Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 hp problems
The Seat Ateca used the 2.0 TDI from 2016 (2.0 TDI 150 CV and 2.0 TDI 190 CV). 2 documented faults affect it; the most important is “coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers” (medium severity, common). Our verdict: “Buy”. Among the documented engines of the Seat Ateca, the safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI.
.jpg){kind=link}
Engine score on this car
7.7 out of 10Good reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Ateca. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Seat Ateca
5.9 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo) · Diesel
- Names
- 2.0 TDI 150 CV · 2.0 TDI 190 CV
- Faults that affect it
- 2
Verdict for the version it uses
2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012)since 2012 · 110–240 hp · CRBC, CUNA, CUPA, CRLB, CRMB, DFEA, DFEB, DFFA, DFGA, DDAA, DFCA, CUAA
BuyCaradisiac 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.[3]
Faults that affect the Ateca
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 TDI has 8 documented faults in total.
- 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.
- 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.
What to check before buying a used Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 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 (since 2016)
Other engines and gearboxes of the Seat Ateca
Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.
Faults of the Seat Ateca outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentSteeringCorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rackYes: in September 2026 Volkswagen, Audi and Seat recalled cars built between 2016 and 2024, including the Ateca, because a bolt that secures the steering rack to the front axle can break through corrosion and leave the car without steering control. The repair is free at the official network.Repair: €0
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonAirbags and safetyTakata airbag with a risk of inflator ruptureOn very early Ateca vehicles (2016-2017) an airbag with a Takata inflator may be fitted that, in a real accident, could generate excessive pressure and cause the casing to rupture and throw out fragments. It is a Seat campaign covering around 300,000 cars across five models; you check it by chassis number.Repair: €0
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesWeld defect in the brake pedalOn 2020-2021 vehicles with a DSG gearbox, Seat found that a defective weld between the brake pedal and its support plate could deform or come apart under hard braking. The brand contacted the affected owners directly to inspect the weld and change the pedal if necessary.Repair: €0
Buying a Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 hp?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
The Seat Ateca has 3 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you
Frequently asked questions
Is the Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 hp reliable?
The Seat Ateca used the 2.0 TDI from 2016 (2.0 TDI 150 CV and 2.0 TDI 190 CV). 2 documented faults affect it; the most important is “coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers” (medium severity, common). Our verdict: “Buy”. Among the documented engines of the Seat Ateca, the safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI.
What faults does the Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 hp have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: 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 Seat Ateca?
The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI in the 1.0 TSI EA211 (CHZ, DKL, DKR; 2014 onwards) and 1.5 TSI / 1.5 eTSI evo 114/130/150 hp (DPCA, DPBC; built from 2020) versions, with a «Buy» verdict.
Own a Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 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.
- VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- SEAT Ateca - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
- 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
- Fiabilité du Volkswagen Touran 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 3 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Volkswagen T6 - Zischende Geräusche aus dem Motorraum (2,0 TDI)HELLA Tech World · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German