Volkswagen EA888 engine - Yay or nay?

halbwissen · Apr 23, 2017

2.0T_Convert said:
...Worth buying over the old 2.5L if the goal is years of reliable motoring? ...

The 2.5l is the most reliable and least expensive to maintain engine VW has produced since the 2.0l ABA in the MK3. It's not uncommon to find a 2.5l with 150-200k miles that has only needed gas, oil and filters.

The FSI/TSI motors on the other hand, are plagued this issues.
Cam follower
Water pump
Intake manifold
Carbon buildup
Upper chain tensioner
PCV failure
Rear main seal leaks

If the goal is years of reliable motoring (in a VW), buy a 2.5l.

Ttone74 · Apr 23, 2017

I had a 2.5 and it was worry free for the 76,000 miles I drove it. I also drove it like a sports car and it was not, so it is quite durable.

My 2.0T...

2011 A4, 44,000 miles, no issues
GLI SE, 33,000 miles
GLi SEL, 15,000 miles
2015 A4. 15,000 miles

No problems all around. It cannot BE!!! I keep being told how UNRELIABLE VW/Audi is...

Code Red! · Apr 23, 2017

Got one in our 2015, no signs of RMS issues ...yet, but will have to pull the codes off my laptop regarding some transmission issues showing up. No tune, no nothing. Just not behaving well, and it has already got my wife freaked out enough to have her shopping for a replacement. Instances of low idle and "nearly stalling out" being relayed to me, so it is probably just another fun little VW quirk.

jai5 · Apr 23, 2017

ciphertext said:
The 2.5l is the most reliable and least expensive to maintain engine VW has produced since the 2.0l ABA in the MK3. It's not uncommon to find a 2.5l with 150-200k miles that has only needed gas, oil and filters.

The FSI/TSI motors on the other hand, are plagued this issues.
Cam follower
Water pump
Intake manifold
Carbon buildup
Upper chain tensioner
PCV failure
Rear main seal leaks

If the goal is years of reliable motoring (in a VW), buy a 2.5l.

:facepalm:

This thread is specifically about issues on the 3rd generation of the TSI/FSI (EA888). We are well aware of the issues with the FSI, TSIgen1,gen2 issues,we want to know how the 3rd gen is doing for reliability.

2.0T_Convert · Apr 23, 2017

ciphertext said:
The 2.5l is the most reliable and least expensive to maintain engine VW has produced since the 2.0l ABA in the MK3. It's not uncommon to find a 2.5l with 150-200k miles that has only needed gas, oil and filters.

Ended up with a Hyundai 1.8L Nu engine instead

firstorbit84 · Apr 23, 2017

I have 38k on my '14 Jetta 1.8t and it has had zero issues to date. (Although I've probably just jinxed myself). The motor is great and I'm always surprised at the great balance between good power and good fuel economy. I'm considering getting a tune in the next year though, and from what I've read it might go through the clutch quicker after that. I have started to feel the clutch slip a tad when taking off sometimes.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

halbwissen · Apr 23, 2017

jai5 said:
:facepalm:

This thread is specifically about issues on the 3rd generation of the TSI/FSI (EA888). We are well aware of the issues with the FSI, TSIgen1,gen2 issues,we want to know how the 3rd gen is doing for reliability.

I suppose I should've read the first post a little more clearly, however the title of thread says simply "EA888" which is the chain-driven turbocharged engine found in 2008+ models and the picture provided by the OP is of a TSI 2.0T. Again, should've read it better.

If we're talking gen.3 EA888 1.8T, then there's:
Axle wobble in automatic MK6 Jettas (the fix is 2.5l axles, IIRC)
Rear main seal leaks
Carbon buildup
Turbo failure (This might have been GTI only, I don't recall)

Like someone mentioned, the EA888 1.8T found in the MK6 Jetta is not the same as the 1.8T found in the MK7. Whether this is an issue later is TBD, but it's worth mentioning.

In closing - if OP is looking for long-term, trouble-free VW ownership and he's shopping for a MK6 Jetta or Golf, then he should buy the 2.5l.

halbwissen · Apr 23, 2017

2.0T_Convert said:
... Automatic transmission still the 6-speed Aisin unit? ...

I forgot to comment on this -

Yes, it's still the an Aisin unit in the new cars.

Historically they've fared well in terms of reliability. However, if you don't change the ATF at 40-50k intervals, you're setting yourself up for valve body failure. From what I know, the solenoids start sticking and cause flares and hard shifts.

In terms of "performance" the Aisin 6-speed is pretty lame. The fuzzy logic VW uses for the shift programming is intended to return maximum efficiency which leaves much to be desired if you're wanting to drive the car spiritedly.

jai5 · Apr 24, 2017

ciphertext said:
I suppose I should've read the first post a little more clearly, however the title of thread says simply "EA888" which is the chain-driven turbocharged engine found in 2008+ models and the picture provided by the OP is of a TSI 2.0T. Again, should've read it better.

If we're talking gen.3 EA888 1.8T, then there's:
Axle wobble in automatic MK6 Jettas (the fix is 2.5l axles, IIRC)
Rear main seal leaks
Carbon buildup
Turbo failure (This might have been GTI only, I don't recall)

Like someone mentioned, the EA888 1.8T found in the MK6 Jetta is not the same as the 1.8T found in the MK7. Whether this is an issue later is TBD, but it's worth mentioning.

In closing - if OP is looking for long-term, trouble-free VW ownership and he's shopping for a MK6 Jetta or Golf, then he should buy the 2.5l.

Interesting, didn't know about turbo failures being common on the Mk7 GTIs. Do you have any links on this?

There are 2 co-workers at work who beat the **** out of their MK7 GTIs. They're not car guys and they've had 0 issues. One is auto and one is manual. Both 2015s.

candy11 · Apr 24, 2017

jai5 said:
Interesting, didn't know about turbo failures being common on the Mk7 GTIs. Do you have any links on this?

There are 2 co-workers at work who beat the **** out of their MK7 GTIs. They're not car guys and they've had 0 issues. One is auto and one is manual. Both 2015s.

Most of the failures to my knowledge where very very early on. A local dealer had one smoking off the delivery truck. (2015)

http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5276

http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6472

smoothsix · Apr 24, 2017

jai5 said:
Interesting, didn't know about turbo failures being common on the Mk7 GTIs. Do you have any links on this?

There are 2 co-workers at work who beat the **** out of their MK7 GTIs. They're not car guys and they've had 0 issues. One is auto and one is manual. Both 2015s.

The R, too. But it was 2014 cars in Europe; by the time the car hit US shores in early 2015, they seemed to have no problems. I'm sure its' happened, but I've been following the forums since before the car even came out in Europe, and I can't remember hearing of a SINGLE turbo failure on a US spec R.

VMPhil · Apr 24, 2017

ciphertext said:
The 2.5l is the most reliable and least expensive to maintain engine VW has produced since the 2.0l ABA in the MK3. It's not uncommon to find a 2.5l with 150-200k miles that has only needed gas, oil and filters.

The FSI/TSI motors on the other hand, are plagued this issues.
Cam follower
Water pump
Intake manifold
Carbon buildup
Upper chain tensioner
PCV failure
Rear main seal leaks

If the goal is years of reliable motoring (in a VW), buy a 2.5l.

My wife had a 2.5 Golf, I had an MK5 GTI and MK6 GLI. I pretty much agree with this assessment.

MonsterM · Apr 24, 2017

jai5 said:
Interesting, didn't know about turbo failures being common on the Mk7 GTIs. Do you have any links on this?

There are 2 co-workers at work who beat the **** out of their MK7 GTIs. They're not car guys and they've had 0 issues. One is auto and one is manual. Both 2015s.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7947761-2015-GTI-blown-turbo-and-BLOCK/page4

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre.../showthread.php?7902305-My-15-GTI-blew-its-motor-at-19K&p=96427201#post96427201

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7873985-Apr-stage-2-blown-turbo

http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19604&page=2

http://forums.vwvortex.com/poll.php?pollid=4202&do=showresults

http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20287

https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/co...olfGTI/comments/2twiij/mk7_gti_apr_stage_i_blown_turbo/?st=j1wkqqqm&sh=434392ca

Lots of engine failures in the Middle East versions too. Not sure if has to do with heat, different fuel or different tuning.

Slipstream · Apr 25, 2017

Ttone74 said:
I had a 2.5 and it was worry free for the 76,000 miles I drove it. I also drove it like a sports car and it was not, so it is quite durable.

My 2.0T...

2011 A4, 44,000 miles, no issues
GLI SE, 33,000 miles
GLi SEL, 15,000 miles
2015 A4. 15,000 miles

No problems all around. It cannot BE!!! I keep being told how UNRELIABLE VW/Audi is...

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic, but a lot of people put more miles on one car than you have on all four combined. 15k mi isn't a realistic benchmark for an engine's reliability record.

I'll confirm the 2.5 reliability thing though - I had a Rabbit and my wife had a MKV Jetta, and neither had any significant issues in the 120k mi we put on them. My 2.0T GTI, on the other hand...

MonsterM · Apr 25, 2017

Slipstream said:
I can't tell if you're being sarcastic, but a lot of people put more miles on one car than you have on all four combined. 15k mi isn't a realistic benchmark for an engine's reliability record.

I'll confirm the 2.5 reliability thing though - I had a Rabbit and my wife had a MKV Jetta, and neither had any significant issues in the 120k mi we put on them. My 2.0T GTI, on the other hand...

To be fair that is not only a VW thing. DI carbon buildup, forced induction, more heat, more components, strict emissions standards, fuel quality. etc...all play a role here. It is only natural that under stressed NA engines will have fewer problems. But yeah my 2.0T Jetta....Ouch.

VMPhil · Apr 25, 2017

MonsterM said:
To be fair that is not only a VW thing. DI carbon buildup, forced induction, more heat, more components, strict emissions standards, fuel quality. etc...all play a role here. It is only natural that under stressed NA engines will have fewer problems. But yeah my 2.0T Jetta....Ouch.

It is safe to say the EA111 had its fair share of issues. My GTI had the water pump failure. I swapped the Cam Follower at about 80k miles (well worn) and I installed a catch can around 30k miles to avoid the PCV failure and to help with the carbon build up.

Ttone74 · Apr 25, 2017

Slipstream said:
I can't tell if you're being sarcastic, but a lot of people put more miles on one car than you have on all four combined. 15k mi isn't a realistic benchmark for an engine's reliability record.

I'll confirm the 2.5 reliability thing though - I had a Rabbit and my wife had a MKV Jetta, and neither had any significant issues in the 120k mi we put on them. My 2.0T GTI, on the other hand...

I know issues pop up more with high mileage, but we don't keep them around long enough... So that is all the "history" I have had with VW/Audi engines.

VR6OOM · Apr 25, 2017

spathotan said:
Just like every VW turbo engine it's plagued with issues. Better gas mileage, more mods and better power delivery than the 2.5. Be prepared to set aside $200-$400 for a carbon cleaning every few years, also set aside even more for repairs if you dare mod it.

196k on an awp 1.8t...chipped for 140k...not a single major issue that wasn't user caused.

My current 1.8t gen 3 jetta has been solid for 45k and chipped for 5k miles. I love this motor. Great mpg's, timing chain instead of belt, loads of fun chipped, quiet and cheap. It's also lowered 2" and I haven't had a single suspension issue.

As for carbon...get over it. It's cheaper than a timing belt change at the same mileage interval. Or do what I do and run low saps diesel oil (vw 504/507) like I do at 5k intervals.

Code Red! · Apr 27, 2017

Just going to add into this...

Address 02: Auto Trans (J217) (yes the AISIN)
1 Fault Found:
28269 - Gear Selector
P17C5 00 [104] - Implausible Signal

1 Fault Found:
617752 - Selector Lever Park Position Lock Switch
B1162 29 [008] - Signal Implausible

...sounding like a bad shifter assembly.

2015 @40k... yay VW, quality.

*sigh*

cubedfreek · Apr 27, 2017

We ARE talking about the engine, though... :laugh:

Volkswagen EA888 engine - Yay or nay?

halbwissen

Ttone74

Code Red!

jai5

2.0T_Convert

firstorbit84

halbwissen

halbwissen

jai5

candy11

smoothsix

VMPhil

MonsterM

Slipstream

MonsterM

VMPhil

Ttone74

VR6OOM

Code Red!

cubedfreek

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