The Volkswagen DJ is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Passat B8, and Tiguan—including the 1.4 TSI 150 variants—the DJ was engineered for compact and mid‑size applications with an emphasis on drivability and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three-way catalytic converter, 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 2016‑05. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under frequent short-trip operation. Volkswagen revised the cam follower material and updated lubrication specifications in 2017 to mitigate the failure mode.
All production years 2012–2020 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432).
The Volkswagen DJ is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with a single 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 | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The turbocharged direct-injection design provides brisk low-end response but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower and timing chain. The Bosch HDEV5 system is sensitive to fuel quality—EN 228-compliant petrol with ≤E10 ethanol is mandatory. Short-trip driving increases cam follower wear risk—Volkswagen recommends periodic long drives to maintain system health. Post-2017 engines include an upgraded cam follower per SIB 2016‑05.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑05). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA A3/B4 without verification.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all DJ models (2012–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 228-compliant petrol (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑1100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1001, 04E‑1025, SIB 2016‑05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5432)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen DJ was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT 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 2017 the cam follower upgrade, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical DJ units in their 1.4 TSI 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 04E‑1005). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for 04E series). All DJ units feature a black plastic valve cover with “1.4 TSI” and lack secondary air injection ports on the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from other 04E variants: DJ uses Bosch EDC17U1 ECU and produces 150 PS. Pre-2017 engines have cam follower P/N 04E 109 309 A; post-2017 use 04E 109 309 B per SIB 2016‑05.
The DJ'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-2017 builds, while UK DVSA MOT data shows ignition and emissions-related faults as the second-most common petrol-engine failure. Frequent cold starts and infrequent highway driving accelerate wear, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DJ.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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