2.0 TDI (CFFB / CFGB / CUVA)
2010–2020 · diesel · 1968cc · 150hp
Engine codes: CFFB, CFGB, CUVA, CUWA
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Seat Alhambra II 2.0 TDI (CFFB / CFGB / CUVA). Check this before you buy used.
The 2.0 TDI (CFFB/CFGB common-rail, later CUVA EA288 — shared with the VW Sharan, Passat and Touran) is the Alhambra engine to buy: strong, economical and ideally matched to the heavy family MPV. Standard modern-VAG-diesel cautions — DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, injector wear, AdBlue/SCR on the later EA288 cars, plus the well-known intake-manifold (swirl-flap) runner and occasional timing-chain-driven oil-pump balance-shaft history on early CR units. Disciplined oil and motorway use make it a 300k-capable long-hauler.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (CFFB) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- Volkswagen Golf V— 2.0 TDI 140hp BKD (16V PD)140hp
- Audi A3— 2.0 TDI 170hp (BMN / CBBB)170hp
- Volkswagen Touran— 2.0 TDI 140hp PD (BKD / BMM)140hp
- Volkswagen Caddy— 2.0 TDI (BMM PD / CFHC CR)140hp
- Audi A3— 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFFB)140hp
- Seat Leon II— 2.0 TDI 140hp PD (BKD / BMM)140hp
- Volkswagen Golf V— 2.0 TDI 140hp BMM (8V PD)140hp
- Audi A3— 2.0 TDI 140hp PD (BKD / BMM)140hp
- Volkswagen Golf VI— 2.0 TDI 110hp (CBAA)110hp
- Seat Leon II— 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFFB)140hp
- Volkswagen Golf VI— 2.0 TDI GTD 170hp (CFGB / CBBB)170hp
- Volkswagen Golf V— 2.0 TDI 170hp BMN / BMR (16V PPD piezo)170hp
- Volkswagen Sharan II— 2.0 TDI CR (CFFB / CFGB)170hp
- Volkswagen Tiguan— 2.0 TDI (CBAB/CFFB/CFGB)140hp
- Volkswagen Passat B7— 2.0 TDI CR 140/170hp (CFFB / CFGB)170hp
- Škoda Octavia II— 2.0 TDI 140hp PD (BKD / BMM)140hp
- Volkswagen Golf VI— 2.0 TDI 140hp (CBAB / CBDB → CFFB / CJAA)140hp
- Škoda Octavia II— 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFHC)140hp
- Škoda Octavia II— 2.0 TDI vRS 170hp (BMN / CEGA)170hp
- Volkswagen Passat B6— 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CBAA)140hp
- Volkswagen Passat B6— 2.0 TDI 170hp CR (CBBB)170hp
- Seat Leon II— 2.0 TDI FR 170hp (BMN / CEGA)170hp
- Seat Altea— 2.0 TDI 140hp PD (BKD / BMM)140hp
- Škoda Yeti— 2.0 TDI CR (CFHC / CBAB)170hp
- Škoda Superb II— 2.0 TDI CR 140/170hp (CBAB / CFFB)170hp
- Volkswagen Passat B6— 2.0 TDI 170hp PD (BMR / BMA)170hp
Known Issues
DPF clogs and EGR soots on urban use; intake (swirl) manifold runners stick.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway regens; clean EGR; replace intake manifold.
Repair cost: €250–€1200
Typically appears after: 140,000 km
Injector wear; AdBlue/SCR on later cars; early CR balance-shaft/oil-pump caution.
Fix / Workaround: Injector test; diagnose SCR; check oil-pump drive.
Repair cost: €200–€1400
Typically appears after: 160,000 km
Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 200,000 km: High-mileage capable with care.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐The engine to buy
- ☐Oil + DPF + intake-manifold history
- ☐Shared with VW Sharan / Touran
Frequently asked questions
Is the Seat Alhambra II 2.0 TDI (CFFB / CFGB / CUVA) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The 2.0 TDI (CFFB/CFGB common-rail, later CUVA EA288 — shared with the VW Sharan, Passat and Touran) is the Alhambra engine to buy: strong, economical and ideally matched to the heavy family MPV. Standard modern-VAG-diesel cautions — DPF clogging on short trips, EGR sooting, injector wear, AdBlue/SCR on the later EA288 cars, plus the well-known intake-manifold (swirl-flap) runner and occasional timing-chain-driven oil-pump balance-shaft history on early CR units. Disciplined oil and motorway use make it a 300k-capable long-hauler.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Seat Alhambra II 2.0 TDI (CFFB / CFGB / CUVA)?
The most commonly reported problems: DPF / EGR / intake manifold, Injector / AdBlue / oil-pump (early CR).
Is a used Seat Alhambra II 2.0 TDI (CFFB / CFGB / CUVA) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.