V10 TDI 5.0 vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
BUY
80/100
+42 points over V10 TDI 5.0
0
/ 100
AVOID
V10 TDI 5.0
Volkswagen
0
/ 100
BUY
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Volkswagen
Specifications
V10 TDI 5.0
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
38
80
Years
2002--2010
2012--2020
Displacement
4921 cc
1984 cc
Layout
V10
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
313 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€4,000--€11,000
€700--€1,500
Character
V10 TDI 5.0
"Touareg V10 TDI. Twin-turbo V10 diesel. Enormous torque. Timing gear failures. Turbo failures (twin system). Injectors (10). DPF. Camshaft wear. Specialist nightmare. Parts astronomical."
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
"Same as Audi EA888 Gen 3. Dual injection, metal tensioner. Golf GTI/R engine. Proven."
Issues Comparison
V10 TDI 5.0 2
◆ CRITICAL
Twin turbo failure
◆ CRITICAL
Camshaft wear
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 2
● MODERATE
Water pump failure
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced in Gen 3)