Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo)Water pumpThermostat and cooling system
Coolant loss from the water pump or the coolers on the 2.0 TDI
Why this rating?
Symptoms
- The level in the expansion tank drops, sometimes quickly.[1][3]Coolant level drops: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Leak at the water pump or at the thermostat housing gasket.[3]Coolant leak: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
On the EA288, the water pump leaks fluid.[1]
On the Tiguan's 140 hp 2.0 TDI, a sealing defect in the oil cooler.[2]
In very rare cases, a porous cylinder head.[1][3]
If it is not repaired: It means topping up often until the leak is found; in the rare cases where the cause is the cylinder head, the fault is more serious.[1][3]
Affected cars and years
150 hp EA288 (Audi A3 III): water pump leaks. 140 hp EA189 (Tiguan, Touran): oil cooler, EGR cooler, water pump or thermostat gasket; porous cylinder head in very rare cases.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015) | 2008–2015 | CBDCCFFDCAACCBABCFFBCFHCCFHDCAGACJCACBACCAHACBBBCFGBCFGCCGLC |
| 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012) | since 2012 | CRBCCUNACUPACRLBCRMBDFEADFEBDFFADFGADDAADFCACUAA |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Audi
- Audi A3 II2003–2012
- Audi A3 III2012–2020
- Audi A4 B82008–2015
- Audi A4 B9since 2015
- Audi A6 C72011–2018
- Audi Q2since 2016
- Audi Q3 I2011–2018
- Audi Q5 I2008–2017
Seat
- Seat León II2005–2012
- Seat León III2012–2020
- Seat Altea2004–2015
- Seat Exeo2008–2013
- Seat Alhambra II2010–2020
- Seat Atecasince 2016
- Seat Tarracosince 2018
Škoda
- Škoda Octavia II2004–2013
- Škoda Octavia III2013–2020
- Škoda Superb II2008–2015
- Škoda Superb III2015–2023
- Škoda Yeti2009–2017
- Škoda Kodiaq I2016–2024
- Škoda Karoqsince 2017
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Golf VI2008–2012
- Volkswagen Golf VII2012–2020
- Volkswagen Passat B62005–2010
- Volkswagen Passat B72010–2014
- Volkswagen Passat B82014–2023
- Volkswagen Tiguan I2008–2016
- Volkswagen Tiguan II2016–2024
- Volkswagen Touran I2003–2015
- Volkswagen Touran IIsince 2015
- Volkswagen Scirocco III2008–2017
- Volkswagen T-Rocsince 2017
- Volkswagen Jetta VI2010–2018
- Volkswagen Sharan II2010–2020
- Volkswagen Transporter T62015–2024
- Volkswagen Golf Plus2005–2014
- Volkswagen Beetle II2011–2015
- Volkswagen Amarok I2010–2016
- Volkswagen Transporter T52009–2015
- Volkswagen Caddy III2015–2020
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the water pump or the affected cooler, including labour.[1]
We have not found published prices in Spain for this repair on the 2.0 TDI.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Water pump, 2.0 TDI[1]
Replaced when it leaks fluid through its seal.
Oil cooler, 2.0 TDI[2]
Replaced if it loses its seal and consumes coolant.
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How to prevent it
- Check the coolant level every few weeks and always use the antifreeze specified by the manufacturer.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 26 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Why is the coolant level dropping on my 150 hp 2.0 TDI?
On the EA288 the most cited cause is a water pump leak; more rarely, the cylinder head.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 2.0 TDI faults
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDIOn the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI (2003-2010), especially the 140 hp, there are numerous cases of an oil pump that does not provide enough pressure. If lubrication fails, the first thing to break is usually the turbo.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
More faults with the water pump on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW M54Thermostat and water pump failureThe M54's thermostat, housing and water pump contain plastics that become brittle and fail. If left unattended, overheating can warp the aluminium cylinder head. It is advisable to replace them together.Appears at around 129,000 km
- High severityFrequency: Common1.2 / 1.4 / 1.8 i-VTECLoosening of the water pump pulley and accessory belt failureOn the Civic VIII built between 2008 and 2010, the water pump pulley can work loose and break the accessory belt, with loss of power steering and battery charging; Honda documented it as a technical notice for those production years.
- High severityFrequency: Common1.4/1.6 VTiFragile water pump (and expansion tank or heat exchanger, depending on displacement)Yes: fiches-auto.fr describes a fragile water pump in both the 1.4 VTi (with an expansion tank prone to leaks) and the 1.6 VTi (with the heat exchanger), a cooling problem that the turbocharged 1.6 THP inherits from this naturally aspirated version.
- High severityFrequency: Common1.6 THPFragile water pump and heat exchangerYes: both the naturally aspirated 1.6 VTi and the turbo 1.6 THP share, according to fiches-auto.fr, a water pump and a heat exchanger described as fragile; in the most serious cases, the resulting overheating has gone as far as damaging the cylinder head.
- High severityFrequency: Common3.0 TDI V6Failing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N20Electric water pump failure (BMW campaign in the US over fire risk)The N20 has an electric water pump whose connector can suffer ingress of blow-by liquid; a short circuit can cause local overheating and, very rarely, a fire. BMW recalled 720,000 vehicles in the US in 2024, not including the European Union or Spain.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- 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
- 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
- Fiabilité du Volkswagen Touran 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 3 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French