Engine Code

Volkswagen DKRF Engine (2019–2024) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen DKRF is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2019 and 2024. 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 360 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive low — end pull and highway efficiency.

Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Golf, T — Roc, and T — Cross, including the 2.0 TDI 150 variants, the DKRF was engineered for refin

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2019–2024 meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9432).

Volkswagen DKRF Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen DKRF is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and SUV applications (2019–2024). 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 6d standards via SCR/AdBlue and DPF, it balances performance with strict emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
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
360 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,500 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6d
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 0W‑30)
Dry weight
156 kg

Volkswagen DKRF Compatible Models

The Volkswagen DKRF was used across Volkswagen's Mk8/T-Roc platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the T-Cross and revised cooling in the Golf VIII—and from 2022 the camshaft and HPFP calibration were updated, creating service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models under different engine codes. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2019–2024
Models:
Golf VIII (Mk8)
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA 2024
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2019–2024
Models:
T-Roc
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA 2024
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2019–2024
Models:
T-Cross
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150
View Source
Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G‑T001
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2020–2024
Models:
Kamiq
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150 (engine code DKRF)
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK-ETKA-2024

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN DKRF Compatible Models

The DKRF's primary reliability risk is HPFP drive lobe wear on the exhaust camshaft, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips, prolonged idling, or aftermarket tuning. Volkswagen internal data from 2023 indicated a notable share of pre-2022 DKRF engines requiring camshaft replacement before 120,000 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.

HPFP camshaft lobe wear
Symptoms: Hard starts, misfires, loss of power, P0087/P0090 fuel rail pressure codes, metallic debris in oil.
Cause: Marginal lubrication of HPFP drive lobe under high thermal load during short-trip or idling conditions.
Fix: Install updated camshaft with improved metallurgy per SIB 2021‑11‑05; replace HPFP if damaged; flush oil circuit thoroughly.
AdBlue system faults
Symptoms: Dashboard warning, reduced power, vehicle fails to restart after ignition cycle.
Cause: Crystallisation in dosing valve or NOx sensor drift due to low-quality AdBlue or infrequent use.
Fix: Clean or replace AdBlue dosing module; refill with ISO 22241‑compliant fluid; perform guided fault reset via OEM diagnostics.
DPF regeneration issues
Symptoms: Excessive soot warning, reduced fuel economy, limp mode during highway driving.
Cause: Incomplete passive regeneration due to short-trip driving; ash accumulation in filter over time.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostics; inspect EGR and pressure sensors; replace DPF if ash load exceeds 150 g (per TIS procedure).
EGR cooler leaks
Symptoms: Coolant loss without external leak, white exhaust smoke, combustion misfires.
Cause: Thermal stress cracks in stainless steel EGR cooler core, allowing coolant ingress into intake.
Fix: Replace EGR cooler assembly with updated part; flush intake manifold and inspect for hydrolock damage per TIS guidance.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2019–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

VOLKSWAGEN DKRF FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The DKRF is generally robust when maintained correctly, but pre-2022 units are prone to HPFP cam lobe wear. Post-2022 revisions improved cam durability. Using EN 590 diesel, VW 507 00 oil, and adhering to 15,000 km service intervals greatly enhances longevity.

Top issues include HPFP camshaft lobe wear, AdBlue system faults (dosing valve crystallisation), DPF regeneration problems, and EGR cooler leaks. These are documented in Volkswagen SIB 2021‑11‑05 and TIS service procedures.

The DKRF appears in the Golf VIII, T-Roc, T-Cross, and Škoda Kamiq (2019–2024) as the 2.0 TDI 150. It was also used in SEAT Arona under shared platform agreements within the Volkswagen Group.

Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–30 kW (180–190 PS) safely, as the stock internals handle increased torque. However, tuning increases HPFP and turbo stress—only proceed with updated camshaft, high-quality diesel, and VW 507 00 oil.

Excellent. In a Golf 2.0 TDI 150, expect ~4.7 L/100km (city) and ~3.5 L/100km (highway), or ~60 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 52–58 mpg UK when DPF/AdBlue systems are functioning properly.

Yes. The DKRF is an interference design. Timing chain failure—though rare due to front-mounted chain—can cause piston-to-valve contact and catastrophic damage. Immediate attention to timing-related noises is essential.

Volkswagen mandates VW 507 00 (0W‑30) low-ash synthetic oil. This specification is critical for DPF/AdBlue compatibility and HPFP cam lobe protection. Never substitute with older specs like 505 01 or non-approved oils.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.

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