Water pump / thermostat housing leak
usually 70,000–140,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant loss, overheating warning
Fix: Replace the pump + thermostat module
€400–800
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.8 / 2.0 TSI / TFSI (EA888)
Petrol · 1,798 / 1,984 cm³ · 88–245 kW
62
model generations
5
known faults
2,628,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 62 model generations, among them: Audi A4 (B9), Audi Q5 (FY), Audi A6 (C8), Volkswagen Golf VII, Volkswagen Golf VIII, Volkswagen Tiguan II and 56 more.
The most expensive known risk is excessive oil consumption (Gen 2, 2008–2012): it usually appears at 60,000–180,000 km and costs €2,500–5,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,798 / 1,984 cm³ |
| Power | 88–245 kW |
| Years | 2007–2027 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~4.6–5.7 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | BYT, BZB, CABA, CABB, CABD, CDAA, CDAB, CDHA, CDHB, CAWA, CAWB, CCTA, CCTB, CCZA, CCZB, CCZC, CAEA, CAEB, CDNB, CDNC, CPMA, CPMB, CJSA, CJSB … |
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.
PCV valve failure
usually 60,000–120,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Whistle at idle, lean codes, oil leaks
Fix: Replace PCV / oil separator
€100–250
Carbon build-up on intake valves
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, misfires (direct injection)
Fix: Walnut blasting
€300–600
Timing chain tensioner (pre-2013)
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on start; early engines only
Fix: Upgraded tensioner and chain
€1,000–2,000
Excessive oil consumption (Gen 2, 2008–2012)
usually 60,000–180,000 km · High risk
model years 2008–2012 only
Signs: Needs 0.5–1 L per 1,000 km, blue smoke, sooty plugs
Fix: Oil consumption test; updated pistons and rings
€2,500–5,000
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Audi A1 (8X) 2010–2018Audi A1 (GB) 2018–Audi A3 (8P) 2003–2012Audi A3 (8V) 2012–2020Audi A3 (8Y) 2020–Audi A4 (B8) 2007–2015Audi A4 (B9) 2015–2024Audi A5 (8T) 2007–2016Audi A5 (B10) 2024–Audi A5 (F5) 2016–2024Audi A6 (C6) 2004–2011Audi 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 (8R) 2008–2017Audi Q5 (FY) 2017–Audi Q7 (4M) 2015–Audi Q8 (4M) 2018–Audi TT (8J / FV) 2006–2023Cupra Formentor 2020–Cupra Terramar 2024–Porsche Macan 2014–SEAT Alhambra II 2010–2020SEAT Altea 2004–2015SEAT Ateca 2016–SEAT Exeo 2008–2013SEAT León II 2005–2012SEAT León III 2012–2020SEAT León IV 2020–SEAT Tarraco 2018–Škoda Karoq 2017–Škoda Kodiaq I 2016–2024Škoda Kodiaq II 2024–Škoda Octavia II 2004–2013Škoda Octavia III 2013–2020Škoda Octavia IV 2020–Škoda Superb II 2008–2015Škoda Superb III 2015–2023Škoda Superb IV 2024–Škoda Yeti 2009–2017Volkswagen Arteon 2017–2024Volkswagen Beetle (A5) 2011–2019Volkswagen Golf VI 2008–2012Volkswagen Golf VII 2012–2020Volkswagen Golf VIII 2019–Volkswagen Passat B6 2005–2010Volkswagen Passat B7 2010–2014Volkswagen Passat B8 2014–2023Volkswagen Passat B9 2023–Volkswagen Passat CC / CC 2008–2016Volkswagen Polo VI (AW) 2017–Volkswagen Scirocco III 2008–2017Volkswagen Sharan II 2010–2022Volkswagen T-Roc 2017–Volkswagen Tiguan I 2007–2016Volkswagen Tiguan II 2016–2024Volkswagen Tiguan III 2024–Volkswagen Transporter T6 / T6.1 2015–2024
Common questions
Does the 1.8 / 2.0 TSI / TFSI (EA888) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.8 / 2.0 TSI / TFSI (EA888) engine take?
5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~4.6–5.7 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.8 / 2.0 TSI / TFSI (EA888) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: excessive oil consumption (Gen 2, 2008–2012) (60,000–180,000 km, €2,500–5,000); timing chain tensioner (pre-2013) (80,000–160,000 km, €1,000–2,000); water pump / thermostat housing leak (70,000–140,000 km, €400–800); carbon build-up on intake valves (100,000–180,000 km, €300–600).
Which cars have the 1.8 / 2.0 TSI / TFSI (EA888) engine?
Audi A4 (B9), Audi Q5 (FY), Audi A6 (C8), Volkswagen Golf VII, Volkswagen Golf VIII, Volkswagen Tiguan II and 56 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