Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo)Turbo
Turbo with seized vanes or premature failure on the 2.0 TDI
Why this rating?
Symptoms
- Loss of power and performance because of dirty or blocked variable-geometry vanes.[1][5]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- Jerking and engine fault light when the variable geometry stops responding.[3]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Oil consumption and bluish smoke if the turbo shaft bushes wear.[3]Blue smoke: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Carbon from urban and low-rev journeys builds up in the variable-geometry mechanism.[1][3]
A clogged particulate filter increases exhaust back pressure and can damage the turbo.[7]
If it is not repaired: If only the turbo breaks, the repair is around €1,000; if there is additional damage, the cost can double or triple, and in the worst case the engine has to be replaced.[3]
Affected cars and years
Documented mainly on the 140 hp 2.0 TDI EA189 and, to a lesser extent, the 110 hp. On the 2004-2011 Audi A6 there are also cases of dirty vanes.[1][2][5]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI pumpe-düse unit injector (EA188, 2003-2010) | 2003–2010 | AZVBKDBLBBREBKPBMNBMRBMABMM |
| 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 A6 C62004–2011
- 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 V2004–2008
- 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 turbo including labour, with no other damage.[3][4]
Generic figure published for a diesel turbo, not specific to this engine. Caradisiac warns of a high bill on the Audi A4.
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)
Variable-geometry turbo, 2.0 TDI[1][3]
Replaces the turbo when the geometry is irreparably seized or the shaft has play.
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
Which 2.0 TDI engines give the most turbo trouble?
Caradisiac points mainly to the 140 hp EA189 (Tiguan, Touran, Passat B7) and, to a lesser extent, the 110 hp.[1][2][6]
How much does it cost to replace the turbo?
One reference published in Spain is around €1,000 including labour if only the turbo has broken. If there is additional damage, the cost can double or triple.[3]
Can the particulate filter ruin the turbo?
Yes: a clogged filter increases exhaust back pressure, which can damage the turbo.[7]
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.
- 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: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- 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 turbo on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)On the 16-valve 1.6 HDi/TDCi engines (2004-2011) the turbo can seize because carbon deposits from the oil clog the mesh filter in the union that feeds it. It is a serious, repeat fault: if only the turbo is replaced without cleaning the circuit, it fails again.Repair (garage): €700–€1,050
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTurbocharger failureYes: according to several sources, the turbo is the component that causes the most faults on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel. It fails across a very wide mileage range (from around 35,000 to over 140,000 km) and, if it breaks up inside, it can send oil or metal into the engine and destroy it.Repair (garage): €2,600–€3,000Appears at around 35,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW N47Turbo and wastegate valve failureThe N47's turbo does not usually fail from general wear, but because of failure of the wastegate valve, which regulates boost and can seize or lose adjustment, sending fuel consumption soaring; oil leaks from the turbo itself are also common.Repair (garage): €900–€1,800
- High severityFrequency: CommonOM651Variable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuatorThe OM651's variable-geometry turbo tends to fail at the pneumatic actuator (cracks, loss of calibration) before the turbo itself. Symptoms range from a gradual loss of power to permanent limp mode, with whistling or smoke if the problem progresses.Repair (garage): €500–€3,000
- High severityFrequency: Common1.6 dCiPremature turbocharger failure or breakageThe 1.6 dCi turbo fails fairly often, sometimes at low mileage: fiches-auto documents failures between 23,000 and 113,000 km in the Kadjar, Qashqai II, X-Trail III and Espace V, with loss of power and, in several cases, the manufacturer refusing to cover the cost out of warranty.Repair (garage): €3,000
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 HDiVariable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)On the 107/110 hp and, above all, 136-140 hp 2.0 HDi, the variable-geometry turbo fails relatively often: sometimes it is the whole turbo, but often it is the actuator, sensors or hoses, with loss of power and limp mode.
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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
- Fiabilité du Volkswagen Touran 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 3 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Cómo saber si el turbo está roto o a punto de romperseMotor.es · Motoring press · published 4 May 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Audi A6 III (2004-2011) : la fiche express fiabilité de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 4 July 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité de la Volkswagen Passat 7 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 2 October 2017 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German