Seat Exeo 3R
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
211 PS
2.0L TFSI Benzin
Exeo 2.0 TSI — good package
Fun to Drive!120 PS
1.8L TSI Benzin
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Seat Exeo 3R is available as Sedan and ST — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Engine Overview
The Seat Exeo 3R is available with 5 engine variants — from 120 to 211 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Seat 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 120–170 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CAGA (2008–2013, Stay Away!) and CAGC (2009–2013, Be Careful) and CAHA (2009–2013, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI!
The Seat 1.8L TSI (Petrol, 160 PS) has the CDHB (1.8L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Seat 2.0L TFSI (Petrol, 200–211 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BWE (2009–2013, Stay Away!) and CDND (2010–2013, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TFSI!
The Seat Exeo 1.8 TSI (Petrol, 120 PS) has the CDHA (1.8L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Seat Exeo ST 1.8 TSI (Petrol, 120 PS) has the CDHA (1.8L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Multitronic CVT: Jerking, torque fluctuations, and total failure The Multitronic CVT gearbox is the biggest weakness of the Exeo 3R. Jerking on pull-away, rev fluctuations, and total failures are known. Symptoms: Jerking on pull-away and acceleration, rev hunting, gearbox does not engage, power loss from 100,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Seat Exeo 3R (2008–2013) — 41 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. 6 problem engines: CDHB (1.8L TSI), BWE (2.0L TFSI), CDND (2.0L TFSI), CAGA (2.0L TDI), CAHA (2.0L TDI), CDHA (1.8L TSI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Rust, Electronics.
Exeo (CAGA, 2008–2013) — Stay Away!: Oil pump drive problem 2.0 TDI CR CAGA, Injector failure from high-pressure pump damage, EA189 Dieselgate recall CAGA (Exeo). Power: 143 PS.
Exeo (CAGC, 2009–2013) — Be Careful: EA189 Dieselgate recall CAGC Exeo, EGR valve failure after Dieselgate update, DPF and throttle valve blocked by soot deposits. Power: 120 PS.
Exeo (CAHA, 2009–2013) — Stay Away!: EA189 Dieselgate recall CAHA 170 hp Exeo, Turbocharger boost sensor and turbo failure, Mandatory software update VW diesel scandal (EA189). Power: 170 PS.
Exeo (BWE, 2009–2013) — Stay Away!: Massive oil consumption from piston rings (series problem), Camshaft chain and tensioner worn, Oil consumption EA113 2.0 TFSI Exeo. Power: 200 PS.
Exeo (CDHB, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: Elevated oil consumption EA888 Gen1 in the Exeo, Timing chain stretch EA888 Gen1 Exeo, Timing chain broken / jumped. Power: 160 PS.
Exeo (CDND, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: Oil consumption EA888 Gen1 2.0 TFSI Exeo, Timing chain wear EA888 Gen1 CDND, Timing chain stretch — EA888 Gen1 tensioner weakness. Power: 211 PS.
Exeo (CDHA, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: Elevated oil consumption EA888 Gen1 — piston ring problem, Timing chain stretch EA888 Gen1, Elevated oil consumption from piston rings. Power: 120 PS.
What to watch out for with the Seat Exeo? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee