The Vauxhall A 14 XER is a 1,399 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2013. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and sequential multi‑point fuel injection. Output ranges from 74–77 kW (101–105 PS) with torque between 130–136 Nm, providing responsive urban performance with improved fuel efficiency over earlier SOHC units.
Fitted to compact models such as the Corsa C, Corsa D, and Meriva A, the A 14…

Production years 2005–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2013 models meet Euro 5 depending on market .
The Vauxhall A 14 XER is a 1,399 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2005–2013). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver responsive low‑to‑mid range torque and smooth urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance, efficiency, and regulatory compliance through precise electronic engine management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,399 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 77.8 mm × 73.4 mm | |
Power output | 74–77 kW (101–105 PS) | |
Torque | 130–136 Nm @ 4,000–4,400 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch ME7.9.7) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2005–2008); Euro 5 (2009–2013) | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven dual overhead camshafts | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 102 kg |
The Vauxhall A 14 XER was used across Vauxhall's T-Car and Zafira A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva and modified intake manifolds in the Corsa D—and from 2009 the updated timing tensioner design improved reliability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The A 14 XER is generally reliable and can exceed 150,000 km with proper care. Early units (pre-2009) are prone to timing tensioner wear, but later versions are more durable. Regular oil changes with correct 5W‑30 spec oil and use of quality fuel are essential for longevity.
Common issues include timing chain tensioner wear (early builds), intake valve carbon buildup, throttle body contamination, and camshaft position sensor failure. These are documented in Vauxhall Engineering Bulletins EB‑07‑18 and service manuals from the 2000s.
The A 14 XER powered the Corsa C (2005–2006), Corsa D (2006–2013), and Meriva A (2005–2010) as the 1.4i 16v petrol variant. It was never licensed to other manufacturers. All applications used transverse front-wheel-drive mounting.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the A-14-XER platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Typical consumption is ~7.2 L/100km (city) and ~5.4 L/100km (highway), or about 39–44 mpg UK combined. Well-maintained examples achieve 38–46 mpg (UK) on mixed routes, depending on driving style and fuel quality.
Yes. The A 14 XER is an interference engine. If the timing chain jumps or fails, the pistons will contact the valves, causing severe internal damage. Any timing rattle must be addressed immediately.
Vauxhall specifies SAE 5W‑30 oil meeting ACEA A3/B4 or GM‑LL‑A‑025 standards. Full synthetic is recommended. Change every 15,000 km or annually. Correct oil is critical for timing chain and tensioner longevity.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
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.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.