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

According to our risk index, the 2.0 FSI carries less risk than the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: 34/100 versus 41/100 (both moderate risk). The 2.0 FSI has no documented serious faults; 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 FSI

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

Reviewed on 30 October 202611 sources How we work

Is the 2.0 FSI reliable?

The 2.0 FSI is the naturally aspirated version with which the Volkswagen Group introduced petrol direct injection in a two-litre engine, before moving on to the turbocharged 2.0 TSI. Two faults recur across several models: carbon build-up on the intake valves, inherent to direct injection, and ignition coil failure, documented from 5,000 km in one case. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de nevertheless counts it among the most reliable petrol engines in the Audi A4 B7.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 3 of the 2.0 FSI 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.^[1][5][6]

See the 4 of the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 FSI and VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Item	2.0 FSI	VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,984 cm³	1,984 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	150 hp	200–265 hp
Production	2003–2009^[7][8][9]	2004–2013^[1][6][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	34Moderate risk	41Moderate risk
Documented faults	3	4
Of high or critical severity	0	1
Worst severity	Medium severity	High severity
Main faults	Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves Medium severity: Ignition coil failure Low severity: Blocked EGR valve	High severity: Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injection Medium severity: PCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumption
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	up to €900Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerPublished figure^[6]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	2.0 FSI (EA113, 150 hp, 2003-2009)^{[1][2][3][4][11]}	2.0 TFSI 200 hp (AXX, BWA, BWE, BPY)^[1][10] 2.0 TFSI 230 hp (BYD, Golf GTI Edition 30)^[6][10] 2.0 TFSI 265 hp (BHZ, Audi S3 8P)^[6][10]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

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 FSI

See the 10 models with the 2.0 FSI

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

See the 8 models with the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 FSI

With the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

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Sources

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

Audi A3 8P: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
VW Passat B6 – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Audi A4 B7 (8E) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf V - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
2.0 TFSI EA113 upgrade bomba de alta presión BAR-TEK (seguidor de levas)BAR-TEK · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
2.0 TFSI (EA113): problemas conocidosAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Volkswagen Golf Mk5Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Volkswagen TouranWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
VW Passat B6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (2.0 TFSI EA113)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Fiabilité Volkswagen Passat - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French