2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFHC)

2008–2013 · diesel · 1968cc · 140hp

Engine codes: CBAB, CFHC, CLCB

History-Dependent

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

The common-rail 2.0 TDI (facelift) — excellent once past one caveat: early builds have the oil-pump/balance-shaft hex-drive that can wear round and destroy the engine. CBAB built BEFORE 19.10.2009 used the failure-prone 77mm hex; AFTER that (and CFHC) VW fitted a 100mm shaft and the problem is solved. A post-fix car is one of the best used diesels; a pre-fix unverified one is a 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 drive (early builds)critical

Balance-shaft vibration rounds off the 77mm hex drive to the oil pump → oil pressure collapse → engine destroyed (typ. 95,000–160,000 km). Affected CBAB before 19.10.2009.

Fix / Workaround: Verify build date / that the revised 100mm oil-pump shaft was fitted (~€200). Metallic idle rattle or any oil-pressure light = stop immediately.

Repair cost: €200–€3500

Typically appears after: 95,000 km

DPF cloggingrecurring

Blocks on short trips; failed regens need cleaning. Some report coolant loss during regen.

Fix / Workaround: Regular hot motorway runs; clean/replace if blocked.

Repair cost: €200–€1200

Typically appears after: 130,000 km

EGR carbonrecurring

EGR clogs → rough running / limp mode.

Fix / Workaround: Deep-clean EGR.

Repair cost: €150–€400

Year Cutoffs

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

Mileage Thresholds

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

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐CRITICAL: establish build date — before/after 19.10.2009 oil-pump fix
☐Prefer CFHC or any post-Oct-2009 build
☐Confirm revised oil-pump shaft on early cars
☐Idle: metallic rattle check (oil-pump drive)
☐Check DPF/EGR history; prefer motorway-used car
☐DSG6 (DQ250 wet): confirm fluid changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the Skoda Octavia II 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFHC) reliable?

History-Dependent — The common-rail 2.0 TDI (facelift) — excellent once past one caveat: early builds have the oil-pump/balance-shaft hex-drive that can wear round and destroy the engine. CBAB built BEFORE 19.10.2009 used the failure-prone 77mm hex; AFTER that (and CFHC) VW fitted a 100mm shaft and the problem is solved. A post-fix car is one of the best used diesels; a pre-fix unverified one is a gamble.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Skoda Octavia II 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFHC)?

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

Is a used Skoda Octavia II 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CFHC) worth buying?

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