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Audi / Volkswagen 1.8 TFSI (EA888) engine: reliability and faults

Petrol · 1,798 cm³ · 160, 170, 180 hp · since 2007

Buy with care
Reliability
3.0/5

2 known faults

Verdict

A 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from the EA888 family, with a timing chain, fitted to the Audi A3, A4 and TT (1.8 TFSI) and the Volkswagen CC (1.8 TSI). The early generations, up to 2011-2012, combine heavy oil consumption caused by the piston rings and a chain tensioner that can let the chain jump. Ask for piston/ring and chain tensioner invoices on an older car.

Years to favour or avoid

To favour
No year particularly to favour
To avoid
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Known faults

Oil consumption (pistons and rings), up to engine failure

Severity 3/3 · Serious

Faulty pistons, con rods and rings cause heavy oil consumption on 1.8 TFSI engines built up to around October 2011: owners report 1 litre every 1,000 km from 82,000 km, quotes above €4,000 and, in one case, engine failure at 140,000 km. The 2012 facelift did not eliminate every case.

Versions
tfsi-1-8
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Timing chain tensioner

Severity 3/3 · Serious

On first- and second-generation EA888 engines, the hydraulic chain tensioner can lose oil pressure: the chain jumps a tooth or snaps, damaging pistons and valves and often requiring a new engine. Owners of the 1.8 TFSI 160 list the chain tensioner among its faults.

Versions
tfsi-1-8
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Models fitted

  • Poor reliability

    Photo: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Audi A3

    2003–2012 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €257/month
    See the guide : Audi A3
  • Buy with care

    Photo: Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Audi A4

    2007–2015 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €328/month
    See the guide : Audi A4
  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

    Audi TT

    2014–2023 · Petrol

    Estimated monthly cost
    €482/month
    See the guide : Audi TT
  • Extra caution

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen CC

    2012–2017 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €450/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen CC

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.