2.0 TDI (EA288)
2015–2023 · diesel · 1968cc · 190hp
Engine codes: DETA, DEUA, DESA
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Audi A4 B9 2.0 TDI (EA288). Check this before you buy used.
The 2.0 TDI (EA288 — shared across the A5/Q5/Passat/Tiguan, with quattro available) is the high-mileage B9 A4 choice: strong, very economical and ideally matched to the executive saloon/estate. It's the post-dieselgate EA288 with the standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, AdBlue/SCR sensor/pump faults, injector wear and occasional coolant-pump attention. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a genuine 300k long-hauler — the sensible engine for the miles. Buy on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (DETA) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
DPF clogs and EGR soots on short trips; AdBlue/SCR sensor/pump faults common.
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 250,000 km: 300k-capable long-hauler with care.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐The engine to buy for miles
- ☐Same EA288 as A5 / Q5 / Passat
- ☐Oil + DPF + AdBlue history
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi A4 B9 2.0 TDI (EA288) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The 2.0 TDI (EA288 — shared across the A5/Q5/Passat/Tiguan, with quattro available) is the high-mileage B9 A4 choice: strong, very economical and ideally matched to the executive saloon/estate. It's the post-dieselgate EA288 with the standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, AdBlue/SCR sensor/pump faults, injector wear and occasional coolant-pump attention. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a genuine 300k long-hauler — the sensible engine for the miles. Buy on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Audi A4 B9 2.0 TDI (EA288)?
The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR / AdBlue, Injector / coolant pump.
Is a used Audi A4 B9 2.0 TDI (EA288) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.