1.6 TDI (EA288) vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) BUY 80/100
+4 points over 1.6 TDI (EA288)
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE 1.6 TDI (EA288) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.6 TDI (EA288)
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BUY
Reliability
76
80
Years
2009--2020
2012--2020
Displacement
1598 cc
1984 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
90--115 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
0
2
Total Risk Cost
€0--€0
€700--€1,500

Character

1.6 TDI (EA288)

"Efficient commuter diesel. DPF-equipped. Good for mixed driving. Avoid short trips only."

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) 0

No documented issues.

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 2

● MODERATE
Water pump failure €400--€900 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced in Gen 3) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

1.6 TDI (EA288) 41

Ibiza 6J 2010--2015 Roomster 5J 2010--2015 Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Caddy 2K 2010--2015 Altea 5P 2009--2015 Leon 1P 2010--2012 Ibiza 6J 2010--2015 Roomster 5J 2010--2015 Leon Mk2 (1P) 2009--2012 Superb 3T 2010--2015 Octavia 1Z 2009--2013 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2010--2015 Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Passat B7 (3C) 2010--2014 Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Golf Mk6 (5K) 2009--2012 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2010--2017 Rapid NH 2012--2019 Yeti 5L 2009--2018 Toledo Mk4 (KG) 2013--2019 Polo 6R/6C 2009--2014 Toledo Mk4 (KG) 2015--2019 A3 8V 2012--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2012--2018 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2012--2019 Leon 5F 2013--2020 Octavia 5E 2013--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2012--2020 Passat B8 (3G) 2014--2019 Superb 3V 2015--2019 Scala NW 2019--2020 Ateca KH7 2016--2020 Arona KJ7 2017--2021 Tiguan AD 2016--2020 Ateca KH 2016--2020 Touran 5T 2015--2020 Kodiaq NS 2017--2020 Karoq NU 2017--2020 T-Roc A11 2017--2020 Ibiza Mk5 (KJ) 2017--2021 Ibiza Mk5 (KJ) 2017--2021

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 31

Golf Mk6 (5K) 2010--2012 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2017 Passat B8 (3G) 2014--2019 Superb 3V 2015--2019 Octavia 5E 2013--2017 Octavia 5E 2017--2020 Kodiaq NS 2017--2024 Transporter T5 2012--2015 Transporter T6 2015--2021 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2016--2017 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2019 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2014--2017 Leon 5F 2014--2017 A3 8V 2013--2016 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2016--2018 A3 8V 2016--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2017--2020 Leon 5F 2017--2020 Tiguan AD 2016--2024 Superb 3V 2019--2024 Q3 F3 2019--present Passat B8 (3G) 2019--2023 Arteon 3H 2017--present Ateca KH 2016--present Ateca 2.0 TSI KH 2018--2024 SUV Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Golf R 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 2.0 TSI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Polo GTI 2.0 TSI AW 2017--2024 Hatchback Scirocco 2.0 TSI 13 2008--2017 Coupe T-Roc R 2.0 TSI A1 2019--2024 SUV
Full 1.6 TDI (EA288) Report Full EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Report