2.0 TDI (CBAB/CFFB/CFGB)
2007–2016 · diesel · 1968cc · 140hp
Engine codes: CBAB, CFFB, CFGB
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI (CBAB/CFFB/CFGB). Check this before you buy used.
The common-rail 2.0 TDI — the sensible Tiguan engine and robust later on, but early builds carry the oil-pump/balance-shaft hex risk (CBAB before 19.10.2009 = 77mm hex; fixed 100mm after). Watch DPF/EGR on short trips; later cars added AdBlue. A post-fix car is strong; verify build date on early ones.
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
- Volkswagen Golf VI— 2.0 TDI 110hp (CBAA)110hp
- 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 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
CBAB before 19.10.2009 has the 77mm oil-pump hex failure (fixed 100mm after).
Fix / Workaround: Verify build date / revised shaft; idle rattle = stop.
Repair cost: €200–€3500
Typically appears after: 95,000 km
DPF/EGR clog on short trips; check AdBlue on later cars.
Fix / Workaround: Motorway runs; clean/replace; confirm AdBlue works.
Repair cost: €200–€1200
Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 95,000 km: Oil-pump hex window on pre-fix builds.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Build date before/after 19.10.2009
- ☐Idle metallic rattle check
- ☐DPF/EGR + AdBlue history
- ☐The sensible Tiguan engine
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI (CBAB/CFFB/CFGB) reliable?
History-Dependent — The common-rail 2.0 TDI — the sensible Tiguan engine and robust later on, but early builds carry the oil-pump/balance-shaft hex risk (CBAB before 19.10.2009 = 77mm hex; fixed 100mm after). Watch DPF/EGR on short trips; later cars added AdBlue. A post-fix car is strong; verify build date on early ones.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI (CBAB/CFFB/CFGB)?
The most commonly reported problems: Oil pump hex (early builds), DPF / EGR clogging.
Is a used Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI (CBAB/CFFB/CFGB) worth buying?
The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.