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Seat Exeo (2008–2013)

Seat Exeo 2.0 TDI 143 and 170 hp problems

The Seat Exeo used the 2.0 TDI from 2008 to 2013 (2.0 TDI 143 CV and 2.0 TDI 170 CV). 6 documented faults affect it; the most important is “manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update” (medium severity, very frequent). Our verdict: “With caution”.

Seat Exeo (2008–2013)
Photo: Thomas doerfer · CC BY-SA 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 Exeo. How we calculate it

Overall score for the Seat Exeo

5.7 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 Exeo
2008–2013[1][2]
Names
2.0 TDI 143 CV · 2.0 TDI 170 CV
Faults that affect it
6 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
45
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version 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.[3][4][5]

Faults that affect the Exeo

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.

All versions and faults of the 2.0 TDI

What to check before buying a used Seat Exeo 2.0 TDI 143 and 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 (2008–2013)

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

Other engines and gearboxes of the Seat Exeo

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

Faults of the Seat Exeo outside the engine

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

Buying a Seat Exeo 2.0 TDI 143 and 170 hp?

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seat Exeo 2.0 TDI 143 and 170 hp reliable?

The Seat Exeo used the 2.0 TDI from 2008 to 2013 (2.0 TDI 143 CV and 2.0 TDI 170 CV). 6 documented faults affect it; the most important is “manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update” (medium severity, very frequent). Our verdict: “With caution”.

What faults does the Seat Exeo 2.0 TDI 143 and 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) and coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers (medium severity).

Which engine should you choose for the Seat Exeo?

None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 TDI, with a «With caution» verdict.

Own a Seat Exeo 2.0 TDI 143 and 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. Lista provisional de coches afectados por los TDI de VolkswagenMotor.es · Motoring press · published 25 September 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. SEAT Exeo - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  3. Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  5. Used Skoda Yeti reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 June 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026
  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. 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