EA288 2.0 TDI vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+4 points over EA288 2.0 TDI
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE EA288 2.0 TDI Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

EA288 2.0 TDI
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BUY
Reliability
76
80
Years
2015--present
1991--2000
Displacement
1968 cc
1781 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
150--190 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
2
1
Total Risk Cost
€800--€2,200
€200--€400

Character

EA288 2.0 TDI

"Post-Dieselgate clean diesel. AdBlue SCR. Reliable if DPF maintained. Strong highway cruiser."

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

EA288 2.0 TDI 2

▲ HIGH
DPF blockage — city use €500--€1,500 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
EGR fouling (much better than EA189) €300--€700 80,000 km--150,000 km

1.8 NA 1

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

Models

EA288 2.0 TDI 25

Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2015--2017 Fabia NJ 2015--2018 Polo 6R/6C 2015--2017 Rapid NH 2015--2019 Ibiza 6J 2015--2017 Fabia NJ 2015--2018 Ateca 2.0 TDI KH 2016--2024 SUV Caddy 2.0 TDI SA 2015--2024 Van Golf 2.0 TDI 7 2015--2020 Hatchback Golf 2.0 TDI 8 2019--2024 Hatchback Karoq 2.0 TDI NU 2017--2024 SUV Kodiaq 2.0 TDI NS 2016--2024 SUV Leon 2.0 TDI KL 2020--2024 Hatchback Leon 2.0 TDI 5F 2015--2020 Hatchback Octavia 2.0 TDI NX 2020--2024 Hatchback Octavia 2.0 TDI 5E 2015--2020 Hatchback Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI 5E 2015--2020 Wagon Passat 2.0 TDI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Passat Variant 2.0 TDI B8 2015--2023 Wagon Sharan 2.0 TDI 7N 2015--2022 MPV Superb 2.0 TDI 3V 2015--2024 Sedan T-Roc 2.0 TDI A1 2017--2024 SUV Tiguan 2.0 TDI AD 2016--2024 SUV Touareg 3.0 TDI CR 2015--2018 SUV Touran 2.0 TDI 5T 2015--2024 MPV

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full EA288 2.0 TDI Report Full 1.8 NA Report