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Audi A4 B8 (2007–2015)

Audi A4 B8 2.0 TDI 120-170 hp problems

The Audi A4 B8 used the 2.0 TDI from 2008 to 2015 (2.0 TDI 120, 2.0 TDI 136 and 2.0 TDI 143). 7 documented faults affect it; the most important is “manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update” (medium severity, very frequent). Our verdict depends on the version: “Buy” for 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012); “With caution” for 2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015). It is the safest option among the documented engines of the Audi A4 B8.

Audi A4 B8 (2007–2015)
Photo: Thomas doerfer · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

5.5 out of 10Acceptable reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the A4 B8. How we calculate it

Overall score for the Audi A4 B8

5.1 out of 10Acceptable reliability

Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown

14 sourcesHow we work

2.0 TDI

Safest option

Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo) · Diesel

In the A4 B8
2008–2015[1][2]
Names
2.0 TDI 120 · 2.0 TDI 136 · 2.0 TDI 143 · 2.0 TDI 150 · 2.0 TDI 170
Faults that affect it
7 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
45
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015)2008–2015 · 84–177 hp · CBDC, CFFD, CAAC, CBAB, CFFB, CFHC, CFHD, CAGA, CJCA, CBAC, CAHA, CBBB, CFGB, CFGC, CGLC

    With caution

    Worth buying if the emissions update has been done and, on 2009-2011 units, the diesel pipe campaign, and if there are no symptoms of EGR, particulate filter or turbo problems. Caradisiac finds it hard to recommend the Audi A4 2.0 TDI of this era because of its reliability problems.[1][3][4]

  • 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012)since 2012 · 110–240 hp · CRBC, CUNA, CUPA, CRLB, CRMB, DFEA, DFEB, DFFA, DFGA, DDAA, DFCA, CUAA

    Buy

    Caradisiac picks it as the best diesel in the third-generation Audi A3. Its most cited fault is coolant loss from water pump leaks, easy to keep an eye on before buying.[5]

Faults that affect the A4 B8

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 TDI has 8 documented faults in total.

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. Low severityFrequency: RareTurboHissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDIOn the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (2015-2019) a hissing sound can be heard when accelerating, caused by loose or damaged hoses or a crack in the intercooler. Often there is no loss of power and no warning light; oil stains reveal the crack.

All versions and faults of the 2.0 TDI

What to check before buying a used Audi A4 B8 2.0 TDI 120-170 hp

Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.

If it has the 2.0 TDI (2008–2015)

Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update

Medium severity

High-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189

High severity

Turbo with seized vanes or premature failure

High severity

Dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks

Medium severity

Clogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensor

Medium severity

Coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers

Medium severity

Hissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI

Low severity

Other engines and gearboxes of the Audi A4 B8

Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.

Faults of the Audi A4 B8 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

Buying a Audi A4 B8 2.0 TDI 120-170 hp?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

The Audi A4 B8 has one documented recall or campaign. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A4 B8 2.0 TDI 120-170 hp reliable?

The Audi A4 B8 used the 2.0 TDI from 2008 to 2015 (2.0 TDI 120, 2.0 TDI 136 and 2.0 TDI 143). 7 documented faults affect it; the most important is “manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update” (medium severity, very frequent). Our verdict depends on the version: “Buy” for 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012); “With caution” for 2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015). It is the safest option among the documented engines of the Audi A4 B8.

What faults does the Audi A4 B8 2.0 TDI 120-170 hp have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update (medium severity), high-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189 (high severity), turbo with seized vanes or premature failure (high severity), dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks (medium severity), clogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensor (medium severity), coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers (medium severity) and hissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI (low severity).

Which engine should you choose for the Audi A4 B8?

The safest option is the 2.0 TDI in its 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012) version, with a «Buy» verdict.

Own a Audi A4 B8 2.0 TDI 120-170 hp? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  3. Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Used Skoda Yeti reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 June 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026
  5. Fiabilité de l'Audi A3 (3e génération) : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 19 December 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  6. ¿Se verá afectado mi Volkswagen diésel no actualizado en la ITV?Motor.es · Motoring press · published 20 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  8. Used Volkswagen Golf (Mk6, 2009-2013) reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 November 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Used Skoda Superb (Mk2, 2008-2015) review and buyer's guideAuto Express · Motoring press · published 9 March 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Audi A6 III (2004-2011) : la fiche express fiabilité de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 4 July 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  13. Fiabilité du Volkswagen Touran 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 3 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  14. Volkswagen T6 - Zischende Geräusche aus dem Motorraum (2,0 TDI)HELLA Tech World · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German