EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA)
Volkswagen · 1.4L TDI I3 (common rail)
2014–2018
"The three-cylinder common-rail 1.4 TDI of the EA288 family (2014-2018), 75-105 hp, in the VW Polo, Skoda Fabia III and Rapid, SEAT Ibiza and Audi A1. It replaced the 1.2 and 1.6 TDI in small cars and is not the older 1.4 TDI pump-injector engine. Economical, but the French press reported early problems: EGR valve and particulate filter clogging, dual-mass flywheel wear and water pump leaks; a few owners report engine failures without warning. Best for cars that do regular longer runs; check the service history and the coolant level."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 4
EGR valve and particulate filter (DPF) clogging
▸DPF or engine warning light, loss of power, frequent regenerations, fan running after switch-off
L'argus (2018) named the EGR valve and the particulate filter among the main failures of the three-cylinder 1.4 TDI launched in 2014. German guides list both as typical diesel wear with high mileage or many short trips. A new DPF for a Polo V TDI cost about 1,500 EUR (Auto Bild, 2017); cleaning or a forced regeneration is cheaper.
No Greek-specific data found.
Sudden engine failure (cause not documented)
▸Often no warning; listen for knocking, check for oil or coolant loss and stored fault codes
fiches-auto owner statistics for the 90 hp version record 5 engine failures in 72 reviews, and a Polo 1.4 TDI 90 owner reported engine failure at 112,000 km without a warning light, with a 6,500 EUR replacement quote. No source identifies a common cause, so treat this as a risk signal rather than a known defect.
No Greek-specific data found.
Dual-mass flywheel wear
▸Rattle at idle or when switching off, vibration when pulling away, clutch judder
L'argus listed the dual-mass flywheel among the main failures of the 1.4 TDI three-cylinder; it is also the most reported item in fiches-auto statistics for the 90 hp version, often replaced with the clutch. Cost not sourced.
No Greek-specific data found.
Water pump leak
▸Falling coolant level, coolant traces under the engine, rising temperature
fiches-auto owners call the water pump of the 90 hp 1.4 TDI particularly fragile (most-reported fault), and Gebrauchtwagenberater notes occasional water pump problems on the Fabia III 1.4 TDI. Overheating can force an early pump and timing belt change. Cost not sourced.
No Greek-specific data found.
Models with EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA) 7
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volkswagen EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA) reliable?
The Volkswagen EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA) scores 74/100 with a verdict of ACCEPTABLE. It has 4 documented issues with total repair costs between €0 and €8,000.
What are the common problems with the EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA)?
The most common issues are:
- EGR valve and particulate filter (DPF) clogging — high, repair cost N/A–€1,500, N/A–N/A
- Sudden engine failure (cause not documented) — high, repair cost N/A–€6,500, 112,000 km–N/A
- Dual-mass flywheel wear — moderate, repair cost N/A–N/A, N/A–N/A
- Water pump leak — moderate, repair cost N/A–N/A, N/A–N/A
What cars use the Volkswagen EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA)?
How much does it cost to repair the EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA)?
Total potential repair costs for all 4 known issues range from €0 to €8,000. The most expensive issue is typically Sudden engine failure (cause not documented).
What years was the EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA) produced?
The Volkswagen EA288 1.4 TDI (CUSA/CUSB/CUTA) was produced from 2014 to 2018. It is a 1422cc I3 diesel engine.
Scores are calculated from documented issues, repair costs, and failure patterns across thousands of owner reports and technical sources. Learn about our methodology. Always inspect before you buy.