35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO)

2025–2026 · diesel · 1968cc · 150hp

Engine codes: CFFA, CLLB, CUVC, DCYA, DFFA, DFGA, DFHA, DGTE, DNFB, DSRB, DTRB, DTRC, DTSA

Maint. Sensitive

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Audi A5 B10 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/Leon IV/Audi A3) is the high-mileage Octavia IV choice and arguably the smartest buy in the range: strong, exceptionally economical and ideally matched to the big, practical body. 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 genuine 300k long-hauler — the classic high-mileage Octavia. Buy on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (CFFA) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

DPF / EGR / twin AdBluerecurring

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 / coolant pumprecurring

Injector wear; electric coolant pump with age.

Fix / Workaround: Injector test; replace pump.

Repair cost: €150–€900

Typically appears after: 170,000 km

DPF / EGR / AdBluerecurring

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

DPF / EGR (short trips)recurring

DPF clogs and EGR soots on urban use.

Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean/replace EGR + DPF.

Repair cost: €300–€1200

Typically appears after: 140,000 km

Injector / AdBlue / coolant pumprecurring

Injector wear; AdBlue/SCR (later); electric coolant pump.

Fix / Workaround: Injector test; diagnose SCR; replace pump.

Repair cost: €150–€900

Typically appears after: 150,000 km

AdBlue / injectorsrecurring

AdBlue (SCR) faults; occasional injector wear.

Fix / Workaround: Diagnose SCR; injector test.

Repair cost: €150–€900

Typically appears after: 150,000 km

Mileage Thresholds

After 220,000 km: High-mileage capable with care.

After 180,000 km: DPF + injector window.

After 250,000 km: Classic 300k-capable Octavia diesel.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐The engine to buy for miles
☐Twin-dosing AdBlue (cleaner)
☐Same EA288 EVO as Golf VIII / Octavia IV
☐Same EA288 as A3 / Golf / Tiguan
☐Oil + DPF + AdBlue history
☐Oil + DPF history
☐The engine to buy
☐AdBlue + coolant-pump checks
☐The engine for miles
☐Same EA288 EVO as Leon IV / Golf VIII
☐Same EA288 as Tiguan / Kodiaq
☐2.0 TDI is the engine for miles
☐Same EA288 as Kodiaq / Tiguan
☐Same EA288 as Tiguan / Superb
☐The smart high-mileage buy
☐Same EA288 EVO as Golf VIII / A3
☐Same EA288 EVO as Octavia IV / A3
☐4MOTION option a plus
☐AdBlue health
☐Same EA288 as Kodiaq / Passat / Q5

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A5 B10 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/Leon IV/Audi A3) is the high-mileage Octavia IV choice and arguably the smartest buy in the range: strong, exceptionally economical and ideally matched to the big, practical body. 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 genuine 300k long-hauler — the classic high-mileage Octavia. Buy on oil, DPF and AdBlue history.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Audi A5 B10 35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO)?

The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR / twin AdBlue, Injector / coolant pump, DPF / EGR / AdBlue, DPF / EGR (short trips), Injector / AdBlue / coolant pump, AdBlue / injectors.

Is a used Audi A5 B10 35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO) worth buying?

Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.