2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CBAA)

2008–2010 · diesel · 1968cc · 140hp

Engine codes: CBAB, CBAA

History-Dependent

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Volkswagen Passat B6 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CBAA). Check this before you buy used.

The 2008+ common-rail replacement — much better than the PD BKP it replaced, and the sensible diesel choice in a B6. One caveat remains: early CR builds share the oil-pump/balance-shaft hex risk — CBAB before 19.10.2009 used the 77mm hex; after that a 100mm shaft fixed it. Post-fix = strong; 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 (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: 100mm shaft — fixed.

Mileage Thresholds

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

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐Much better than the PD BKP
☐Build date before/after 19.10.2009
☐Idle metallic rattle check
☐DPF/EGR history

Frequently asked questions

Is the Volkswagen Passat B6 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CBAA) reliable?

History-Dependent — The 2008+ common-rail replacement — much better than the PD BKP it replaced, and the sensible diesel choice in a B6. One caveat remains: early CR builds share the oil-pump/balance-shaft hex risk — CBAB before 19.10.2009 used the 77mm hex; after that a 100mm shaft fixed it. Post-fix = strong; pre-fix unverified = gamble.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Volkswagen Passat B6 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CBAA)?

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

Is a used Volkswagen Passat B6 2.0 TDI 140hp CR (CBAB / CBAA) worth buying?

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