The SCR system — which uses AdBlue to reduce NOx emissions on diesel vehicles — is not performing efficiently enough. Can be caused by low AdBlue, contaminated AdBlue or a system fault.
Is It Safe to Drive With a P20EE Code?
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Drive With Caution — Get It Diagnosed Soon
You may be able to continue driving carefully for a short time, but this fault should be diagnosed promptly. If the engine management light is flashing, treat this as a stop code and do not continue driving.
Common Symptoms of a P20EE Fault
EML and/or AdBlue warning light
Possible limp mode warning after repeated restarts if ignored
No immediate driveability loss in most cases
Vehicle may refuse to restart after a set number of ignition cycles if not resolved
Possible Causes of P20EE
A P20EE code can be triggered by faults in several different vehicle systems. Identifying the specific root cause requires proper diagnostic equipment and live data analysis — not just reading the code itself.
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Low AdBlue Level
AdBlue tank needs refilling — the most common cause.
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Contaminated AdBlue
Incorrect or contaminated fluid has been added to the AdBlue tank.
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AdBlue Injector Fault
The injector spraying AdBlue into the exhaust has failed.
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NOx Sensor Fault
One of the NOx sensors monitoring SCR efficiency is faulty.
Why we don't list the exact part: A P20EE code tells you what's happening but not why. Replacing parts based on the code alone without proper diagnosis is the most common way drivers waste money. A proper diagnosis identifies the exact cause first.
🔍 Get Your Exact Diagnosis
Find Out Exactly What's
Causing Your P20EE — £1.99
MotorLoom cross-references your P20EE against known fault patterns for your exact make, model and mileage — giving you the most likely specific cause, UK repair cost estimate and MOT risk instantly.
Most likely specific cause for your exact vehicle
UK repair cost estimate (parts + labour)
MOT pass/fail risk assessment
Whether it's safe to continue driving
P20EE and Your MOT
A stored P20EE fault code will cause your car to fail its MOT. The engine management light will be illuminated during the test, which is an automatic failure under current MOT testing standards. Even if the light clears temporarily, the code remains in the ECU memory and can be read by the tester's equipment.
Get the fault properly diagnosed and repaired first — then have the code cleared and confirm the light doesn't return before booking your test.
Related Fault Codes
P20EE — scr nox catalyst efficiency below threshold — bank 1 — is a fault that requires proper diagnosis before any parts are replaced. The code indicates what system is affected but not which specific component has failed. A MotorLoom diagnostic report for £1.99 gives you the most likely specific cause for your exact vehicle, UK repair cost estimate and MOT risk instantly.