Volkswagen EA888 Family

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All Engines

Problems

• Susceptible to carbon deposits on the intake valves, due to the engines being direct injected

1.8L

2.0L

Problems

Certain Vehicles

• CAEA/CAEB/CDNB/CDNC engines:
  • All: May experience excessive oil consumption due to the PCV system. Volkswagen has released several updated PCV valves over the years which fix this.
  • Engines produced prior to November 2011: May experience oil consumption due to excessive piston ring tolerances. If your vehicle experiences this issue, you may be able to submit a claim through your VW/Audi dealership to have repairs covered.
  • Engines produced MY2009-2012: May experience premature failure of the turbocharger due to a loose wastegate rod between the internal wastegate and the boost diaphragm
• CAEA, CAEB, CBFA, CCTA, CNDC, and CPMA engines produced MY2012 and earlier: Engines are susceptible to failure of the timing chain tensioner, which can result in catastrophic engine damage
  • Failure can occur as early as 30k miles. If purchasing a susceptible vehicle, ensure that the tensioner has been updated to the latest part, or budget for the repair yourself.
  • Volkswagen released several updated parts, though only the latest fixes the issue. Part numbers 06H-109-467-N, 06H-109-467-AB, and 06H-109-467-T must be updated to the latest part (06K-109-467-K) in order to prevent failure.
  • This repair should cost around $700 at a reputable shop, and involves removing the lower timing cover
  • There was a class action lawsuit and settlement, in which Volkswagen covered up to $6500 in engine repairs and $2000 in timing system repairs for class members who filed claims. Not all owners filed claims, so many vehicles were not repaired under the settlement.
  • It is often worth replacing the lower timing cover (which often bends during removal), timing chain, timing chain guides, and cam bridge bracket while in there
  • Because the lower timing cover uses sealant rather than a gasket, it is common for it to leak oil after the procedure