EA288 2.0 TDI
Volkswagen · 2.0L TDI (clean diesel)
2015–present
"Post-Dieselgate clean diesel. AdBlue SCR. Reliable if DPF maintained. Strong highway cruiser."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 2
DPF blockage — city use
▸DPF warning, limp mode
Clean diesel, same DPF regen requirements as all diesels.
Athens city use: plan highway runs every 2-3 weeks minimum. 30+ min at 100+ km/h.
EGR fouling (much better than EA189)
▸Rough idle, slight smoke
Post-Dieselgate engineering. Less aggressive than EA189 post-recall.
Standard diesel maintenance. Manageable with proper use.
Models with EA288 2.0 TDI 25
Other Volkswagen Engines
1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV)
1.9L TDI I4
View details → Compare: EA288 2.0 TDI vs 1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV)EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
2.0L TSI I4
View details → Compare: EA288 2.0 TDI vs EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)Tuning Potential
Stage 1 ~210hp safe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volkswagen EA288 2.0 TDI reliable?
The Volkswagen EA288 2.0 TDI scores 76/100 with a verdict of ACCEPTABLE. It has 2 documented issues with total repair costs between €800 and €2,200.
What are the common problems with the EA288 2.0 TDI?
The most common issues are:
- DPF blockage — city use — high, repair cost €500–€1,500, 60,000 km–120,000 km
- EGR fouling (much better than EA189) — minor, repair cost €300–€700, 80,000 km–150,000 km
What cars use the Volkswagen EA288 2.0 TDI?
The EA288 2.0 TDI is found in:
- Ibiza (2014–2017)
- Polo (2014–2017)
- Fabia (2015–2018)
- Ibiza (2015–2017)
- Rapid (2015–2019)
- Fabia (2015–2018)
- Ateca 2.0 TDI (2016–2024)
- Caddy 2.0 TDI (2015–2024)
- Golf 2.0 TDI (2012–2020)
- Golf 2.0 TDI (2019–2024)
How much does it cost to repair the EA288 2.0 TDI?
Total potential repair costs for all 2 known issues range from €800 to €2,200. The most expensive issue is typically .
What years was the EA288 2.0 TDI produced?
The Volkswagen EA288 2.0 TDI was produced from 2015 to present. It is a 1968cc I4 diesel engine.
Verdict and scores are editorial opinions based on aggregated data. Learn about our methodology. Not a substitute for professional inspection.