Verdict
A four-cylinder diesel of 1,598 cm³ with a timing belt and common-rail injection, introduced in 2012 with the Golf 7 to succeed the EA189 (the “dieselgate” engine), which it should not be confused with. The base engine is considered robust, but its emissions system does not cope well with town driving: the particulate filter and the EGR valve clog on short trips. Its controlled water pump can seize and cause the engine to overheat, especially on engines built up to September 2014. Reserve it for high-mileage drivers, with a complete service history.
Years to favour or avoid
- To favour
- No year particularly to favour
- To avoid
- 2012, 2013, 2014
Known faults
Controlled water pump seized: risk of overheating
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe 1.6 TDI EA288 uses a switchable water pump: a sliding valve controlled by a solenoid valve cuts off coolant flow during warm-up. This valve can seize in the closed position, or the plastic impeller can detach from its shaft: the temperature exceeds 110 °C, heating becomes weak and the engine overheats. According to Gebrauchtwagenberater, 1.6 and 2.0 TDI engines built up to September 2014 are the most affected. The repair consists of replacing the pump and transferring the solenoid valve to the new one.
- Versions
- tdi-1-6-ea288
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Particulate filter clogged in urban use
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe particulate filter of the 1.6 TDI EA288 does not cope well with short trips, which prevent its regeneration, and it is sensitive to fuel quality. Autoscore estimates the bill at about €2,000 for an engine used mainly in town, and advises buying one only if it is driven at least 30 minutes a day at motorway speed.
- Versions
- tdi-1-6-ea288
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- €2,000
EGR valve and EGR cooler clogging
Severity 2/3 · CostlyFiches-auto notes that all versions of the 1.6 TDI suffer from EGR valve problems, often accompanied by a failed EGR cooler. A specialist workshop also cites the EGR valve and cooler among the points to watch on the EA288: engine warning light, loss of power, limp mode.
- Versions
- tdi-1-6-ea288
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Models fitted
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Jakub "flyz1" Maciejewski, CC BY-SA 3.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: KGC626, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan
2014–2020 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €350/month
Buy with carePhoto: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Golf
2012–2020 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric
- Estimated monthly cost
- €409/month
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Polo
since 2017 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €452/month
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen T-Cross
since 2019 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €438/month
Buy with carePhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen T-Roc
2017–2025 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €512/month
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Good choice, check firstPhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Volkswagen Touran
since 2015 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €482/month
Maintain and diagnose this engine
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.