EGR cooler leak or clogging
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant loss without visible leak, EGR codes
Fix: Replace EGR cooler
€600–1,200
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288)
Diesel · 1,422 / 1,598 / 1,968 cm³ · 55–176 kW
59
model generations
3
known faults
9,731,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Diesel. Timing drive: belt · 210,000 km / every 120 mo.
In our database this engine is fitted to 59 model generations, among them: Volkswagen Golf VII, Volkswagen Passat B8, Škoda Octavia III, Volkswagen Tiguan II, Audi A3 (8V), Škoda Octavia IV and 53 more.
The most expensive known risk is DPF clogging: it usually appears at 120,000–200,000 km and costs €150–1,500 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,422 / 1,598 / 1,968 cm³ |
| Power | 55–176 kW |
| Years | 2012–2027 |
| Timing drive | Belt · 210,000 km / every 120 mo |
| Oil | 0W-30 / 5W-30 · VW 507.00 · ~4.3–4.6 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | CLHA, CLHB, CRKB, CXXB, CXXA, DBKA, DDYA, DGTE, DCXA, CUSA, CUSB, CRLB, CRBC, CUNA, CKFC, CKFB, DFGA, DFFA, DCYA, DEJA, DTTA, DETA, DEUA, DESA … |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
DPF clogging
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: DPF light, regeneration every few days
Fix: Longer motorway drives, cleaning or replacement
€150–1,500
Water pump leak
usually 140,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Coolant smell, pink crust near the pump
Fix: Replace, ideally with the timing belt
€250–450
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Volkswagen Golf VII as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 210,000 km or every 120 months | €450–900 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Audi A1 (8X) 2010–2018Audi A3 (8V) 2012–2020Audi A3 (8Y) 2020–Audi A4 (B9) 2015–2024Audi A5 (B10) 2024–Audi A5 (F5) 2016–2024Audi A6 (C7) 2011–2018Audi A6 (C8) 2018–Audi A7 (4G) 2010–2018Audi A7 (4K) 2018–Audi Q2 2016–Audi Q3 (8U) 2011–2018Audi Q3 (F3) 2018–Audi Q5 (FY) 2017–Audi TT (8J / FV) 2006–2023Cupra Formentor 2020–Ford Tourneo / Transit Connect III 2022–SEAT Alhambra II 2010–2020SEAT Arona 2017–SEAT Ateca 2016–SEAT Ibiza IV 2008–2017SEAT Ibiza V 2017–SEAT León III 2012–2020SEAT León IV 2020–SEAT Tarraco 2018–SEAT Toledo IV 2012–2019Škoda Fabia III 2014–2021Škoda Kamiq 2019–Škoda Karoq 2017–Škoda Kodiaq I 2016–2024Škoda Kodiaq II 2024–Škoda Octavia III 2013–2020Škoda Octavia IV 2020–Škoda Rapid 2012–2019Škoda Scala 2019–Škoda Superb III 2015–2023Škoda Superb IV 2024–Škoda Yeti 2009–2017Volkswagen Arteon 2017–2024Volkswagen Beetle (A5) 2011–2019Volkswagen Caddy III 2004–2020Volkswagen Caddy V 2020–Volkswagen Crafter II 2017–Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan 2014–2020Volkswagen Golf VII 2012–2020Volkswagen Golf VIII 2019–Volkswagen Jetta VI 2010–2018Volkswagen Passat B8 2014–2023Volkswagen Passat B9 2023–Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C) 2009–2017Volkswagen Polo VI (AW) 2017–Volkswagen Scirocco III 2008–2017Volkswagen Sharan II 2010–2022Volkswagen T-Cross 2019–Volkswagen T-Roc 2017–Volkswagen Tiguan II 2016–2024Volkswagen Tiguan III 2024–Volkswagen Touran II 2015–Volkswagen Transporter T6 / T6.1 2015–2024
Common questions
Does the 1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Belt · 210,000 km / every 120 mo.
What oil does the 1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288) engine take?
0W-30 / 5W-30 · VW 507.00 · ~4.3–4.6 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: DPF clogging (120,000–200,000 km, €150–1,500); EGR cooler leak or clogging (120,000–200,000 km, €600–1,200).
Which cars have the 1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288) engine?
Volkswagen Golf VII, Volkswagen Passat B8, Škoda Octavia III, Volkswagen Tiguan II, Audi A3 (8V), Škoda Octavia IV and 53 more.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026