EA839 3.0 TFSI vs EA888 Gen 3
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3
BUY
80/100
+20 points over EA839 3.0 TFSI
0
/ 100
CAUTION
EA839 3.0 TFSI
Audi
0
/ 100
BUY
EA888 Gen 3
Audi
Specifications
EA839 3.0 TFSI
EA888 Gen 3
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
60
80
Years
2016--present
2012--2020
Displacement
2995 cc
1984 cc
Layout
V6
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Turbo
Power
354--450 hp
180--306 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€4,000--€10,600
€1,000--€2,300
Character
EA839 3.0 TFSI
"Replaced supercharged EA837. Hot-V layout. Powerful but complex. Turbo and coolant system concerns emerging."
EA888 Gen 3
"Game changer. Dual injection solved carbon. Metal tensioner. 200k+ mi. Best VW Group 4-cyl."
Issues Comparison
EA839 3.0 TFSI 3
▲ HIGH
Water pump inevitable failure
▲ HIGH
Piston design concern — metallurgy confirmed
○ MINOR
HPFP concern (resolved post-2020)
EA888 Gen 3 3
● MODERATE
Water pump failure
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced vs Gen 1/2)
○ MINOR
HPFP noise / wear at high mileage