Seat Exeo
105 kW common-rail 2.0 TDI in the Exeo on an Audi basis. EA189 Dieselgate recall affects this engine; check oil pump drive for wear. Reliable long-distance diesel with DPF.
Exeo TDI — refined journey
With 105 kW from the 2.0 TDI the Exeo 3R offers a comfortable long-distance companion. The Audi A4 derivative performs well on the motorway; the torque makes everyday driving relaxed. A sensible choice for a budget mid-range diesel.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The CAGA in the Exeo (up to October 2009) is affected by the 77 mm oil pump drive problem. The drive can wear and cut off oil supply. From October 2009 the 100 mm version was fitted.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light on motorway, knocking noises, metal swarf in oil
If the high-pressure pump fails, metal swarf enters the injectors. The entire high-pressure circuit including all injectors must be replaced.
Symptoms: Engine no longer starts after high-pressure pump failure, misfires, severe juddering
The CAGA in the Seat Exeo (EA189) is part of the VW diesel emissions scandal. Mandatory software update (Recall 23S1) must be documented. Without update, deregistration threatened. Update increases EGR opening and can cause valve failure.
Symptoms: Elevated NOx emissions in real-world use; post-update: black smoke, engine stuttering, EGR fault code
After the Dieselgate software update the EGR valve is activated much more frequently and wears significantly faster. Fine soot particles coke up the valve.
Symptoms: Juddering, power loss, black smoke, engine warning light
The dual-mass flywheel of the 2.0 TDI is a known wear item. Total cost including clutch and gearbox removal (8–10 hours labour) up to €1,950.
Symptoms: Rough running at idle, rattling or grinding on cold start or when pulling away
Fuel enters the engine oil through leaking or worn injectors. Oil level appears to rise; lubricating effect actually drops significantly.
Symptoms: Oil level rises rather than falls, fuel smell on oil dipstick, increased fuel consumption
All CAGA engines (EA189, 2008–2015) affected by emissions manipulation. Software update mandatory; refusal to update leads to deregistration.
Vehicle Weaknesses 3
The double-wishbone front axle of the Exeo 3R (Audi A4 B7 basis) wears at high mileage and is costly to overhaul.
On the 2.0 TDI engine fuel return lines can develop leaks. Typical symptom is fuel stains under the vehicle.
Premature battery performance loss and false alarms from the anti-theft system are known weaknesses on the Exeo 3R.
