The Volkswagen EA288 evo3 is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine introduced in 2020 as the latest evolution of VW’s modular diesel platform. It features a dual — loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, high — pressure common rail injection (up to 2,500 bar), and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard applications it delivers 110–150 kW (150–204 PS) and peak torque between 360–450 Nm, with improved transient response and lower NOx emissions.
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All production years (2020–present) meet Euro 6d emissions standards across EU and UK markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen EA288 evo3 is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact to mid‑size models (2020–present). It combines dual-loop EGR with a high-pressure common rail system and AdBlue SCR aftertreatment to deliver responsive low‑end torque and strict Euro 6d compliance. Designed for real-driving emissions (RDE) conformity, it balances performance with environmental responsibility.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
Power output | 110–150 kW (150–204 PS) | |
Torque | 360–450 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,500 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6d (RDE compliant) | |
Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett or BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
Dry weight | 168 kg |
The Volkswagen EA288 evo3 was used across Volkswagen's MQB and T6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Transporter T6.1 and revised cooling in the Golf Mk8—and from 2023 the Passat B8 facelift adopted updated AdBlue injectors, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models with identical core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The EA288 evo3's primary reliability risk is AdBlue injector coking under frequent short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal field data from 2023 indicated elevated injector replacement rates in vehicles with <5,000 km annual mileage, while UK DVSA records show increased SCR-related MOT advisories in city-driven TDI models. Thermal cycling and infrequent regeneration cycles accelerate urea crystallisation, making occasional highway driving critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2020-2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The EA288 evo3 is generally robust, with no major mechanical flaws reported. Its main vulnerability is AdBlue injector coking in short-trip use, addressed in 2023 updates. With proper maintenance—using VW 504 00/507 00 oil and occasional highway driving—it should deliver long service life.
The top issues are AdBlue injector coking, low-pressure EGR cooler leaks, interrupted DPF regenerations, and minor oil leaks from cam adjuster seals. All are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins, with hardware updates available for the injector and EGR cooler.
It powers the Golf Mk8, Tiguan Mk2 (facelift), Passat B8, and Transporter T6.1 from 2020 onward. It’s also used in Škoda Octavia Mk4 and SEAT Leon Mk4 (2020–2023). All variants meet Euro 6d emissions with AdBlue SCR aftertreatment.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–30 kW safely, as the engine internals are over-engineered for Euro 6d compliance. However, tuning may increase AdBlue consumption and DPF loading. Always pair with high-quality fuel and strict oil maintenance.
Excellent. In a Golf 2.0 TDI 150 PS, expect ~4.8 L/100km (city) and ~3.9 L/100km (highway), or ~58 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 50–60 mpg (UK), depending on model weight and driving style.
Yes. Like all modern VW engines, it is an interference design. If the timing chain fails (though rare in this generation), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain has shown high durability in service.
Volkswagen mandates 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting VW 504 00 and 507 00 specifications. This low-ash oil protects the DPF and turbo. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 12 months, especially with urban driving.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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