150 P…
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6b/6d‑TEMP standards depending on model year and market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DFHA 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 long‑distance cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6b/6d‑TEMP standards, it balances performance with stringent emissions compliance.
| 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 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 | |
Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell VNT17) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
Dry weight | 158 kg |
The Volkswagen DFHA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Audi, Škoda, and SEAT under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat and modified exhaust routing in the Tiguan—and from 2018 the introduction of real-driving emissions (RDE) compliance hardware, creating minor ECU and sensor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The DFHA's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler clogging and exhaust pressure sensor failure, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Volkswagen internal data from 2018 indicated a notable rate of EGR-related DTCs in vehicles under 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased DPF-related failures in high-mileage DFHA engines. Frequent short trips and poor-quality diesel accelerate soot accumulation, making fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). 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 DFHA is generally robust with a durable timing chain and strong low-end torque. However, EGR and exhaust sensor issues are common in urban use. With proper maintenance—using VW 507 00 oil, quality diesel, and avoiding constant short trips—it can exceed 250,000 km reliably.
Top issues include EGR cooler clogging, exhaust pressure sensor (G450) failure, DPF regeneration faults, and injector coking. These are well-documented in Volkswagen service bulletins ST02‑17‑03 and ST13‑05‑16, primarily affecting vehicles used for short urban journeys.
The DFHA 2.0 TDI 150 PS appears in the Golf Mk7, Passat B8, Tiguan Mk2, and Touran from 2015–2020. It’s also used in Audi A3 8V, Škoda Octavia Mk3, and SEAT Leon Mk3 under the VW Group MQB platform, all sharing the same engine architecture and emissions hardware.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–30 kW (27–40 PS) and +60–80 Nm safely, as the stock internals and turbo can handle increased torque. However, aggressive tuning without DPF/EGR deletes (illegal in most markets) may accelerate emissions system wear. Always use supporting fuel and oil upgrades.
Excellent. In a Golf 2.0 TDI 150 PS, expect ~4.8 L/100km (city) and ~3.9 L/100km (highway), or ~58 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically yields 50–60 mpg (UK), depending on driving style and DPF regeneration cycles.
Yes. The DFHA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible with severe oil neglect), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain design is more reliable than earlier rear-mounted systems.
Volkswagen mandates VW 507 00 (5W-30) low-ash synthetic oil. This specification is critical for DPF protection and turbo longevity. Never use 504 00 or generic ACEA C3 oils—only VW 507 00 ensures compatibility with emissions hardware and extended service intervals.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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