2.0 TDI 110hp (CBAA)
2008–2010 · diesel · 1968cc · 110hp
Engine codes: CBAA
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.
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
- 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
- Seat Alhambra II— 2.0 TDI (CFFB / CFGB / CUVA)150hp
- 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
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 clogs on short trips; EGR clogs with soot.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway runs; clean EGR/DPF.
Repair cost: €150–€900
Year Cutoffs
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.