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 PS, the DFHA was designed for drivers prioritising fuel economy, strong pulling power from low revs, and compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards. Emissions control is achieved through a high‑efficiency exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a wall‑flow diesel particulate filter (DPF).
One documented concern is premature failure of the exhaust pressure sensor and EGR cooler carbon buildup, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin ST02‑17‑03. These issues stem from thermal cycling stress and soot accumulation in stop‑start urban driving. From 2017, revised EGR coolers and updated engine control software were introduced to mitigate recurrence.
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 VNT17 turbo provides responsive low-end torque ideal for mixed driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 507 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel system and turbo bearings. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent injector coking and DPF overload. The EGR cooler is prone to carbon clogging in urban use; periodic inspection is advised per ST02‑17‑03. Exhaust pressure sensors may fail prematurely—early replacement with updated OEM parts (P/N 03G 906 051 C) is recommended. The timing chain is robust but relies on clean oil flow; extended intervals risk tensioner wear.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen TIS 03G‑1001). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA C3 alone.
Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2015–2017 models; Euro 6d‑TEMP applies to 2018–2020 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on EU5+ diesel with cetane ≥51 (Volkswagen PT‑2020).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03G‑1001, 03G‑1025, STB 11‑01‑19, ST02‑17‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
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.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 03G‑1005). The 7th VIN digit is 'G' for 2.0L TDI engines; confirm DFHA via ECU part number (03G 906 019 DF) or diagnostic scan. Pre-2018 models use EGR cooler P/N 03G 145 701 A; post-2018 units use P/N 03G 145 701 C with improved flow. Critical differentiation from DJKA: DFHA has single turbo and 150 PS; DJKA is 190 PS with twin dosing. Service parts for EGR and exhaust sensors are not interchangeable across model years without ECU adaptation (Volkswagen STB 02‑17‑03).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DFHA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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