CarValidator

2.0 TDI (CAGA / CGLC)

20082016 · diesel · 1968cc · 177hp

Engine codes: CAGA, CGLC, CMFA, CMGB

Maint. Sensitive

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Audi A5 2.0 TDI (CAGA / CGLC). Check this before you buy used.

The 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage A5 — strong, economical and the volume engine. The EA189-era cars carry the usual common-rail items: DPF/EGR on short trips, injector wear, and on some early CR engines oil-pump/balance-shaft attention; later EA288 cars added AdBlue. With disciplined oil and motorway use it's a dependable long-hauler — the engine to buy if you don't need the petrol's sparkle.

Same engine, other cars

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

Known Issues

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 / oil-pump (early CR)recurring

Injector wear; some early 2.0 CR oil-pump/balance-shaft attention.

Fix / Workaround: Injector test; inspect oil-pump drive on early units.

Repair cost: €200–€1300

Typically appears after: 160,000 km

Mileage Thresholds

After 180,000 km: DPF + injector window.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

  • Oil + DPF history
  • The sensible high-mileage A5
  • Early CR: oil-pump drive history

Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A5 2.0 TDI (CAGA / CGLC) reliable?

Maint. Sensitive — The 2.0 TDI is the sensible high-mileage A5 — strong, economical and the volume engine. The EA189-era cars carry the usual common-rail items: DPF/EGR on short trips, injector wear, and on some early CR engines oil-pump/balance-shaft attention; later EA288 cars added AdBlue. With disciplined oil and motorway use it's a dependable long-hauler — the engine to buy if you don't need the petrol's sparkle.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Audi A5 2.0 TDI (CAGA / CGLC)?

The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR (short trips), Injector / oil-pump (early CR).

Is a used Audi A5 2.0 TDI (CAGA / CGLC) worth buying?

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