Diesel · 2010–2014
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All about the Volkswagen Passat B7All about the 1.2 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI CR (EA189) engine
The 1.6 / 2.0 TDI CR (EA189) engine was fitted to the Volkswagen Passat B7 (2010–2014). In the EU that is 86.1 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 2.0 140 hp, 1.6 105 hp, 2.0 170 hp, 2.0, 2.0 177 hp, 1.6.
The most expensive known risk is DPF clogging or faulty DPF pressure sensor: it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €100–1,800 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Power loss, limp mode, EGR fault codes (e.g. P0401), black smoke
Fix: Check EGR position and flow in live data; clean or replace the valve, and the cooler if it is blocked
Signs: DPF light, frequent or interrupted regenerations, limp mode; worse with short trips
Fix: First check the differential pressure sensor and its hoses, then soot and ash load; forced regeneration, cleaning or replacement; use low-ash VW 507.00 oil
Signs: Engine light with P2015, reduced power, sometimes limp mode
Fix: Clean the manifold and fit a linkage repair kit, or replace the manifold with flaps; adapt the flaps with a diagnostic tool
Signs: Engine light, reduced power or limp mode, codes P2563 / P2564
Fix: Check vacuum lines and the control valve, the crankcase pressure valve in the cylinder head cover (1.6 TDI) and the actuator with its position sensor; clean the vanes or replace the turbo if needed
Signs: Oil pressure warning, then sudden loss of oil pressure; the engine can be destroyed
Fix: Stop the engine at once if the oil pressure light comes on; on early engines fit the revised longer (100 mm) hex shaft preventively, e.g. with the timing belt
Signs: Hard starting, power loss, rail pressure codes; metal particles can reach the injectors
Fix: Replace the pump; if there is metal debris, also injectors, rail and lines, and flush the tank; check the fuel filter for metal at services
Signs: Harder starting, rough idle, smoke, higher fuel use, high return flow on the test
Fix: Return-flow (leak-off) test and check of injector coding; recondition or replace the faulty injectors
Signs: Coolant loss, coolant traces at the timing belt cover, temperature warning
Fix: Replace the pump together with the whole timing belt kit, even if the belt is not yet due
Signs: Applies to every EA189; after the update some owners report more EGR and DPF faults
Fix: Have a dealer check by VIN that the free update was done; the 24-month extra cover after the update has expired
Signs: Usually no warning; starter keeps running or overheats, burning smell.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer checks the starter's production data and replaces the solenoid free of charge.
Signs: Knocking or clunking over bumps, vague steering, oily dampers, uneven tyre wear.
Fix: Replace worn control arm bushes / ball joints or the arm, and dampers in axle pairs, then align the wheels.
Signs: Low beam out or misaimed, indicator faults; flagged at the roadworthiness test.
Fix: Check bulbs, connectors and headlight aim; on xenon cars check the ballast and leveling.
Signs: Parking brake warning light, brake does not release or apply on one side.
Fix: Read the codes; free or replace the caliper motor/caliper and run the basic setting.
Signs: Steering warning light on, the column does not unlock and the ignition does not switch on.
Fix: Check immobiliser and comfort module codes first; replace or repair the ELV/ignition lock and adapt it to the immobiliser.
Signs: Wet carpets, musty smell, misted windows, electrical faults from wet connectors.
Fix: Clean the drains under the cowl panel and boot, check seals, dry the carpets and inspect connectors.
Signs: Door does not lock/unlock or freezes shut in winter, door-open warning stays on; window sticks or drops.
Fix: Read the door module codes; replace the lock unit or the regulator.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
Signs: Jerky or hard shifts, flashing gear display, odd or even gears drop out, then limp mode or the car will not move (codes such as P17BF)
Fix: Have the hydraulic pressure checked by a DSG specialist; repair the housing / accumulator with a revised kit or fit a reconditioned mechatronic unit, then run the adaptations
Signs: Gearbox warning and sudden loss of drive (clutches open, car freewheels), usually just after starting; gearbox fuse found blown
Fix: Check whether the recall / service action was done (control unit and mechatronic oil change); otherwise repair or replace the control unit and use the current oil
Signs: Judder or shudder when pulling away or parking, slipping, burning smell, warning to stop when the clutch is hot
Fix: Read clutch wear and adaptation values with a dealer-level tester; reset adaptations first, replace the double clutch (with release levers / bearings) if worn
Signs: Gearbox warning, odd or even gears (1-3-5 or 2-4-R) drop out, delayed or wrong shifts, limp mode or no drive
Fix: Diagnose with a dealer-level tester; repair the control unit / solenoids or fit a reconditioned mechatronic unit, change the oil and filter and run the adaptations
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,400–5,750. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Volkswagen Passat B7 with the 1.6 / 2.0 TDI CR (EA189) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| 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 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 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 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ · 103 kW (140 hp) | 45.2 % | 2011–2013 | — | — |
| 1.6 Diesel1,598 cm³ · 77 kW (105 hp) | 14.7 % | 2011–2013 | — | — |
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ · 125 kW (170 hp) | 11.7 % | 2011–2013 | — | — |
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ | 7.4 % | 2011–2013 | — | — |
| 2.0 Diesel1,968 cm³ · 130 kW (177 hp) | 4.6 % | 2012–2013 | — | — |
| 1.6 Diesel1,598 cm³ | 1.7 % | 2011–2013 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (6). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: steering column lock (ELV) / ignition lock fault: no start (100,000–300,000 km, €250–700); DPF clogging or faulty DPF pressure sensor (80,000–200,000 km, €100–1,800); injector wear (high return flow) (150,000–250,000 km, €400–1,600); turbo boost control fault (P2563): actuator, vacuum or sooted vanes (100,000–220,000 km, €100–1,400).
Belt · 210,000 km / every 120 mo.
5W-30 · VW 507.00 · ~4.3 L · every 15,000 km.
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Main sources for the faults of this engine:
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. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026