1.6 TDI EA288 (CLHA/CRKB/CXXB/DCXA/DGDA/DGTE) vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
BUY
80/100
+8 points over 1.6 TDI EA288 (CLHA/CRKB/CXXB/DCXA/DGDA/DGTE)
0
/ 100
ACCEPTABLE
1.6 TDI EA288 (CLHA/CRKB/CXXB/DCXA/DGDA/DGTE)
Volkswagen
0
/ 100
BUY
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Volkswagen
Specifications
1.6 TDI EA288 (CLHA/CRKB/CXXB/DCXA/DGDA/DGTE)
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BUY
Reliability
72
80
Years
2012--2021
2012--2020
Displacement
1598 cc
1984 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
80--120 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
5
2
Total Risk Cost
€2,900--€4,800
€700--€1,500
Character
1.6 TDI EA288 (CLHA/CRKB/CXXB/DCXA/DGDA/DGTE)
"MQB-era 1.6 TDI. Robust bottom end and turbo; the pain is the emissions kit. Engines built to September 2014 can overheat when the switchable water pump control slide fails (VW TPI 2041955); EGR cooler, DPF and AdBlue sensors suffer on short trips. A motorway commuter car, not a city car."
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
"Same as Audi EA888 Gen 3. Dual injection, metal tensioner. Golf GTI/R engine. Proven."
Issues Comparison
1.6 TDI EA288 (CLHA/CRKB/CXXB/DCXA/DGDA/DGTE) 5
▲ HIGH
Switchable water pump control slide failure - overheating (built to Sep 2014)
▲ HIGH
Timing belt - interference engine, 210,000 km interval
● MODERATE
AdBlue (SCR) sensor, heater and pump failures
● MODERATE
DPF clogging and oil dilution on short trips
● MODERATE
EGR cooler and valve sooting, sticking or leaking
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 2
● MODERATE
Water pump failure
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced in Gen 3)