Volkswagen CLHB Engine (2012–2019) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CLHB is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. Its compact design and turbocharging provide strong low‑rpm response for everyday drivability.

Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2—including variants like the Golf 1.4 TSI 150 PS and Passat 1…

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards across all EU markets .

Volkswagen CLHB Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CLHB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions from launch, it balances performance with urban efficiency.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,395 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (RON 95 min)
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Bore × stroke
74.5 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output
110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm
Torque
250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (200 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6
Compression ratio
10.0:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat
Turbocharger
Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell TD025)
Timing system
Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design)
Oil type
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
112 kg

Volkswagen CLHB Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CLHB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and Audi under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat B8 and modified exhaust manifolds in the Tiguan Mk2—and from 2017 the Golf Mk7.5 retained the same code but with updated ECU calibrations for WLTP compliance, creating minor software interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda Octavia and Audi A3 with identical mechanical architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2012–2019
Models:
Golf Mk7
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 03C‑907‑501
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2014–2019
Models:
Passat B8
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 03C‑907‑501
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2016–2019
Models:
Tiguan Mk2
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 03C‑907‑501
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2013–2019
Models:
Octavia Mk3
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS (engine code CZDA/CLHB)
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK‑03C‑2021
Make:
Audi
Years:
2013–2018
Models:
A3 8V
Variants:
1.4 TFSI 150 PS (engine code CZDA)
View Source
Audi ETKA Doc. 03C‑A3‑150

Looking for a replacement Volkswagen engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

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.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CLHB Compatible Models

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.

Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, cold-start misfires, reduced power, P030X fault codes.
Cause: Lack of port fuel injection allows oil vapour and blow-by to bake onto intake valves, restricting airflow.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell blasting of intake ports per OEM procedure; inspect and clean PCV system simultaneously.
PCV (Crankcase Ventilation) valve failure
Symptoms: Oil leaks, excessive crankcase pressure, whistling noise from engine bay.
Cause: Diaphragm in integrated PCV valve hardens over time, failing to regulate blow-by gases.
Fix: Replace the complete valve cover assembly with updated PCV valve per service bulletin; verify crankcase pressure post-repair.
High-pressure fuel pump wear
Symptoms: Hard starts, fuel pressure DTCs (P0087), loss of power under load.
Cause: Cam-driven HPFP plunger wear due to marginal lubricity in low-sulfur petrol or incorrect oil.
Fix: Replace HPFP with latest OEM part; ensure correct VW 502 00/504 00 oil is used to support cam lobe durability.
Turbocharger actuator calibration drift
Symptoms: Boost spikes or limp mode, inconsistent throttle response, overboost codes.
Cause: Electronic actuator linkage wears or loses calibration after thermal cycling.
Fix: Perform actuator adaptation via OEM diagnostics; replace actuator if adaptation fails or mechanical play is detected.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

VOLKSWAGEN CLHB FAQ Common Questions Answered

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

The CLHB is generally robust with proper maintenance. Its timing chain is durable, but carbon buildup on intake valves is common in city-driven cars. Using correct VW-spec oil and periodic induction cleaning (every 80,000 km) greatly improves longevity. Avoid chronic short trips to minimize deposits.

Top issues include intake valve coking (due to direct injection), PCV valve failure causing oil leaks, high-pressure fuel pump wear, and turbo actuator calibration drift. These are documented in Volkswagen SIBs 2016‑07 and 2015‑12, not anecdotal reports.

The CLHB powered the Golf Mk7 (1.4 TSI 150 PS), Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2 from 2012–2019. It was also used in Škoda Octavia Mk3 and Audi A3 8V under codes CZDA/CLHB, sharing identical mechanical components across the MQB platform.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CLHB 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.

In a Golf 1.4 TSI 150 PS, expect ~6.2 L/100km city and ~4.5 L/100km highway, or ~52 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 48–55 mpg (UK), depending on conditions. ACT (cylinder deactivation) improves highway efficiency slightly.

Yes. The CLHB is an interference design. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible with severe neglect), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain is low-failure if maintained with correct oil and intervals.

Volkswagen specifies 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. This ensures turbo and camshaft protection. Change every 15,000 km or annually—whichever comes first—to maintain chain and HPFP longevity.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

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.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

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.

Evidence and uncertainty

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.

Primary Sources

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.

Methodology

Data compilation

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.

Corrections & Submissions

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 & Legal

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

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

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.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

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.

Commercial Disclosure

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.

Funding model

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.

Verification and identification note

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.