Engines · Volkswagen Group
VW Group 2.0 TFSI (EA113) common problems
The EA113 2.0 TFSI is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with direct injection and a cambelt, launched in late 2003 in the Audi A3 and soon the Golf GTI, and made in K03 turbo form (around 200PS) and stronger K04 form (up to about 270PS) for the S3, Leon Cupra, Golf R and Scirocco R. From 2008 it was gradually replaced by the chain-driven EA888, though the K04 versions carried on into the 2010s. The limited-run Polo R WRC Street also used it.
Common problems and what to look for on the EA113
The known issues most worth checking when you view a car with this engine. None of them means a car is a bad buy, but they're worth knowing about before you buy, and a good history often shows they've been dealt with.
The fuel pump cam follower
What to look for: You can't see this at a viewing, so look in the history for the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower being inspected or replaced, ideally more than once, and ask the seller directly. On the drive, note any loss of power or engine warning light under hard acceleration. Without a record, plan to have it checked straight away.
Why it matters: A small follower sits between the camshaft and the high-pressure fuel pump. It wears, which first causes low fuel pressure, lost power and a warning light, and if ignored damages the camshaft and the pump. Later engines got a revised cam lobe, but it remains the best-known wear item, more so on high-mileage and tuned cars. Specialists change it every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, and a car with this done regularly has been looked after by someone who knows the engine.
Cambelt and water pump
What to look for: Find the last cambelt and water pump change in the history, with date and mileage, and compare it with the service schedule for that model.
Why it matters: The EA113 drives its camshafts with a toothed belt, plus a short chain linking the two camshafts. If the belt fails the valves hit the pistons, so the interval matters. Intervals vary by model, and the water pump is normally renewed with the belt as part of the same kit. An overdue belt needs doing before the car is used much.
Breather (PCV) and diverter valves
What to look for: With the engine warm, listen for an uneven idle. On the drive, accelerate firmly through the gears and check the power keeps building smoothly to the top of the rev range. Ask whether the breather or diverter valve has been replaced.
Why it matters: The original crankcase breather (PCV) valve is weak and can fail, causing a poor idle and poor boost control; a later revised valve is the usual fix. The diverter valve, which releases boost when you lift off, can split its diaphragm and leak boost, so the car feels flat. Both are well known on this engine and quick to put right.
More known issues, covered in the full guide for each car
- Misfires and coil packs
- Carbon on the inlet valves
- Oil level and use
Cars with the EA113
- Volkswagen Golf Mk5: GTI 2.0 TFSI 200PS, plus the 230PS Edition 30 and Pirelli
- Volkswagen Golf Mk6: GTI Edition 35 (235PS) only; other Mk6 GTIs use the EA888
- Volkswagen Golf R Mk6: Golf R 2.0 TSI 270PS, all years
- Volkswagen Scirocco R: Scirocco R 265PS before the 2014 facelift
- Audi A3 8P: 2.0 TFSI 200PS, to about 2008
- Audi S3 8P: S3 2.0 TFSI 265PS, all years (BHZ, later CDLA)
- Audi A4 B7: 2.0 TFSI 200PS, and 220PS DTM and Special Edition versions
- Audi A6 C6 and allroad: 2.0 TFSI 170PS
- Audi TT Mk2 8J: 2.0 TFSI 200PS before the 2010 update, and the TTS 272PS
- Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra R 1P: Leon Cupra 240PS, K1 and Cupra R 265PS
- Skoda Octavia vRS Mk2: 2.0 TFSI petrol before the 2009 facelift
A pre-purchase inspection guide for your car
The CrankSight guide is a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) you do yourself, written for the exact model and generation you're viewing. It walks you round the car on your phone, with every check for that version, engine included: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
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General points for the engine, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with any manufacturer.