5.2 V10 TFSI vs EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
BUY
82/100
+20 points over 5.2 V10 TFSI
0
/ 100
CAUTION
5.2 V10 TFSI
Audi
0
/ 100
BUY
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
Volkswagen
Specifications
5.2 V10 TFSI
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Audi
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
62
82
Years
2008--2024
2020--present
Displacement
5204 cc
1984 cc
Layout
V10
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Turbo
Power
560--620 hp
190--320 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€3,000--€8,000
€0--€0
Character
5.2 V10 TFSI
"RS6/RS7 C7, R8 V10 Performance. Twin-turbo V10. Carbon buildup. Turbo failure at high mileage. Coil packs. Timing chain. Incredible performance but maintenance costs match."
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
"Fourth-generation EA888 (evo4, from 2020): 350 bar injection, GPF, 245-320 PS in Golf 8 GTI/R, S3 8Y, Leon/Formentor, Octavia RS. Early data only: two US recalls for assembly faults (radiator mounting, engine cover), no engine-internal failure pattern and no high-mileage history yet. Score carries a limited-data caveat until the fleet ages; the plastic thermostat module is the inherited weak point to watch."
Issues Comparison
5.2 V10 TFSI 1
◆ CRITICAL
Turbo failure
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI) 3
● MODERATE
Plastic thermostat / water-pump module seepage (inherited EA888 weak point — no Gen 4 failure data yet)
● MODERATE
Radiator not secured to intercooler — coolant hose chafes on belt pulley (Golf 8 GTI/R built Feb 2021 to Jul 2022)
○ MINOR
Engine design cover can loosen under hard acceleration — fire risk (2022 Golf GTI/R)