The Volkswagen DNUC 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 compliance with Euro 6 emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2—including the 2.0 TDI 150 variants—the DNUC was designed for a balance of refinement, fuel economy, and strong pulling power across urban and motorway conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 6b standards from launch.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear leading to rail pressure faults, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2025‑07. This issue is often linked to prolonged use of non‑EN 590 diesel or extended service intervals. In 2018, Volkswagen introduced revised HPFP components for DNUC engines built after production code 08/2018.
All DNUC engines (2015–2020) meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DNUC is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015–2020). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and refined cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel efficiency and regulatory 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 CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The DNUC’s VGT turbo and SCR/AdBlue system deliver strong low-end torque and clean emissions but require strict use of EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel and VW 507 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and emissions hardware. Extended oil change intervals (>15,000 km) increase HPFP wear risk. AdBlue tank refills are mandatory every 10,000–15,000 km. Engines built before 08/2018 should be monitored for HPFP pressure faults per SIB 2025‑07. DPF regeneration cycles are frequent in short-trip driving—occasional highway runs help maintain system health.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2025‑07). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all DNUC engines (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G‑A15).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03G‑A12, 03G‑A13, 03G‑A14, SIB 2025‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DNUC was used across Volkswagen's MQB platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the VAG group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tiguan and modified exhaust routing in the Passat—and from 2018 the facelifted Golf Mk7.5 retained the same engine code but with updated HPFP hardware, creating minor service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled Škoda Octavia and SEAT Ateca to use identical DNUC units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the accessory drive pulley (Volkswagen TIS 03G‑A09). The 7th VIN digit for DNUC-equipped vehicles is typically 'C' or 'D' depending on model. All DNUC engines use a Bosch EDC17CP54 ECU with a rectangular OBD2 port under the dashboard. Critical differentiation from earlier CR engines: DNUC always includes an AdBlue tank (blue filler cap in boot or fuel flap) and SCR catalyst. HPFP part number 03G 127 025 B indicates pre-08/2018 units; 03G 127 025 C denotes revised post-bulletin hardware (Volkswagen SIB 2025‑07).
The DNUC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non‑EN 590 diesel or exceeding 15,000 km oil intervals. Volkswagen internal data from 2019 indicated a measurable increase in HPFP replacements before 100,000 km in affected batches, while UK DVSA MOT data shows low emissions failure rates thanks to robust SCR/DPF design. Fuel quality and oil specification adherence make HPFP longevity 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 DNUC.
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