EA189 TDI vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+25 points over EA189 TDI
0 / 100
CAUTION EA189 TDI Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

EA189 TDI
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
55
80
Years
2008--2015
1991--2000
Displacement
1968 cc
1781 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
110--177 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
2
1
Total Risk Cost
€400--€2,700
€200--€400

Character

EA189 TDI

"The Dieselgate engine. Mechanically decent but emissions cheating scandal. Residual value impact. Fixed under recall."

1.8 NA

"Golf III/IV, Passat B4. Simple 8V NA. Hydraulic lifters. Timing belt (interference). Oil leaks. Nearly unbreakable with basic maintenance. One of VW's most reliable engines."

Issues Comparison

EA189 TDI 2

◆ CRITICAL
Dieselgate NOx defeat device — verify recall complete €0--€1,500 0 km--∞
▲ HIGH
EGR failure post-recall (widespread) €400--€1,200 0 km--60,000 km

1.8 NA 1

▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €200--€400 60,000 km--90,000 km

Models

EA189 TDI 5

Golf 2.0 TDI MK5 2008--2008 Hatchback Leon 1.6 TDI 5F 2012--2020 Hatchback Octavia 1.6 TDI 5E 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 2.0 TDI B7 2010--2015 Sedan Tiguan 2.0 TDI 5N 2008--2016 SUV

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full EA189 TDI Report Full 1.8 NA Report