EA288 2.0 TDI vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+16 points over EA288 2.0 TDI
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE EA288 2.0 TDI Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

EA288 2.0 TDI
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
76
92
Years
2015--present
1996--2006
Displacement
1968 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Diesel
Power
150--190 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€800--€2,200
€1,150--€2,900

Character

EA288 2.0 TDI

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

1.9 TDI (ALH)

"The legendary ALH. 500k+ miles documented. Simple mechanical injection. Nearly unkillable. Belt-driven."

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

1.9 TDI (ALH) 3

▲ HIGH
Timing belt replacement — interference engine €250--€500 60,000 km--90,000 km
○ MINOR
Injection pump wear (very high mileage) €400--€1,200 250,000 km--∞
○ MINOR
Turbo wear at very high mileage €500--€1,200 200,000 km--∞

Models

EA288 2.0 TDI 25

Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2014--2017 Polo 6R/6C 2014--2017 Fabia NJ 2015--2018 Ibiza 6J 2015--2017 Rapid NH 2015--2019 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 2012--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 5F 2012--2020 Hatchback Leon 2.0 TDI KL 2020--2024 Hatchback Octavia 2.0 TDI 5E 2012--2020 Hatchback Octavia 2.0 TDI NX 2020--2024 Hatchback Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI 5E 2012--2020 Wagon Passat 2.0 TDI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Passat Variant 2.0 TDI B8 2015--2023 Wagon Sharan 2.0 TDI 7N 2010--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 2010--2018 SUV Touran 2.0 TDI 5T 2015--2024 MPV

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full EA288 2.0 TDI Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report