2.0 TDI 110hp (CBAA)

2008–2010 · diesel · 1968cc · 110hp

Engine codes: CBAA

History-Dependent

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Volkswagen Golf VI 2.0 TDI 110hp (CBAA). Check this before you buy used.

Lower-output common-rail EA189 2.0 TDI. Strong engine, BUT early builds share the common-rail oil-pump/balance-shaft hex-drive weakness (see the 140). Whether it's safe depends on the build date / whether the revised oil-pump shaft was fitted. Good with the fix; risky on an early, unverified unit.

Known Issues

Oil pump / balance shaft hex drive (early builds)critical

Early common-rail 2.0 TDIs use a 77mm hex drive between the balance shaft and oil pump that wears round, killing oil pressure and the engine (typ. 100,000–160,000 km). Revised to a 100mm shaft on later builds.

Fix / Workaround: Verify/retrofit the revised 100mm oil-pump drive shaft (~€200). Listen for metallic rattle at idle; act on any oil-pressure warning instantly.

Repair cost: €200–€3000

Typically appears after: 100,000 km

DPF / EGR carbonrecurring

DPF clogs on short trips; EGR clogs with soot.

Fix / Workaround: Motorway runs; clean EGR/DPF.

Repair cost: €150–€900

Year Cutoffs

2009: Before — 77mm oil-pump hex drive — failure-prone. After — 100mm oil-pump drive shaft — fixed (built after ~Oct 2009).

Mileage Thresholds

After 100,000 km: Oil-pump hex failure window on early builds.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐Establish build date — pre or post the Oct 2009 oil-pump fix
☐Confirm whether the revised oil-pump shaft was fitted
☐Idle: listen for metallic rattle (oil-pump drive)
☐Check DPF/EGR history

Frequently asked questions

Is the Volkswagen Golf VI 2.0 TDI 110hp (CBAA) reliable?

History-Dependent — Lower-output common-rail EA189 2.0 TDI. Strong engine, BUT early builds share the common-rail oil-pump/balance-shaft hex-drive weakness (see the 140). Whether it's safe depends on the build date / whether the revised oil-pump shaft was fitted. Good with the fix; risky on an early, unverified unit.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Volkswagen Golf VI 2.0 TDI 110hp (CBAA)?

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

Is a used Volkswagen Golf VI 2.0 TDI 110hp (CBAA) worth buying?

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