VW Jetta TDI
2.0L TDI EA288 150hp for 2015 — short US sales window before Dieselgate stop. Theoretically clean diesel generation, but caught in the scandal too.
EA288 TDI — short-lived due to Dieselgate
The successor EA288 TDI with 150 hp had a short US run before Dieselgate halted all TDI sales.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Jetta A6 TDI (EA189) models sold in the US between 2009 and 2015 were recalled as part of the Dieselgate emissions scandal. VW used defeat device software to pass EPA tests. Owners received buybacks or emissions fix as part of the $14.7B settlement.
The EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 in the Jetta A6 have timing chain tensioners that lose oil pressure retention when cold, causing chain rattle at startup. If the tensioner fails completely the chain can skip, causing significant engine damage. Repair $800–$1,500.
The DSG7 DQ200 in the Jetta A6 shudders and jerks on low-speed acceleration from a stop. Hot climates and city driving accelerate clutch wear. VW issued multiple TSBs for clutch replacement and software updates. Service $300–$500.
The EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 engines in the Jetta A6 use a water pump with a plastic impeller that cracks and slips at higher mileages, stopping coolant circulation. Engine overheating follows quickly. Replacement $300–$600 with labor.
Jetta A6 (2011–2018 US) sunroof drain tubes sag and clog, sending water into the A-pillar footwells. The MK6 platform uses the same drain design as its predecessors with the same failure mode. Floor ECUs can be damaged. Drain clearing advised every 2 years.
The Jetta A6 window regulators use a cable-and-rail system that fails when the plastic clips snap, dropping the door glass. The driver's front window is most commonly affected. Replacement regulator $70–$150.
The RCD 510 and Composition Media radios in the Jetta A6 (US) freeze and fail to respond to inputs, especially in hot weather. The touchscreen interface stops working or the unit reboots randomly. Replacement or reflash required.
