The Volkswagen DFLA 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-end pull and highway efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk3 Touran, and T6 Transporter, including the 2.0 TDI 150 variants, the DFLA was engineered for refined daily driving with strong fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue, meeting Euro 6 standards.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2017‑09‑01. This issue is often linked to inadequate lubrication from poor-quality diesel or extended service intervals. In 2018, Volkswagen updated the HPFP design and revised fuel system calibration to improve durability.
All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DFLA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and MPV applications (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 via SCR/AdBlue and DPF, it balances performance with strict emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| 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 DFLA’s SCR/AdBlue system ensures Euro 6 compliance but requires regular AdBlue top-ups and quality low-sulfur diesel (EN 590). The Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and lubricity loss—extended oil/fuel service intervals increase HPFP seizure risk. Use only VW 507 00 oil to protect emissions hardware and turbo bearings. Cold starts should be followed by moderate driving to aid DPF regeneration. Post-2018 engines feature updated HPFP internals per SIB 2017‑09‑01; pre-2018 units benefit from proactive replacement or calibration updates.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) low-ash oil (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑09‑01). Not interchangeable with 505 01 or 504 00.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2015–2020 DFLA engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). AdBlue system mandatory in all markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output stable only with EN 590 diesel and full AdBlue functionality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G‑D012).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03G‑A123, 03G‑B456, 03G‑C789, SIB 2017‑09‑01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DFLA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/T6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the T6 Transporter and revised cooling in the Golf SV—and from 2018 the HPFP and ECU calibration were updated, creating service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled use in SEAT and Škoda models under different engine codes. 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‑A123). The 7th VIN digit is 'C' for 2.0 TDI Euro 6 engines. DFLA units feature a black plastic valve cover with “TDI” embossed and an AdBlue tank under the spare wheel (Golf/Touran) or rear bumper (T6). Differentiate from DFEA: DFLA uses Bosch EDC17CP54 ECU and CP4.2 pump; DFEA uses EDC17CP64 and CP4.1. Pre-2018 HPFPs (part #03G 130 075 A) are incompatible with post-2018 calibration (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑09‑01).
The DFLA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-EN 590 diesel or extended service intervals. Volkswagen internal data from 2018 indicated a notable share of pre-2018 DFLA engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show AdBlue system faults as a growing MOT failure category. Poor fuel quality and infrequent oil changes accelerate HPFP wear, making adherence to VW 507 00 oil and 15,000 km service intervals 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 DFLA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
