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AUMAEBAGUARZ

1.8 T 20v 150 hp (AEB/AGU/ARZ/AUM, 1996-2005) engine: faults and reliability

Volkswagen/Audi 1.8 T 20v turbo (EA113) version

With caution

A German used-car specialist notes that the ignition coils often give trouble on 2001 to 2003 units, and there is a documented case of an unreplaced timing chain tensioner on a 150 hp Passat with 184,000 km.[1][2]

Years
1996–2005
Power
150 hp
Faults that affect it
5
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
7
in our database

9 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Entry-level version of the 1.8T: 110 kW (150 hp) at 5,800 rpm and 210 Nm between 1,750 and 4,600 rpm, with a K03 turbo. The Volkswagen Group used several different codes (AEB, AGU, ARZ, AUM) for the same power figure depending on the model, market and year of manufacture, with minor emissions revisions over its commercial life.[3]

Engine codes of this version: AUM, AEB, AGU, ARZ.

Faults of the AUM engine

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

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo wear and oil consumptionThe 1.8T turbo can fail over time -cases documented on an Audi TT at 60,000 and 155,000 km- and several sources link it to growing oil consumption in the engine itself. It is not the most cited fault, but it is one of the most expensive when it appears.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingWater pump failureThe water pump is another documented weak point of the 1.8T: a 180 hp Audi TT had to have it replaced twice, at 110,000 and again at 130,000 km. Coolant leaks "in several places" are also described on a Passat with this engine.Appears at around 110,000 km
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain tensioner noise and wearAt least one owner documents the timing chain tensioner of this engine left unreplaced, with the resulting chain noise, on a Passat with 184,000 km; another report from a 180 hp Audi TT points to a timing problem at 90,000 km.
  4. 4Low severityFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failureYes: the ignition coils (one per cylinder) are among the most cited faults of the 1.8T, especially on engines built between 2001 and 2003. They cause hesitation, a rough idle and the engine warning light coming on; usually it is enough to replace the coil of the affected cylinder.
  5. 5Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeAir mass meter (MAF sensor) failureThe air mass meter (MAF sensor) fails fairly often on the 1.8T: on the 150 hp Audi A3 it appears in 3 of the 11 reports collected, and it is also documented on the 180 and 225 hp Audi TT. It causes hesitation and loss of power; it is fixed by replacing the sensor.

Cars fitted with the AUM engine

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

Audi

Škoda

Volkswagen

Frequently asked questions

Is the AUM engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. A German used-car specialist notes that the ignition coils often give trouble on 2001 to 2003 units, and there is a documented case of an unreplaced timing chain tensioner on a 150 hp Passat with 184,000 km.[1][2]

What faults does the AUM engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: turbo wear and oil consumption (high severity), water pump failure (medium severity), timing chain tensioner noise and wear (medium severity), ignition coil failure (low severity) and air mass meter (MAF sensor) failure (low severity).

Which cars use the AUM engine?

Volkswagen Golf IV (1997–2003), Volkswagen Bora (1998–2005), Volkswagen Passat B5 (1996–2005), Audi A3 I (1996–2003), Audi A4 B5 (1994–2001), Audi A4 B6 (2000–2004) and Škoda Superb I (2001–2008).[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

Are you buying a car with the AUM 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. Seat Leon Mk1: Probleme, Schwachstellen, ErfahrungenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Fiabilité et pannes Volkswagen PassatFiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. List of Volkswagen Group petrol enginesWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Volkswagen Golf IVWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. VW BoraWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Fiabilité et pannes Audi A3Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes Audi A4Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Audi A4Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. Škoda Superb IWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German