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2.0 TSI / TFSI vs VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 carries less risk than the 2.0 TSI / TFSI: 41/100 (moderate risk) versus 54/100 (high risk). The 2.0 TSI / TFSI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «High oil consumption»; the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower».

Risk index

2.0 TSI / TFSI

54

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

41

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

13 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.0 TSI / TFSI reliable?

It depends above all on the generation. The earliest units (2008-2012, without Valvelift) have more oil consumption complaints and somewhat more chain and tensioner wear; from 2012 the Valvelift design reduced oil consumption but kept carbon build-up on the intake valves as a weak point until, around 2016, supplementary indirect injection was added. The thermostat housing with the integrated water pump leaks coolant in several generations.[1][2][3][4][5]

See the 5 of the 2.0 TSI / TFSI faults

Is the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 reliable?

The 2.0 TFSI EA113 (2004-2013) is a direct-injection turbo engine with one widely cited weak point: the high-pressure pump cam follower, which should be checked or replaced as a preventive measure. With the timing belt up to date, it is considered worth buying.[6][7][8]

See the 4 of the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 TSI / TFSI and VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
2.0 TSI / TFSIVW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,984 cm³1,984 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power170–320 hp200–265 hp
Productionsince 2008[1][9]2004–2013[7][8][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)54High risk41Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: High oil consumption
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear
  3. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves
  1. High severity: Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower
  2. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injection
  3. Medium severity: PCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumption
Most expensive documented repairup to €4,000High oil consumptionPublished figure[11]up to €900Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerPublished figure[8]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 3B / evo, with added indirect injection (2016 onwards, 190-320 hp)[1][5][12]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 1, without Valvelift (2008-2012, 170-220 hp)[2][3][12][13]
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 2/3, with Valvelift and direct injection only (2012-2016, 180-230 hp)[2][3][12]
  • 2.0 TFSI 200 hp (AXX, BWA, BWE, BPY)[7][10]
  • 2.0 TFSI 230 hp (BYD, Golf GTI Edition 30)[8][10]
  • 2.0 TFSI 265 hp (BHZ, Audi S3 8P)[8][10]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

2.0 TSI / TFSI

See the 42 models with the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

See the 8 models with the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

With the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Compare other engines

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Sources

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

  1. Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  2. Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  4. Motores TFSI: características, ventajas e inconvenientesAutofácil · Motoring press · published 18 May 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Motor 2.0 TFSI 190 CV (ficha técnica)km77 · Technical documentation · published 13 May 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. 2.0 TFSI EA113 upgrade bomba de alta presión BAR-TEK (seguidor de levas)BAR-TEK · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Audi A3 8P: puntos débiles y guía de compra (Schwachstellen)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  8. 2.0 TFSI (EA113): problemas conocidosAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  9. Audi TTWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (2.0 TFSI EA113)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  11. Tu coche quema aceite: 6 señales de alarma y la solución definitiva para salvar tu motorAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 19 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  13. Témoignages fiabilité Volkswagenfiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French