
Volkswagen DJHA Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The 2.0-litre high-output TSI petrol engine fitted to late-generation Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3 performance models. Reconditioned units are available from £2,000 , with approximately 130 UK replacement requests recorded in 2025 .

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Volkswagen DJHA - Specifications at a Glance

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Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Which Volkswagen Models Use the DJHA-
The DJHA is the high-output 310 PS variant of the EA888 Gen 3 family. It was primarily reserved for flagship performance hatchbacks and compact executive cars during the late Mk7 and 8V generations, delivering a significant power increase over standard 2.0 TSI variants.
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mk7.5 (Facelift) | Golf R | 2017-2020 | ||
| 8V (Facelift) | S3, S3 Sportback | 2017-2020 |


Volkswagen Audi A3
DJHA is documented across 2 BMW applications spanning Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
Not sure which engine your car has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact DJHA fitment before any quotes are sent.
Volkswagen DJHA Engine Replacement Cost (UK)

Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £800-£1,800 | £1,320-£2,515 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £2,000-£3,800 | £2,520-£4,515 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £3,200-£5,500 | £3,720-£6,215 | 12-24 months |
The replacement cost for the DJHA is heavily influenced by the condition of the IS38 turbocharger and the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). A unit with documented timing chain and water pump servicing will command a premium but offers significantly lower long-term risk for a 310 PS application. For a detailed breakdown of labour and parts across the EA888 family, see our full reconditioned engine cost guide.
Fitting a DJHA typically takes 8-11 hours at £65/hr (independent) - confirm exact labour when comparing quotes.
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Volkswagen DJHA Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the DJHA, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Water pump and thermostat housing leaks.

1. Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Failure - 2017-2020
The composite plastic housing warps under repeated heat cycles, leading to external coolant leaks. If ignored, this causes rapid coolant loss and potential overheating, which can warp the cylinder head.
A standalone housing and pump replacement is often sufficient if caught early. However, if overheating has caused internal damage, a full DJHA engine replacement becomes necessary.
2. High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) and Carbon Buildup - 2017-2020
Direct injection bypasses the intake valves, allowing oil vapour to form carbon deposits. Concurrently, the HPFP can suffer from internal cam-follower wear, leading to lean running conditions, rough idling, and misfires.
Carbon cleaning and HPFP replacement are routine maintenance items. Full engine replacement is rarely required unless severe, prolonged misfires have damaged the catalytic converter or pistons.
3. Turbocharger (IS38) Wastegate Rattle - 2017-2020
The wastegate pivot pin wears, causing a metallic rattling noise on deceleration and eventual boost leaks, triggering a check engine light.
The turbocharger can be rebuilt or replaced independently. A full DJHA engine replacement is only justified if turbo failure sent metal debris into the intake manifold.
The DJHA is a late-cycle EA888 Gen 3 revision, meaning it benefits from updated piston rings and a revised timing chain tensioner compared to earlier 2.0 TSI units, making it one of the more robust iterations of this platform .

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How to Confirm You Have the DJHA
The DJHA engine code is stamped on a machined pad on the engine block, directly above the oil filter housing, and is also listed in section V.5 of your V5C logbook. It is most commonly confused with the lower-output CJXC (300 PS) or the standard Golf GTI CHHB (220 PS) engines. While they share the same EA888 Gen 3 architecture, fitting a lower-spec turbo or ECU without matching the DJHA's specific high-compression internals and IS38 turbocharger will result in severe performance loss and potential detonation.

Not sure which engine your car has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact DJHA fitment before any quotes are sent.
- the 300 PS predecessor to the DJHA, which shares the same EA888 Gen 3 architecture but lacks the revised turbocharger and calibration updates of the later 310 PS facelift variant.
- the latest evolution of the high-output 2.0 TSI, featuring further emissions and thermal management refinements for the newest Golf R and Audi S3 generations.
- the standard 220 PS Golf GTI variant of the EA888 Gen 3 family; owners of non-R/GTI models should reference this page for accurate fitment and pricing.
Confirm the exact DJHA fitment
Not sure which engine your car has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact DJHA fitment before any quotes are sent.
Buying a Replacement DJHA - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
A used DJHA engine is a viable option only if it comes with a verifiable service history confirming the water pump, HPFP, and timing chain have been addressed. Given the high-performance nature of the 310 PS tune, buying a used unit from a heavily modified or track-used host carries significant hidden risk.
Reconditioned:
A proper reconditioned DJHA replaces all wear-prone components, including the water pump assembly, HPFP, and turbocharger seals, while retaining the original high-strength block. This is the recommended route for most owners, balancing cost with long-term reliability for daily and spirited driving.
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is justified if the original DJHA suffered catastrophic failure, such as spun main bearings or severe overheating. A specialist rebuild can also include forged piston upgrades to safely handle future ECU remapping and higher boost levels.
Supply & Fit Line:
Our network pairs your DJHA with vetted UK specialists who understand the EA888 platform, offering nationwide delivery and a minimum 12-month warranty on all supply-and-fit installations.
Vehicle Value Note:
The DJHA is typically found in 2017-2020 Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3 models, which retain strong market values (£15,000-£30,000+). A reconditioned replacement at £2,000-£3,800 represents a safe financial investment, keeping the replacement cost well below 20% of the host vehicle's value, making replacement highly viable.
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Engines Related to the Volkswagen DJHA
Explore engines that are closely related to the Volkswagen DJHA, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
CJXC
- the 300 PS predecessor to the DJHA, which shares the same EA888 Gen 3 architecture but lacks the revised turbocharger and calibration updates of the later 310 PS facelift variant.
DNUE
- the latest evolution of the high-output 2.0 TSI, featuring further emissions and thermal management refinements for the newest Golf R and Audi S3 generations.
CHHB
- the standard 220 PS Golf GTI variant of the EA888 Gen 3 family; owners of non-R/GTI models should reference this page for accurate fitment and pricing.
Audi A3
- the DJHA is a shared Volkswagen Group unit, meaning the exact same physical engine block and internals were fitted to the contemporaneous Audi A3 8V S3, making cross-referencing essential for accurate part sourcing.
Volkswagen DJHAFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Volkswagen DJHA engine replacement cost-
A reconditioned Volkswagen DJHA engine typically costs between £2,000 and £3,800 for supply only. Fitted prices generally range from £2,520 to £4,515 depending on the specialist, while used units are available from £800 but carry higher risk for this high-output tune.
- Fitted prices generally range from £2,520 to £4,515 depending on the specialist.
- Used units are available from £800 but carry higher risk for this high-output tune.
Question 2What is the most common failure with the DJHA engine-
The most documented failure pattern for the DJHA is water pump and thermostat housing leakage. This typically occurs between 60,000 and 90,000 miles due to composite plastic warping, and if ignored, it leads to coolant loss and potential catastrophic overheating.
- This typically occurs between 60,000 and 90,000 miles due to composite plastic warping.
- If ignored, it leads to coolant loss and potential catastrophic overheating.
Question 3Which car models use the Volkswagen DJHA engine-
The DJHA engine code is fitted to late-generation Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 performance models. Primary applications include the Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 (2017-2020), and it is also shared with the Audi A3 8V S3 (2017-2020) under the EA888 Gen 3 architecture.
- Primary applications include the Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 (2017-2020).
- It is also shared with the Audi A3 8V S3 (2017-2020) under the EA888 Gen 3 architecture.
Question 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned DJHA engine-
A reconditioned DJHA is strongly recommended over a used unit for this specific high-output application. Proper reconditioning addresses the known water pump and high-pressure fuel pump weaknesses, whereas used units often lack verifiable service history for these critical EA888 Gen 3 components.
- Proper reconditioning addresses the known water pump and high-pressure fuel pump weaknesses.
- Used units often lack verifiable service history for these critical EA888 Gen 3 components.
Question 5How do I confirm my car has the DJHA engine code-
You can confirm your vehicle has the DJHA engine by checking section V.5 of your V5C registration document. The code is also physically stamped on the engine block, directly above the oil filter housing, and is frequently confused with the lower-output CJXC or standard CHHB variants.
- The code is also physically stamped on the engine block, directly above the oil filter housing.
- It is frequently confused with the lower-output CJXC or standard CHHB variants.
Compare Volkswagen DJHA Engine Prices Today
Get a free, no-obligation price comparison tailored to your exact vehicle. Our registration lookup confirms your DJHA fitment before any quotes are sent, ensuring you receive accurate pricing from verified specialists. With reconditioned DJHA units starting from £2,000, comparing takes two minutes and could save you four figures on your replacement.
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Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Nationwide delivery plus supply and fit availability
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