2.0 TSI/TFSI EA888 Gen 1/2/3 Engine - In-Depth Look at Design and Reliability (2024)

The VW 2.0 TSI / TFSI EA888 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline turbocharged engine based on the 1.8 TSI/TFSI of EA888 series. The production of the 2.0 TSI engine started in March 2008. It was released as a replacement for the 2.0 TSI engines of the previous EA113 family. Just like the 1.8 TSI engine, this two-liter version went through a series of changes during the production time. There are three generations of the last VW 2.0TSI engine.

2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 1

The 2.0TSI EA888/1 is known by following codes: CAWA, CAWB, CBFA, CCTA, and CCTB. Just like 1.8TSI, the 2.0l engine has a cast-iron cylinder block with the 88 mm (3.46 in) cylinder spacing and 220 mm height. The displacement growing was achieved by the new forged steel crankshaft with 92.8 mm (3.65 in) stroke while the bore size was kept the same. Also, the engine has the short connecting rods (144 mm) and other pistons lower the compression ratio to 9.6:1. The engine block is equipped with two chain-driven counter-rotating balance shafts.

The aluminum 16-valve cylinder head of 2.0TSI is similar to the 1.8TSI head. There are two intake and two exhaust valves per each cylinder. The intake valve diameter is 34.0 mm; the exhaust valve diameter is 28.0 mm; stem diameter for both valves is 6 mm. The valvetrain has low-friction roller finger cam followers and hydraulic tappets, for valve clearance compensation. The intake and exhaust camshafts are on top of the head and they are driven by the timing chain. The intake camshaft is equipped with the variable intake valve timing system. The 2.0 TSI Gen1 has direct fuel injection with hom*ogeneous mixing. The low-pressure fuel pump mounted in a tank delivers fuel to the high-pressure pump supplying up to 190 bars (2,760 psi) of fuel pressure for the six-hole fuel injectors. The high-pressure injection pump is driven by a four-lobe cam on the exhaust camshaft. The engine also has the electronically controlled ignition with long-life spark plugs and four individual single spark coils.

The engine is turbocharged by the water-cooled and integrated into cast iron exhaust manifold turbocharger KKK K03 with the max boost pressure of 0.6 bar (8.7 psi). The compressed intake air goes through the plastic variable geometry intake manifold. The whole operation is controlled by ECU Bosch Motronic MED 17.5. The 2.0 TSI Gen1 with 2 lambda probe sensors meets the European emission standard Euro 4 (CAWB, CAWA engines) and ULEV 2 (CCTA, CCTB engines); CCTA version has 3 lambda probe sensors and meets the Californian SULEV standard.

2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 2

The 2.0TSI EA888/2 has appeared also in 2008 and had the same bunch of modifications as the 1.8 TSI Gen2. The main target was the friction reduction and efficient increasing. For this purpose, the diameter of the main journals was reduced by 6 mm (58 mm to 52 mm). Also, the low-friction thin pistons rings, new pistons and a new method for cylinder wall surface manufacturing were applied. This generation has a variable oil pump. In addition to that, the 2.0TFSI engines for Audi applications were equipped with AVS system (CCZA, CCZB, CCZC, and CCZD engines). It is a two-stage intake valve-lift control. The system varies the valve lift in two stages: 6.35 mm and 10 mm after 3,100 rpm.

The 2.0 EA888/2 meets the higher emission standards comparing to EA888/1 - Euro5 (CDNC engine) and ULEV 2 (CAEB engine). The production of these engines continued until 2015.

2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 3

The 2.0TSI EA888/3 or Gen3 was designed to be lighter and more efficient. First of all, the engine got a new cast iron cylinder block with thinner walls by 0.5 mm (3 mm instead of 3.5). There are new steel crankshaft, pistons and rings, oil pump and light-weight balancing shafts. The new engine design incorporates an entirely redeveloped cylinder head. It is a 16-valve aluminum DOHC cylinder head with an integrated and water-cooled exhaust manifold. Like before, the camshafts are driven by the timing chain and AVS system is applied for the intake valves only. But the variable valve timing system is available for both camshafts.

The 2.0TSI EA888/3 is equipped with dual injectors. One set is mounted in the port (MPI) and another set is inside the cylinders (direct injection), for that extra efficient power when needed. The max boost was increased up to 1.3 bar (18.8 psi). It became possible by installing the new turbocharger (IHI IS20) with a new electronic wastegate, which adjusted the boost pressure. The CULA, CULB, CULC, CPLA, and CPPA versions are equipped with a smaller and less powerful turbocharger - Garrett MGT 1752S.

For high-performance vehicles, the engineers did some improvements in the design. The engines with code CJX have slightly different cylinder head shape, performance intake camshaft, bigger exhaust valves, reduced compression ration to 9.3:1, new pistons, more productive injectors, and high-pressure fuel pump. The engines are turbocharged by IHI IS38 with the max boost of 1.2 bar (17.4 psi). More powerful versions come with a big air-to-air intercooler.

The Gen3 engines are equipped with Siemens Simos 18.1 electronic engine control unit (ECU). The upgraded 2.0 TSI EA888/3 corresponds to the latest emissions regulations such as Euro 6 for the European market.

2.0 TSI EA888 Engine Problems and Reliability

It may seem strange but all the main problems were inherited from the 1.8TSI EA888 engine without any changes in the worse or better direction. There are problems with stretched timing chain, high oil consumption, carbon deposit inside ports and on intake valves. You can read detailed information about common problems for each generation in this review for the 1.8TSI/TFSI EA888.

But everything is fixable. The cast iron engine block is rebuildable, solutions for fixing common problems are already found and replacement parts are not very expensive. Pour the high-quality engine oil, feed with minimum 95 RON gasoline, follow the maintenance schedule precisely and the engine will last for about 150-200k miles (250,000-300,000 km). The engine longevity doesn't drop down after Stage 1 (ECU remapping) and even after Stage 2 (downpipe, more productive turbocharger, and ECU remap) depends on how much power you will get. But of course, Stage 3 will reduce the reliability significantly.

Modifications

CAWA - 125 kW (170 hp) at 4,300-6,000 rpm, 207 lb-ft (280Nm) at 1,700-5,000 rpm. This is engine for the VW Tiguan.
CCZC - 125 kW (170 hp) at 4,300-6,200 rpm, 207 lb-ft (280Nm) at 1,500-4,200 rpm. Application: VW Tiguan, Audi Q3.
CCZD - 132 kW (178 hp) at 4,500-6,200 rpm, 207 lb-ft (280Nm) at 1,700-4,500 rpm - another engine for the VW Tiguan.
CCTA/CBFA - 147 kW (200 hp) at 5,100-6,000 rpm, 207 lb-ft (280Nm) at 1,800-5,000 rpm. Application: VW Golf Mk5 GTI (for US market only), VW Golf Mk6 GTI (for US market only), Audi Q3 (for US market only), VW Jetta Mk5/Mk6, VW Passat B6, VW CC, Audi A3 (8P).
CAWB/CCZA - 147 kW (200 hp) at 5,100-6,000 rpm, 207 lb-ft (280Nm) at 1,700-5,000 rpm. Application: Audi A3 Cabriolet, VW Scirocco, VW Tiguan, Audi TT, Skoda Superb Mk2 (3T), Skoda Octavia.
CPSA - 155 kW (211 hp) at 5,000-6,200 rpm, 221 lb-ft (300Nm) at 1,800-4,900 rpm. The engine version is for Audi Q3.
CCZB - 155 kW (211 hp) at 5,300-6,200 rpm, 207 lb-ft (280Nm) at 1,700-5,200 rpm. The engine was installed in VW Golf Mk6 GTI, VW Scirocco, VW Passat B6, VW CC, VW Tiguan, SEAT Altea Freetrack, SEAT Leon FR.
CAEA/CDNB - 132 kW (179 hp) at 4,200-6,000 rpm, 236 lb-ft (320Nm) at 1,500-4,000 rpm. Application: Audi A4 (B8), Audi Q5, Skoda Kodiaq.
CAEA/CAEB/CDNC - 155 kW (211 hp) at 4,300-6,000 rpm, 260 lb-ft (350Nm) at 1,500-4,200 rpm. Application: Audi A4 (B8), Audi A5, Audi Q5, SEAT Exeo.
CAEA/CAEB/CDNC - 155 kW (211 hp) at 4,300-6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft (350Nm) at 1,600-4,200 rpm. It is Audi TT Mk2 engine.
CHHB - 162 kW (220 hp) at 4,500-6,200 rpm, 258 lb-ft (350Nm) at 1,500-4,000 rpm. Application: VW Golf Mk7 GTI, VW Tiguan 2, Audi A3, Skoda Superb, Skoda Octavia RS.
CNCD - 165 kW (224 hp) at 4,500-6,250 rpm, 258 lb-ft (350Nm) at 1,500-4,500 rpm - Audi Q5 engine.
CHHA - 169 kW (230 hp) at 4,700-6,200 rpm, 258 lb-ft (350Nm) at 1,500-4,600 rpm. The engine can be found under a hood of VW Golf Mk7 GTI Performance and Skoda Octavia RS230.
CJXE - 195 kW (265 hp) at 5,350-6,600 rpm, 258 lb-ft (350Nm) at 1,500-4,000 rpm - high-performance engine for the SEAT Leon Cupra.
CJXA/CJXB - 206 kW (280 hp) at 5,100-6,500 rpm, 280 lb-ft (380Nm) at 1,800-5,500 rpm. Application: SEAT Leon Cupra, Skoda Superb.
CJXD - 213 kW (290 hp) at 5,900-6,400 rpm, 258 lb-ft (350Nm) at 1,700-5,800 rpm - one more high-performance engine for the SEAT Leon Cupra.
CYFB - 215 kW (292 hp) at 5,400 rpm, 280 lb-ft (380Nm) at 1,800 rpm. Application: VW Golf Mk7 R for the North American market.
CJXC - 221 kW (300 hp) at 5,500-6,200 rpm, 280 lb-ft (380Nm) at 1,800-5,500 rpm. Application: European VW Golf Mk7 R, Audi S3, SEAT Leon Cupra.
CJXG - 228 kW (310 hp) at 5,500-6,200 rpm, 280 lb-ft (380Nm) at 1,800-5,500 rpm - the most powerful version available for Audi TTS.

2.0 TSI/TFSI EA888 Gen 1/2/3 Engine - In-Depth Look at Design and Reliability (2024)

FAQs

Is the VW 2.0 TSI engine reliable? ›

The 2.0T TSI was a fairly reliable engine, but it does have a list of common problems. This article will outline the common VW engine problems and how to detect them. This engine uses direct injection to spray the fuel into the engine's cylinders. The fuel injectors the piece that sprays the fuel.

How reliable is VW EA888 engine? ›

If you're looking for a reliable Volkswagen engine, the 1.8T EA113 and EA888 should be on your watchlist. One Volkswagen engine consistently appears on 'most reliable' discussions and lists: the 1.8T. Haynes calls the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine the best VW engine.

Is the Audi 2.0 TFSI engine good? ›

Is the Audi 2.0 TFSI Engine Reliable? Overall we would say, yes! The 2.0 TFSI engine has been used in many different models in multiple continents and for many years, it's clear it must be at least somewhat reliable.

Why is EA888 so good? ›

The EA888 utilizes a unique exhaust manifold design that is completely contained inside the cylinder head; it can thus be said that the compact turbocharger mounts directly to the engine. This placement allows for rapid warm up and greater thermal management of the exhaust stream, increasing efficiency.

Which VW most reliable? ›

Which 6 Volkswagen cars are the most reliable?
  1. Up.
  2. Golf. ...
  3. T-Roc. ...
  4. Tiguan. ...
  5. Polo. ...
  6. Jetta. The Volkswagen Jetta is technically very similar to the Volkswagen Golf, and it's a decent choice if you're looking for a safe and affordable German car. ...
19 Jul 2022

What are the most reliable engines? ›

These Are Some Of The Most Reliable Car Engines Ever Made
  • 10/10 Toyota 2AR-FE Engine.
  • 9/10 Toyota 1ZZ Engine.
  • 8/10 Honda B Series Engine.
  • 7/10 Honda K Series Engine.
  • 6/10 Lexus 1UZFE Engine.
  • 5/10 Lexus 2UR-GSE Engine.
  • 4/10 BMW M57 Diesel Engine.
  • 3/10 Nissan RB26DETT Engine.
5 Jan 2022

How much HP can EA888 handle? ›

Depending on your budget and how far you want to take your GTI, power output can be pushed to nearly 400 horsepower without any internal engine changes, or even more if you're willing to upgrade the internals.

Who makes the EA888 engine? ›

The EA888 engines are a family of three and four-cylinder engines that are currently in use across the Volkswagen Group. An EA888 family is a corporate VAG designed unit that is an evolution of the earlier EA827/113 units.

Which cars use the EA888 engine? ›

What cars have the EA888 engine?
  • VW Jetta Mk5/Sagitar.
  • VW Passat B6.
  • VW Passat CC.
  • Audi TT Mk2 (8J)
  • Audi 8P A3.
  • Audi B7 A4.
  • Audi A4 (B8)
  • Audi A5.

Which Audi engine is most reliable? ›

Because Volkswagen owns Audi, the two brands often share engines. And as with used Volkswagens, the 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines tend to be the most reliable.

How long do Audi 2.0 turbos last? ›

A turbo's life-cycle is around 100K to 150K miles, it's possible for them to wear out over time depending on how hard you drive the car. Although the turbo is stable but it will not last forever. It will need replacing eventually.

Does the Audi 2.0T have a timing belt or chain? ›

The 2.0L TSI is a well-built engine for the most part. It's able to generate the feel of a 6-cylinder and 200 horsepower with much better fuel economy. But there is one major setback. These engines have a timing chain that can cause serious problems.

Which is better EA113 or EA888? ›

The EA888 is the latest of the two engines; it's used in the Golf GTI and develops 210 bhp. The EA113 is used in the Golf R and develops 270 bhp. The EA113 was previously used in the Mk 5 GTI and developed 200 bhp. The EA888 is more fuel efficient, with lower emissions and is apparently easier to build than the EA113.

Is EA888 direct injection? ›

Built in Gyor, Hungary, these turbocharged and direct-injected EA888 Evo4 variants displace 2.0 liters (1,984 cc).

Is EA888 closed deck? ›

The EA888 Gen 3 engine had a closed-deck, grey cast iron (GJL 250) block with 82.5 mm bores and a 92.8 mm stroke for a capacity of 1984 cc.

Is VW more reliable than Audi? ›

That being said, the little Up! scores better in most reliability tests than Audi's venerable A1. A WhatCar survey found the VW Up! to be an extremely dependable motor vehicle, with just 3% of all cars registered suffering any kind of issue or fault. They gave it an astonishing 99.4% reliability rating.

What is the number 1 most reliable car? ›

The Most Reliable Car Brands
Longest-Lasting Car Brands to Reach 200,000 Miles- iSeeCars Study
RankModel% of Cars Over 200k Miles
1Toyota2.3%
2Honda1.9%
3GMC1.8%
8 more rows
20 Mar 2022

What is the best used Volkswagen to buy? ›

The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is the best used Volkswagen to buy. In particular, the Golf Mk7 stands out for its exceptional durability and excellent fuel economy, also boasting a powerful engine for the price.

What is the best designed engine? ›

  • 1) Small-Block V8: Chevrolet. The iconic American V8 engine has been sold in more than 100 million vehicles. ...
  • 2) Flat 4: Volkswagen. ...
  • 3) Model T Engine: Ford. ...
  • 4) Fuhrmann Engine: Porsche. ...
  • 5) B-Series: Honda. ...
  • 6) XK6: Jaguar. ...
  • 8) 22R/R-E: Toyota. ...
  • 9) S70/2: BMW.
21 Sept 2020

Which German car is most reliable? ›

Who makes the most reliable German cars?
  1. Porsche.
  2. Audi. ...
  3. Mercedes-Benz. ...
  4. BMW. The ultimate driving machine. ...
  5. Volkswagen. Volkswagen has been Europe's largest car manufacturer for decades. ...
  6. Opel. Opel is one of the oldest automobile manufacturers in the world. ...
25 May 2022

What is the most powerful Volkswagen engine? ›

With a total power output of 456 hp, the Volkswagen Touareg R takes first place. It's a 5 door AWD SUV with 5 seats and a front-mounted 3L V6 Turbo Plug-in Hybrid Gasoline engine.

How much horsepower can a stock 2.0 TSI handle? ›

423 horsepower

How long does a Golf R engine last? ›

Not only that, but it also has an engine that lasts a very long time! In this article, we will discuss our findings on how long you can expect your Volkswagen Golf engine to last. Let's get started! Volkswagen cars typically last 100,000 to 150,000 miles or more if serviced and well maintained.

What is difference between TSI and TFSI? ›

TFSI vs TSI

In some older cars, TFSI was used on belt-driven engines and TSI was used for chain-driven engines but that no longer appears to be the case.

What does TFSI stand for? ›

The TFSI (Turbo fuel stratified injection) is the world's first turbocharged direct injection engine. This system produces higher power output and optimum engine response, all while providing greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Does Audi use the EA888 engine? ›

The Audi-engineered EA888 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder has served the Volkswagen Group well, having made its way into just about every VW and Audi since 2008, when it started replacing the EA113 that debuted in the 2005 A4.

What year did the EA888 come out? ›

Volkswagen first launched the EA888 engine generation in spring 2007 (Gen 1). In 2009, Gen 2 introduced a number of measures to optimize friction.

What cars have the 2.0 TFSI engine? ›

The engine codes for the US version of the Audi 2.0 TFSI engine were CCTA/CBFA which made 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, and CYFB which made 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The cars that have this type of engine include the VW Golf Mk5 GTI, VW Golf Mk6 GTI, Audi Q3, VW Jetta Mk5 & Mk6, and Audi A3 (8P).

How many valves does a 2.0 TSI have? ›

The 4-valve cylinder head is cast from aluminum alloy.

Which VW engine is most reliable? ›

Nowadays, the 888 1.8L is one of the most reliable engines. It's said that, with proper maintenance, the Volkswagen can last more than 100,000 miles. With the 1.8L engine, it can get that and more. Compared to other engines out there, it could get the same power as some of the 5-cylinder 2.5L engines.

Is the VW 2.0 a good engine? ›

Why are 2.0T engines so popular? Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engines are notable for being small and light, yet powerful. They provide a good amount of power and torque, making them fun to drive. At the same time, they get good fuel-economy ratings and their small size allows for more economical use of space.

How long do TSI engines last? ›

The average lifespan of the 1.2 TSI engine is 150,000 miles (250,000 km).

Is the TSI a good engine? ›

Turbo Stratified Injection - TSI

TSI engines are compact, high-powered and use less fuel. TSI technology blends the best of our TDI diesel and FSI (fuel stratified direct injection) petrol engines to give you excellent driveability and outstanding fuel economy.

Is VW more reliable than Audi? ›

That being said, the little Up! scores better in most reliability tests than Audi's venerable A1. A WhatCar survey found the VW Up! to be an extremely dependable motor vehicle, with just 3% of all cars registered suffering any kind of issue or fault. They gave it an astonishing 99.4% reliability rating.

What cars have the EA888 engine? ›

What cars have the EA888 engine?
  • VW Jetta Mk5/Sagitar.
  • VW Passat B6.
  • VW Passat CC.
  • Audi TT Mk2 (8J)
  • Audi 8P A3.
  • Audi B7 A4.
  • Audi A4 (B8)
  • Audi A5.

Is VW better than Audi? ›

Volkswagen and Audi are both impressive brands with beautiful luxury vehicles on offer, but when it comes to safety, reliability, and style, Volkswagen just can't be beat.

Which is better TSI or GTI? ›

-The Golf GTI is the higher performance version of the TSI. Like its sibling, it was first introduced on the Mk6 platform, combining a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine with direct injection to deliver 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or DSG transmission.

What does TSI stand for? ›

It stands for Turbocharged Stratified Injection, and in basic terms refers to the engine being turbocharged. It's an evolution of Volkswagen's TFSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection). Though similar, the improvements made to new TSI engines generally have increased reliability and low-end torque.

Is a 4 cylinder turbo better than a V6? ›

Modern turbocharged four-cylinder engines, when engineered properly, will either beat or match a naturally aspirated V6 in almost every category. Turbo-fours are lighter, more efficient, and can be more powerful than a naturally aspirated V6. The only thing that a V6 will always do better is towing capacity.

What is the best TSI engine? ›

The the Generation 3 version of the 1.8L TSI takes the crown as the best VW engine on the market.

How many miles will a VW engine last? ›

Volkswagen is an excellent brand that has had its ups and downs over the years. They don't last as long as some brands, but you can expect this car to stick around. According to motorask.com, a Volkswagen that is cared for properly should last 100,000 - 200,000 miles.

Does Volkswagen have engine problems? ›

Engine issues make up roughly 32% of all Volkswagen owner complaints . The majority of the issues have been reported by Passat owners.

What is difference between TSI and TFSI? ›

TFSI vs TSI

In some older cars, TFSI was used on belt-driven engines and TSI was used for chain-driven engines but that no longer appears to be the case.

What is special about TSI engine? ›

TSI engines are compact, high-powered and use less fuel. TSI technology blends the best of our TDI diesel and FSI (fuel stratified direct injection) petrol engines to give you excellent driveability and outstanding fuel economy.

How do you take care of a TSI engine? ›

6 Ways to Protect Your Turbo Engine
  1. Regular Oil Maintenance. ...
  2. Warm Up the Engine. ...
  3. Don't Overstep the Limits of the Turbo when Cruising. ...
  4. Use Your Gears to Overtake. ...
  5. Let the Engine Cool After Driving. ...
  6. Don't Blip the Throttle Before Turning the Engine Off.
12 Mar 2018

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