Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo)TurboIntercooler and turbo hoses
Hissing when accelerating from damaged hoses or intercooler on the Transporter T6 2.0 TDI on the 2.0 TDI
On 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.[1]
Why this rating?
Low severity: A nuisance or wear. It does not immobilise the car or damage other parts.
Frequency rare: We have found only one technical data sheet (Hella) that describes the case as possible, with no figures and no manufacturer campaign. We consider it rare until more sources are available.[1]
Symptoms
- Hissing from the engine bay during acceleration; normally without any noticeable loss of power or engine warning light.[1]Turbo whistle: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Faulty or loose hoses or connections in the intercooler area, or a cracked intercooler. Oil stains on its surface indicate the crack, and the solution is to replace the intercooler.[1]
Affected cars and years
Hella cites the 2.0 TDI with codes CAAC, CXFA and CXHA on the T6 from 2015 to 2019; CAAC belongs to the earlier EA189 family, which this data sheet does not assign to the T6.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI EA288 (from 2012) | since 2012 | CRBCCUNACUPACRLBCRMBDFEADFEBDFFADFGADDAADFCACUAA |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Audi
- 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 III2012–2020
- Seat Alhambra II2010–2020
- Seat Atecasince 2016
- Seat Tarracosince 2018
Škoda
- Škoda Octavia III2013–2020
- Škoda Superb III2015–2023
- Škoda Yeti2009–2017
- Škoda Kodiaq I2016–2024
- Škoda Karoqsince 2017
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Golf VII2012–2020
- Volkswagen Passat B82014–2023
- Volkswagen Tiguan I2008–2016
- Volkswagen Tiguan II2016–2024
- Volkswagen Touran IIsince 2015
- Volkswagen Scirocco III2008–2017
- Volkswagen T-Rocsince 2017
- Volkswagen Jetta VI2010–2018
- Volkswagen Sharan II2010–2020
- Volkswagen Transporter T62015–2024
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Visual inspection and, if there is a crack, replacement of the intercooler.[1]
Hella does not publish prices.
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
- On a test drive, listen for hissing when accelerating and check whether the intercooler or hoses have oil stains.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
2.0 TDI Transporter T6 intercooler[1]
Cools the charge air; replaced if it is cracked.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 30 October 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
Does hissing when accelerating in the T6 mean the engine is about to fail?
According to Hella, the hissing can appear without any loss of power and without a warning light. It is a boost air leak that should be tracked down, but the data sheet does not present it as a risk to the engine.[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
- 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.
More faults with the turbo on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)On the 16-valve 1.6 HDi/TDCi engines (2004-2011) the turbo can seize because carbon deposits from the oil clog the mesh filter in the union that feeds it. It is a serious, repeat fault: if only the turbo is replaced without cleaning the circuit, it fails again.Repair (garage): €700–€1,050
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTurbocharger failureYes: according to several sources, the turbo is the component that causes the most faults on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel. It fails across a very wide mileage range (from around 35,000 to over 140,000 km) and, if it breaks up inside, it can send oil or metal into the engine and destroy it.Repair (garage): €2,600–€3,000Appears at around 35,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW N47Turbo and wastegate valve failureThe N47's turbo does not usually fail from general wear, but because of failure of the wastegate valve, which regulates boost and can seize or lose adjustment, sending fuel consumption soaring; oil leaks from the turbo itself are also common.Repair (garage): €900–€1,800
- High severityFrequency: CommonOM651Variable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuatorThe OM651's variable-geometry turbo tends to fail at the pneumatic actuator (cracks, loss of calibration) before the turbo itself. Symptoms range from a gradual loss of power to permanent limp mode, with whistling or smoke if the problem progresses.Repair (garage): €500–€3,000
- High severityFrequency: Common1.6 dCiPremature turbocharger failure or breakageThe 1.6 dCi turbo fails fairly often, sometimes at low mileage: fiches-auto documents failures between 23,000 and 113,000 km in the Kadjar, Qashqai II, X-Trail III and Espace V, with loss of power and, in several cases, the manufacturer refusing to cover the cost out of warranty.Repair (garage): €3,000
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 HDiVariable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)On the 107/110 hp and, above all, 136-140 hp 2.0 HDi, the variable-geometry turbo fails relatively often: sometimes it is the whole turbo, but often it is the actuator, sensors or hoses, with loss of power and limp mode.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Volkswagen T6 - Zischende Geräusche aus dem Motorraum (2,0 TDI)HELLA Tech World · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German