Audi A6
EA288 with 130 kW. Further development of the 2.0 TDI after facelift with improved emissions treatment. Reliable everyday diesel.
Anxiety engine — costly failure looming
177 hp 2.0L with a known problem: EGR valve and intake system coked up. The risk of expensive repairs overshadows any driving pleasure.
Engine Weaknesses 6
EA288 engines (CMGB) produced up to September 2014 show known water pump defects (TPI 2041955). Temperature rises to 130°C; engine protection shutdown is possible.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature in the red zone, coolant warning light, vehicle enters protection shutdown.
The EA288 TDI is prone to heavy coking in the EGR area and intake system, especially with short-trip use. The 23x6 software update activates EGR even under full load, which accelerates the process.
Symptoms: Juddering in the lower rpm range, rough idle during warm-up, power loss and increased consumption
The EA288 diesel particulate filter cannot fully regenerate with predominantly short-trip use and clogs. A well-known problem on urban vehicles with low average speeds.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss from exhaust back-pressure, engine management enters limp mode
The EA288 uses a wet timing belt to drive the oil pump, which sheds rubber particles into the oil circuit. No official replacement interval from VAG; specialists recommend replacement by 200,000 km at the latest.
Symptoms: No direct driver symptom; with severe wear, potential oil pressure loss and engine damage. Only detectable by inspecting oil condition.
Early EA288 variants produced up to September 2014 have problems with the coolant pump or its control valve. In extreme cases coolant temperature rises to 130°C, accompanied by a red warning light.
Symptoms: Significant coolant temperature rise, red warning light on the dashboard, possible engine shutdown by overheating protection
On the EA288 CMGB the EGR valve and EGR cooler coke up with age. Engine stumbling, increased soot output, and limp mode are the consequences.
Symptoms: EGR engine warning light, power loss, exhaust smoke, rough idle.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
On model years 2015–2018, the locking bolt of the tow bar can fracture, potentially causing the trailer to become detached while driving. Free workshop visit required.
A material defect can cause the camshafts in the 3.0 TDI to fracture, leading to engine damage. Mainly affects vehicles from model year 2014 to early 2017.
The optional air suspension (AAS) is prone to failure through porous air bellows and defective compressors. Repair costs of 600–1,800 EUR per corner are possible.
LED headlights fail due to defective control modules or individual LEDs. Repair is often more expensive than replacement, as modules cannot be replaced individually.
The automatic climate control shows malfunctions from around 60,000 km: incorrect temperature regulation, blower stage issues or complete failure of individual zones on the three-zone system.
Wheel bearings, particularly at the rear axle, show increased wear at higher mileages. Regularly flagged on vehicles from 80,000 km.
On the C7, rust occurs primarily on the underbody and sills, sometimes in hard-to-reach areas. On vehicles over 7 years old, the underbody should be thoroughly inspected.
On V6 and V8 engines, engine mounts often wear from around 50,000 km, causing noticeable vibrations.