2.0 TDI (CFFA / CLLB)
2011–2018 · diesel · 1968cc · 150hp
Engine codes: CFFA, CLLB, CUVC, DFGA
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Audi Q3 2.0 TDI (CFFA / CLLB). Check this before you buy used.
The 2.0 TDI is the volume Q3 engine and the sensible high-mileage choice — strong, economical and well-matched to the quattro SUV. The EA189/EA288-era cars carry the usual common-rail items: DPF/EGR on short trips, injector wear, AdBlue on later cars, and occasional coolant-pump attention. With disciplined oil and motorway use it's a dependable long-hauler — the engine to buy in the Q3.
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 A3 8Y— 35 / 30 TDI (2.0 EA288 EVO)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 urban use.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean/replace EGR + DPF.
Repair cost: €300–€1200
Typically appears after: 140,000 km
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
Mileage Thresholds
After 180,000 km: DPF + injector window.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Oil + DPF history
- ☐The engine to buy
- ☐AdBlue + coolant-pump checks
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q3 2.0 TDI (CFFA / CLLB) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The 2.0 TDI is the volume Q3 engine and the sensible high-mileage choice — strong, economical and well-matched to the quattro SUV. The EA189/EA288-era cars carry the usual common-rail items: DPF/EGR on short trips, injector wear, AdBlue on later cars, and occasional coolant-pump attention. With disciplined oil and motorway use it's a dependable long-hauler — the engine to buy in the Q3.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Audi Q3 2.0 TDI (CFFA / CLLB)?
The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR (short trips), Injector / AdBlue / coolant pump.
Is a used Audi Q3 2.0 TDI (CFFA / CLLB) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.