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2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 1, without Valvelift (2008-2012, 170-220 hp) engine: faults and reliability

Volkswagen / Audi 2.0 TSI and TFSI (familia EA888) version

With caution

It is the batch with the most oil consumption complaints recorded by owners themselves and somewhat more chain and tensioner wear than the later ones. Worth buying if there is a service history and, ideally, a recent oil consumption test.[1][2][3][4]

Years
2008–2012
Power
170–207 hp
Faults that affect it
5
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
14
in our database

9 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

First batch of the EA888 family: new block, single turbo, direct injection and a single timing chain, without the Valvelift variable valve lift system that would come later. The water pump is a separate part, driven by its own toothed belt.[5]

Engine codes of this version: CAWA, CCZC, CCZD, CCTA, CBFA, CAWB, CGMA, CPSA, CCZB.

Faults of the CAWA engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationHigh oil consumptionIt is the most repeated complaint on first-batch EA888s (2008-2012) and still appears, to a lesser extent, in later generations. The engine needs topping up between services with no visible leak or obvious smoke at first.Repair (garage): €1,500–€4,000
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain and tensioner wearOver the years, the chain can stretch and the hydraulic tensioner can stop keeping it taut, especially on first-batch units (2008-2012). If the chain jumps a tooth, it can slam the valves into the pistons.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesBecause the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, no petrol washes over the intake valves, so oil residue and soot build up and, over the years, restrict airflow and affect engine response.
  4. 4Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingThermostat housing leak and water pump failureSince Volkswagen integrated the water pump impeller into the thermostat housing, this plastic part leaks coolant over time; on the oldest units, with a separate belt-driven pump, failures of the pump itself are also documented.
  5. 5Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationPCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failureThe PCV valve returns to the intake manifold the oil and combustion vapours that build up in the crankcase. If it sticks closed or open, it causes a rough idle, misfires or oil leaks from the seals.Repair (garage): €60–€250

Cars fitted with the CAWA engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Audi

Seat

Škoda

Volkswagen

Frequently asked questions

Is the CAWA engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It is the batch with the most oil consumption complaints recorded by owners themselves and somewhat more chain and tensioner wear than the later ones. Worth buying if there is a service history and, ideally, a recent oil consumption test.[1][2][3][4]

What faults does the CAWA engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: high oil consumption (high severity), timing chain and tensioner wear (critical severity), carbon build-up on the intake valves (medium severity), thermostat housing leak and water pump failure (medium severity) and PCV valve (crankcase ventilation) failure (low severity).

Which cars use the CAWA engine?

Volkswagen Golf VI (2008–2012), Volkswagen Passat B6 (2008–2010), Volkswagen Passat B7 (2010–2014), Volkswagen Tiguan I (2008–2016), Seat León II (2009–2012), Škoda Superb II (2008–2015), Audi A3 II (2008–2012), Audi A4 B8 (2008–2015), Audi A5 I (2008–2017) and Audi Q3 I (2011–2018), among 4 others.[1][2][5][6]

Are you buying a car with the CAWA engine?

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

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which 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. Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. Témoignages fiabilité Volkswagenfiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  4. Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  5. Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  6. Audi A5Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  7. Audi TTWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  8. VW Sharan II - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
  9. VW BeetleWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German