2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFFB)

2008–2012 · diesel · 1968cc · 140hp

Engine codes: CBAB, CFFB, CFHC

History-Dependent

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Seat Leon II 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFFB). Check this before you buy used.

Common-rail 2.0 TDI — excellent past one caveat: early builds have the oil-pump/balance-shaft hex failure. CBAB before 19.10.2009 used the 77mm hex; after (and CFFB) a 100mm shaft fixed it. Post-fix = great; pre-fix unverified = gamble.

Same engine, other cars

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

Known Issues

Oil pump / balance shaft hex (early builds)critical

77mm hex rounds off → oil pressure collapse → engine destroyed (95,000–160,000 km). CBAB before 19.10.2009.

Fix / Workaround: Verify build date / revised 100mm shaft (~€200). Idle rattle or oil light = stop.

Repair cost: €200–€3500

Typically appears after: 95,000 km

DPF / EGR cloggingrecurring

DPF blocks on short trips; EGR clogs.

Fix / Workaround: Motorway runs; clean/replace.

Repair cost: €200–€1200

Typically appears after: 130,000 km

Year Cutoffs

2009: Before — CBAB before 19.10.2009: 77mm hex — failure-prone. After — After / CFFB: 100mm shaft — fixed.

Mileage Thresholds

After 95,000 km: Oil-pump hex failure window on pre-fix builds.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐CRITICAL: build date before/after 19.10.2009
☐Prefer CFFB or post-Oct-2009
☐Idle metallic rattle check
☐DPF/EGR history

Frequently asked questions

Is the Seat Leon II 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFFB) reliable?

History-Dependent — Common-rail 2.0 TDI — excellent past one caveat: early builds have the oil-pump/balance-shaft hex failure. CBAB before 19.10.2009 used the 77mm hex; after (and CFFB) a 100mm shaft fixed it. Post-fix = great; pre-fix unverified = gamble.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Seat Leon II 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFFB)?

The most commonly reported problems: Oil pump / balance shaft hex (early builds), DPF / EGR clogging.

Is a used Seat Leon II 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFFB) worth buying?

The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.