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Volkswagen EA288
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Volkswagen EA288
Verdict
SOLID · 68/100
Est. cost /3yr
€1,800-4,500 over 3 years depending on DPF and EGR maintenance needs; higher end applies if a DPF replacement is required within that period
Oil interval
10,000 km
Recalls
0
Worst issue
DPF Clogging / Premature Ash Loading
HIGH
Volkswagen EA288
Mk7 · Mk7 EA288
DPF Clogging / Premature Ash Loading
€400-1,800
HIGH
EGR System Fouling and Failure
€300-1,200
HIGH
Timing Chain Noise / Stretch Concern
€600-1,500
MODERATE
Throttle Release / Turbo Noise
€200-1,000
MODERATE
Short-Trip DPF Degradation from Usage Pattern
€0-200
LOW
Volkswagen EA288
Mk7 · Mk7 EA288
•Connect VCDS or OBD2 scanner and read DPF ash load and soot percentage, reject if ash exceeds 60g or soot is elevated without a recent regen
•Check EGR valve operation and inspect intake manifold for heavy carbon deposits indicating short-trip-dominated use
•Cold-start the engine and listen carefully for timing chain rattle from the rear of the engine block before oil pressure builds
•Request full service history and verify VW 507.00 spec oil has been used consistently, non-spec oil accelerates DPF and chain wear
•Ask the seller directly about typical journey lengths, a car used mainly for short urban trips is a DPF risk regardless of mileage
•Test drive at sustained motorway speed and check for throttle-lift noises or boost irregularities that could indicate VGT vane sticking
Volkswagen EA288
Mk7 · Mk7 EA288
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Check ash load via VCDS before purchase; budget for professional clean or replacement if over 60g ash
80,000-150,000 km
EGR Valve and EGR Cooler
Inspect and clean or replace if carbon-fouled; particularly important on urban-use vehicles
100,000-180,000 km
Timing Chain and Tensioner
Check for cold-start rattle and verify oil change history; replace tensioner if any doubt
150,000-200,000 km
Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)
Inspect for sticky vanes and abnormal noises; ensure correct VW 507.00 oil has been used throughout
120,000-200,000 km
Volkswagen EA288
Mk7 · Mk7 EA288
No recalls on record
Volkswagen EA288
Mk7 · Mk7 EA288
✓Improved emission compliance over EA189 with post-Dieselgate EA288 calibration
✓Lifetime timing chain design reduces chain-related anxiety versus TSI petrol siblings
✓Strong torque output for everyday driving and motorway use
✓Well-supported by VCDS diagnostic ecosystem with extensive community knowledge
✓Good parts availability across VAG network and aftermarket
✓Broadly proven across multiple VAG platforms with large knowledge base
Volkswagen EA288
Mk7 · Mk7 EA288
Real consumption
6 L/100km
Official consumption
Not available
Oil interval
10,000 km
Oil spec
VW 507.00 0W-30 (mandatory for DPF-equipped variants)
Est. cost /3yr
€1,800-4,500 over 3 years depending on DPF and EGR maintenance needs; higher end applies if a DPF replacement is required within that period
Volkswagen EA288
Mk7 · Mk7 EA288
110 hp · 250 Nm
2015-2020
150 hp · 340 Nm
2015-2020
184 hp · 380 Nm
2017-2020
Power output does not change the DPF or EGR risk profile on this engine, all three tunes share the same aftertreatment hardware and the same short-trip vulnerability. Choose based on how the car was actually driven rather than hp figure: a well-serviced 110 hp car used mostly on motorways is a safer buy than a neglected 184 hp GTD used for short urban commutes. The GTD's stronger internals are a bonus for the extra torque, not a reliability advantage over the 150 hp version.