Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo)Particulate filter (DPF/FAP)Engine sensors
Clogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensor on the 2.0 TDI
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: Caradisiac speaks of frequent fouling on all the Tiguan's TDI engines and of a short-lived differential sensor on the Audi A4; Auto Express advises a petrol car for anyone who mostly does short journeys.[1][2][5]
Symptoms
- The warning light comes on when the soot reaches the limit and a regeneration has to be done on the road.[6]DPF warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Emissions system fault warning if the differential pressure sensor fails.[2]Pollution control faulty: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Smell of burning and a very hot engine after switching off: this is usually a regeneration in progress, not a fault.[7]Burning smell: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
On short, urban journeys the exhaust does not get hot enough to burn off the soot and regenerations are interrupted.[1][6]
Oil with too much ash leaves residues that the filter cannot burn off.[6]
According to critics of the dieselgate update, the updated engine generates more soot; Volkswagen states that the filter lasts at least 180,000 km with the correct oil.[8]
If it is not repaired: A clogged filter increases exhaust back pressure, which can end up damaging the turbo.[8]
Affected cars and years
Affects any diesel with a filter used mainly in town; the sources document it on the EA189 (Tiguan, Audi A4, Superb).[1][2][5][6]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015) | 2008–2015 | CBDCCFFDCAACCBABCFFBCFHCCFHDCAGACJCACBACCAHACBBBCFGBCFGCCGLC |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Audi
- Audi A3 II2003–2012
- Audi A4 B82008–2015
- Audi Q3 I2011–2018
- Audi Q5 I2008–2017
Seat
- Seat León II2005–2012
- Seat Altea2004–2015
- Seat Exeo2008–2013
- Seat Alhambra II2010–2020
Škoda
- Škoda Octavia II2004–2013
- Škoda Superb II2008–2015
- Škoda Yeti2009–2017
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Golf VI2008–2012
- Volkswagen Passat B62005–2010
- Volkswagen Passat B72010–2014
- Volkswagen Tiguan I2008–2016
- Volkswagen Touran I2003–2015
- Volkswagen Scirocco III2008–2017
- Volkswagen Jetta VI2010–2018
- Volkswagen Sharan II2010–2020
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the particulate filter including labour.[2][3][4]
Cleaning costs around €200 and Autofácil recommends it before replacing the filter. Diariomotor puts a new filter at anything from €500-600 to over €2,000. The differential pressure sensor is cheap, according to Caradisiac.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Particulate filter differential pressure sensor[2]
Measures the filter load; if it fails, it gives an emissions warning.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 26 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to clean or replace the particulate filter?
Autofácil recommends cleaning it first, for around €200. Replacing it costs €800 to €3,000 including labour.[3]
Why does my 2.0 TDI smell of burning when I switch it off?
If the engine is very hot and smells of burning, the particulate filter was normally regenerating.[7]
Can the particulate filter be removed?
No. Diariomotor points out that removing it is illegal and that the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection) can detect it.[4]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 2.0 TDI faults
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDIOn the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI (2003-2010), especially the 140 hp, there are numerous cases of an oil pump that does not provide enough pressure. If lubrication fails, the first thing to break is usually the turbo.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlManipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent updateThe 2.0 TDI EA189 (2008-2015) had software that reduced the EGR outside type-approval tests. Volkswagen fixes it free of charge with an update of about 30 minutes, which is not mandatory to pass the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) and whose long-term effects are still under discussion.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionHigh-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189On the 2.0 TDI EA189, the high-pressure pump can shed metal particles that force the pump and injectors to be replaced. In addition, 2009-2011 units were recalled for diesel leaks from the high-pressure pipes.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 2.0 TDI's EGR valve often fills with carbon, especially with short journeys, and causes smoke and loss of power. On the EA189, the EGR cooler can also lose coolant.Repair (garage): €100–€300
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant loss from the water pump or the coolersMany 2.0 TDI engines lose coolant. On the 150 hp EA288 the water pump is usually the culprit and, more rarely, the cylinder head; on the 140 hp EA189 the typical causes are the oil cooler or the EGR cooler.
More faults with the particulate filter on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
- High severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetIncomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilutionIn heavy urban use, with short journeys that do not let the particulate filter regeneration finish, unburnt diesel passes into the sump and dilutes the oil; the level can rise on the dipstick and the oil loses its ability to lubricate. Repeated many times, it speeds up engine wear.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 HDiDPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)The additive-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) of the 2.0 HDi clogs relatively easily on short journeys, especially on the 107/110 and 136-140 hp versions. The anti-pollution warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car loses power and may end up needing a new DPF.
- High severityFrequency: Common1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet IISaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerationsIn urban use with short journeys, the particulate filter does not manage to complete its regeneration and becomes saturated; garages recommend a weekly motorway run to avoid it. The filter itself is among the weak points flagged in the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II after a certain mileage.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 Ingenium diéselFuel dilution of the oil linked to particulate filter regenerationsYes: on short trips and in urban use, the Ingenium diesel's particulate filter does not always complete regeneration, and some of the diesel injected to burn off the soot ends up mixing with the engine oil, which reduces its ability to lubricate.
- High severityFrequency: CommonMZR-CDOil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerationsOn the 2.0 and 2.2 MZR-CD, injector seals that age badly and incomplete particulate filter regenerations on short journeys can let unburnt diesel into the sump, diluting the oil and leaving the engine with less lubrication.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Un Volkswagen Tiguan en occasion : les meilleures versions par budget, et la fiabilitéCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Filtro de partículas: ¿mejor limpiar o sustituir?Autofácil · Motoring press · published 7 April 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 17 January 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Used Skoda Superb (Mk2, 2008-2015) review and buyer's guideAuto Express · Motoring press · published 9 March 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026
- Diesel-Partikelfilter: Funktion, Austausch, ReinigungADAC · Reliability study · published September 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Used Skoda Octavia (Mk2, 2004-2013) reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 13 June 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026
- VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German