Seat Exeo
155 kW EA888 Gen1 in the Exeo from 2010 on Audi B7 basis. Oil consumption and timing chain wear are known Gen1 weaknesses. Strongest petrol option in the Exeo.
Exeo 2.0 TSI — good package
The most powerful petrol engine in the Exeo 3R with 155 kW offers sporting enjoyment in a mid-range saloon body. Wide torque band, a refined note, and enough power for brisk progress. For drivers who want more substance than sporty styling.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The CDND engine (EA888 Gen1) in the top Exeo engine shares the known piston ring oil consumption problem of all early EA888 variants. As the most powerful Exeo engine, it is subject to greater thermal stress.
Symptoms: Pronounced blue smoke on acceleration, heavy oil consumption above 1 l/1,000 km from 70,000 km
The EA888 Gen1 CDND in the Exeo shares the timing chain issues of the entire Gen1 family. Undersized chain tensioner leads to chain stretch and rattling.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, camshaft fault codes, power loss
EA888 Gen1 engines such as the CDND suffer from excessively fast timing chain stretch and a weak tensioner. The chain can jump and cause severe engine damage.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine warning light, in extreme cases engine damage from jumped chain
The EA888 Gen1 CDND burns oil heavily at higher mileages through clogged oil return bores. Engines can consume the entire oil capacity per 800–1,000 km.
Symptoms: Rapid oil level drop, blue smoke from exhaust, sharply elevated oil consumption above 1 l/1,000 km
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.
