35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO)
2020–2024 · diesel · 1968cc · 150hp
Engine codes: DTRC, DTSA, DSRB
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Audi A3 8Y 35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO). Check this before you buy used.
The 2.0 TDI (EA288 EVO — the latest twin-dosing-AdBlue VAG diesel, shared with the Golf VIII/Octavia IV/Leon IV) is the high-mileage A3 8Y choice: strong, very economical and genuinely clean. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, twin-dosing AdBlue/SCR (more sensors/pumps to keep healthy), injector wear and occasional coolant-pump attention. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a dependable long-hauler — the engine for the miles. Buy on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (DFGA) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- Škoda Kodiaq— 2.0 TDI (EA288)150hp
- Cupra Formentor— 2.0 TDI (EA288 EVO)150hp
- Škoda Octavia IV— 2.0 TDI (EA288 EVO)150hp
- Seat Ateca— 2.0 TDI (EA288)150hp
- Volkswagen Golf VIII— 2.0 TDI (EA288 EVO)150hp
- Škoda Karoq— 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288)150hp
- Audi Q3— 2.0 TDI (CFFA / CLLB)150hp
- Audi Q2— 2.0 TDI (EA288)150hp
- Seat Leon IV— 2.0 TDI (EA288 EVO)150hp
- Volkswagen Tiguan II— 2.0 TDI (EA288)150hp
- Volkswagen T-Roc— 2.0 TDI (EA288)150hp
Known Issues
DPF clogs and EGR soots on short trips; twin-dosing AdBlue/SCR has more parts to fail.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean EGR; diagnose SCR.
Repair cost: €250–€1300
Typically appears after: 140,000 km
Injector wear; electric coolant pump with age.
Fix / Workaround: Injector test; replace pump.
Repair cost: €150–€900
Typically appears after: 170,000 km
Mileage Thresholds
After 220,000 km: High-mileage capable with care.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐The engine to buy for miles
- ☐Twin-dosing AdBlue (cleaner)
- ☐Same EA288 EVO as Golf VIII / Octavia IV
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi A3 8Y 35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The 2.0 TDI (EA288 EVO — the latest twin-dosing-AdBlue VAG diesel, shared with the Golf VIII/Octavia IV/Leon IV) is the high-mileage A3 8Y choice: strong, very economical and genuinely clean. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, twin-dosing AdBlue/SCR (more sensors/pumps to keep healthy), injector wear and occasional coolant-pump attention. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a dependable long-hauler — the engine for the miles. Buy on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Audi A3 8Y 35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO)?
The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR / twin AdBlue, Injector / coolant pump.
Is a used Audi A3 8Y 35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.