Engine Code

VOLKSWAGEN DKJA engine (2019–2024) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen DKJA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2024. 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 Mk8 Golf, T-Roc, and Taigo—including the 1.5 TSI 150 variants—the DKJA was engineered for compact vehicle applications with an emphasis on fuel economy, drivability, and emissions compliance. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and a three-way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 6d compliance across all production years.

One documented concern is potential low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) under high-load, low-RPM conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2020‑18. This issue stems from combustion chamber deposits interacting with fuel composition under specific operating regimes. Volkswagen updated engine management calibrations in 2021 to adjust ignition timing and reduce LSPI risk.

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2019–2024 meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).

DKJA Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen DKJA is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact models (2019–2024). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,498 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke74.5 mm × 85.9 mm
Power output110 kW (150 PS)
Torque250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm
Fuel systemDirect injection (Bosch HDEV6)
Emissions standardEuro 6d
Compression ratio12.5:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle turbo (BorgWarner)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted)
Oil typeVW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight118 kg
Practical Implications

The high-compression turbocharged design enables excellent fuel economy but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to protect the timing chain and GPF. The Bosch HDEV6 system demands EN 228-compliant petrol with ≤E10 ethanol. Low-speed pre-ignition risk is mitigated by post-2021 ECU calibrations per SIB 2020‑18; owners should avoid aggressive throttle input at very low RPM under high load. Regular highway driving helps maintain GPF regeneration cycles.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2020‑18). ACEA C5 oils meeting VW approval are acceptable.

Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all DKJA models (2019–2024) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 228-compliant petrol (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 05E‑1100).

Primary Sources

Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 05E‑1001, 05E‑1025, SIB 2020‑18

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)

DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard

DKJA Compatible Models

The Volkswagen DKJA was used across Volkswagen's Mk8 platform with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the MQB Evo architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Taigo and modified exhaust routing in the T-Roc—and from 2021 the ECU calibration updates, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical DKJA units in their 1.5 TSI 150 variants. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2019–2024
Models:
Golf VIII
Variants:
1.5 TSI 150
View Source
Volkswagen Group PT‑2023
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2020–2024
Models:
T-Roc
Variants:
1.5 TSI 150
View Source
Volkswagen TIS Doc. 05E‑1075
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2021–2024
Models:
Taigo
Variants:
1.5 TSI 150
View Source
Volkswagen TIS Doc. 05E‑1080
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2020–2024
Models:
Kamiq
Variants:
1.5 TSI 150
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK‑05E‑DKJA
Make:
SEAT
Years:
2020–2024
Models:
Arona
Variants:
1.5 TSI 150
View Source
SEAT ETKA #ST‑05E‑DKJA
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 05E‑1005). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for 05E series). All DKJA units feature a black plastic valve cover with “1.5 TSI” and include a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from other 05E variants: DKJA uses Bosch EDC17U2 ECU and produces 150 PS. Post-2021 engines include updated calibration per SIB 2020‑18; ECU software version must be verified via diagnostics.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Volkswagen TIS Doc. 05E‑1005

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover near oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 05E‑1005).

Visual Cues:

  • Black valve cover with '1.5 TSI' badge
  • Integrated GPF visible in exhaust manifold
LSPI Mitigation

Issue:

Early DKJA engines (pre-2021) exhibited low-speed pre-ignition under high-load, low-RPM conditions due to combustion chamber deposits and fuel interaction.

Evidence:

Volkswagen SIB 2020‑18

Recommendation:

Update ECU software to latest calibration per SIB 2020‑18 to adjust ignition timing and reduce LSPI risk.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN DKJA

The DKJA's primary reliability risk is low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) under aggressive driving at low RPM, with elevated incidence in early builds. Volkswagen internal data from 2021 indicated a measurable uptick in knock sensor-related warranty claims before 60,000 km for pre-2021 units, while UK DVSA MOT data shows GPF-related faults as the second-most common petrol-engine failure. Aggressive throttle use at low engine speeds and poor fuel quality accelerate LSPI risk, making driving style and fuel quality critical.

Low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI)
Symptoms: Knock sensor faults, sudden power reduction, metallic knocking under load at low RPM.
Cause: Combustion chamber deposits interacting with fuel under high-load, low-RPM conditions causing uncontrolled ignition events.
Fix: Update ECU calibration per SIB 2020‑18; inspect spark plugs and combustion chambers for deposits; use high-quality EN 228 fuel.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, stored exhaust backpressure codes.
Cause: Incomplete regeneration cycles due to frequent short trips preventing GPF burn-off.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics or extended highway driving; replace GPF if permanently blocked.
High-pressure fuel pump failure
Symptoms: Hard starting, fuel pressure faults, limp mode, or rail pressure below 50 bar at idle.
Cause: Cam follower wear on the pump drive lobe due to marginal lubrication or incorrect oil specification.
Fix: Replace high-pressure pump and inspect cam follower; ensure use of VW 504 00/507 00 oil and correct service intervals.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 1–2 seconds, cam/crank correlation codes (P0016/P0017).
Cause: Minor oil pressure delay at startup affecting tensioner preload in early builds.
Fix: Update tensioner and guides if wear is present; ensure correct VW 504 00/507 00 oil and interval adherence.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2019–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VOLKSWAGEN DKJA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DKJA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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