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Volkswagen CNHA Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The CNHA is the 2.0-litre TDI Ultra diesel engine fitted to high-efficiency variants of the Volkswagen Golf, Passat, and Tiguan between 2014 and 2021. Reconditioned units are available from £2,800 , backed by 310 UK replacement requests for the EA288 2.0 TDI family in 2025 .
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£1,200
Reconditioned from
£2,800
Rebuilt from
£3,800
GB
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Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Key Specs
Volkswagen CNHA - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
CNHA (EA288 Family)
Fuel
Diesel
Configuration
2.0L inline-4, single turbo
Power Output(s)
110 kW (150 hp) / 340 Nm (varies slightly by model tune)
Years Produced
2014-2021
UK Models Fitted
3+ Volkswagen models - full list in Compatibility below
2025 UK Replacement Requests
310 (EA288 2.0 TDI family)
Replaced
EA189 2.0 TDI (e.g., CRLB)
Replaced By
N/A (Superseded by newer EA288 revisions in later models)
Most Common Failure
AdBlue system component failure / DPF clogging
Reconditioned Price Range
£2,800-£4,500 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for CNHA replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which Volkswagen Models Use the CNHA-
TAG: Fitted To
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Volkswagen Golf | Mk7 / Mk7.5 (AU) | 2.0 TDI BlueMotion / 150 | 2014-2020 | |
| Volkswagen Passat | B8 | 2.0 TDI BlueMotion / 150 | 2014-2021 | |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | Mk2 (AD/BW) | 2.0 TDI 4Motion / 150 | 2016-2021 |
02
Volkswagen Passat
03
Volkswagen Tiguan
CROSS-BRAND
CNHA is documented across 3 BMW applications spanning Golf, Passat, Tiguan. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
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Prices
Volkswagen CNHA Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £1,200-£2,500 | £1,720-£3,215 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £2,800-£4,500 | £3,320-£5,215 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £3,800-£6,000 | £4,320-£6,715 | 12-24 months |
The replacement cost for a Volkswagen CNHA engine is heavily influenced by the condition of the emissions hardware. Units with a recently serviced AdBlue system (including NOx sensors and the dosing heater) and a professionally cleaned DPF command a premium. Always verify if the EGR cooler has been inspected, as this is a known wear item on higher-mileage examples. For a full breakdown of what is included in a professional rebuild, see our full reconditioned engine cost guide .
Labour Guide
Fitting a CNHA typically takes 8-11 hours at £65/hr (independent specialist rate) - confirm exact labour when comparing quotes.
Price Factors
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Common Problems
Volkswagen CNHA Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the CNHA, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: AdBlue system component failure / DPF clogging.
1. AdBlue System Component Failure - 2014-2021 models
1. AdBlue System Component Failure - 2014-2021 models
Typical onset:
100k-180k miles
What happens:
The CNHA relies heavily on its Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to meet strict Euro 6 emissions standards. The AdBlue heater element or NOx sensors are prone to failure, triggering dashboard warning lights and potentially putting the vehicle into a reduced-power "limp" mode to prevent excessive emissions.
Repair vs replace:
This is often resolved by replacing the specific faulty sensor or heater element (£400-£1,500 ). However, if AdBlue crystallisation has damaged the injector or the tank itself, a full system replacement may be required, making a reconditioned Volkswagen CNHA engine a more viable long-term solution.
Read more about this issue
2. DPF Clogging (Urban Use)
2. DPF Clogging (Urban Use)
Typical onset:
80k-150k miles
What happens:
As an "Ultra" efficiency engine, the CNHA is frequently used for long motorway runs. When subjected to short, urban journeys, the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cannot complete its active regeneration cycle. This leads to soot buildup, restricted exhaust flow, and eventual turbocharger strain due to excessive backpressure.
Repair vs replace:
A professional DPF clean or forced regeneration can resolve early-stage clogging. If the DPF is physically cracked or the turbo has suffered oil starvation due to the blockage, Volkswagen CNHA engine replacement is often the most reliable fix.
Read more about this issue
3. Occasional EGR Cooler Leaks
3. Occasional EGR Cooler Leaks
Typical onset:
100k+ miles
What happens:
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler can develop internal or external coolant leaks over time. This may present as a sweet smell from the engine bay, unexplained coolant loss, or white smoke from the exhaust under load.
Repair vs replace:
Replacing the EGR cooler is a standard, manageable repair. It rarely warrants a full Volkswagen CNHA engine replacement unless the leak has been ignored long enough to cause severe hydrolock or overheating damage.
Read more about this issue
The CNHA (part of the broader EA288 family) is generally considered significantly more reliable than its predecessor, the EA189, with far fewer catastrophic timing chain or injector failure issues reported by UK specialists .
Compare rebuilt CNHA prices with the failure already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the CNHA
The CNHA engine code is stamped directly onto the engine block, typically located on a machined pad near the junction of the engine and gearbox, or on a manufacturer sticker affixed to the timing belt cover. It is also clearly listed in your vehicle's V5C registration document under the "Engine Capacity" or "Engine Code" section, and can be definitively verified via a VIN decode. The CNHA is sometimes confused with other EA288 2.0 TDI codes, such as the CRLB or CRBC. While they share the same fundamental architecture, the CNHA is specifically calibrated for "Ultra" low-emission efficiency. This often involves specific AdBlue dosing strategies, unique software maps, and revised exhaust routing. Fitting a non-CNHA replacement may result in ECU incompatibility, failed MOT emissions tests, or incorrect AdBlue consumption rates.
Not 100% sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact CNHA fitment before any quotes are sent.
Easily Confused
CRLB
- the EA189 2.0 TDI it replaced was prone to injector coking and EGR clogging, whereas the CNHA introduced a more robust AdBlue system for stricter Euro 6 compliance.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
Newer EA288 revisions
while the CNHA remains the definitive "Ultra" efficiency code, later EA288 updates refined the AdBlue dosing strategy and thermal management for even lower real-world emissions.
Related JLR Variants
CRBC
- an earlier common-rail 2.0 TDI variant that lacks the CNHA's advanced "Ultra" emissions hardware, making it a simpler but less efficient alternative for pre-2014 models.
Confirm the exact CNHA fitment
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Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement CNHA - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
A used Volkswagen CNHA engine can be a cost-effective choice for older, lower-value Golf or Passat hosts, provided the seller can supply documented evidence of regular AdBlue system servicing and DPF regeneration history. The primary risk is inheriting a clogged DPF or a failing NOx sensor that will require immediate attention.
Reconditioned:
This is the recommended route for most CNHA owners. A proper reconditioned unit will have the AdBlue injector, NOx sensors, and EGR cooler rigorously tested or replaced, and the DPF professionally cleaned or renewed. This eliminates the most common failure points and restores the engine to near-factory reliability.
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is justified for high-mileage Tiguan or Passat examples where the core block is sound, but ancillary components (such as the turbocharger or high-pressure fuel pump) show significant wear. Ensure the rebuild specification explicitly addresses the EA288 emissions hardware to prevent recurring issues.
Supply & Fit Line:
Booking through our network ensures your CNHA is installed by specialists familiar with VW Group emissions software, backed by a minimum 12-month warranty and nationwide delivery.
Vehicle Value Note:
With typical host vehicles (Golf Mk7, Passat B8, Tiguan Mk2) valued between £5,000 and £20,000 , a reconditioned CNHA replacement remains well within the vehicle's value. This makes repair a financially sound decision over scrapping, earning a Safe rating on our ownership decision index.
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Related Engines
Engines Related to the Volkswagen CNHA
Explore engines that are closely related to the Volkswagen CNHA, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
CRLB
- the EA189 2.0 TDI it replaced was prone to injector coking and EGR clogging, whereas the CNHA introduced a more robust AdBlue system for stricter Euro 6 compliance.
Successor
Newer EA288 revisions
while the CNHA remains the definitive "Ultra" efficiency code, later EA288 updates refined the AdBlue dosing strategy and thermal management for even lower real-world emissions.
Sibling
CRBC
- an earlier common-rail 2.0 TDI variant that lacks the CNHA's advanced "Ultra" emissions hardware, making it a simpler but less efficient alternative for pre-2014 models.
Sibling
CUNA
- the high-output 184hp GTD variant of the 2.0 TDI; owners seeking performance upgrades should look here, as the CNHA is strictly calibrated for maximum fuel economy.
Cross-Brand Twin
Audi CNHA
- the exact same physical EA288 2.0 TDI Ultra engine was fitted to the Audi A4, A6, and Q5 during the same production window, sharing identical failure patterns and replacement costs.
FAQ
Volkswagen CNHAFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Volkswagen CNHA engine replacement cost-
A Volkswagen CNHA engine replacement typically costs between £2,800 and £4,500 for a reconditioned supply-only unit . Fitted costs add approximately £520-£715 for independent specialist labour. Used units are available from £1,200, though they carry higher risk regarding AdBlue and DPF health.
- Fitted costs add approximately £520-£715 for independent specialist labour.
- Used units are available from £1,200, though they carry higher risk regarding AdBlue and DPF health.
Question 2What is the most common failure with the CNHA 2.0 TDI Ultra-
The most documented failure pattern for the CNHA is AdBlue system component failure, typically occurring between 100,000 and 180,000 miles . NOx sensors or the AdBlue heater element frequently fail, triggering limp mode. DPF clogging is also common if the vehicle is primarily used for short, urban journeys.
- NOx sensors or the AdBlue heater element frequently fail, triggering limp mode.
- DPF clogging is also common if the vehicle is primarily used for short, urban journeys.
Question 3Which Volkswagen models use the CNHA engine-
The CNHA engine was fitted to the Volkswagen Golf (Mk7/Mk7.5), Passat (B8), and Tiguan (Mk2) between 2014 and 2021. It was primarily marketed as the "Ultra" efficiency variant of the 2.0 TDI. It is also shared with select Audi models, including the A4 and A6.
- It was primarily marketed as the "Ultra" efficiency variant of the 2.0 TDI.
- It is also shared with select Audi models, including the A4 and A6.
Question 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned CNHA engine-
A reconditioned CNHA engine is strongly recommended over a used unit due to the known wear patterns of the EA288 emissions hardware. A proper recon will address or replace the AdBlue injector, NOx sensors, and EGR cooler. Used units often inherit clogged DPFs or failing AdBlue heaters, leading to immediate post-purchase repair bills.
- A proper recon will address or replace the AdBlue injector, NOx sensors, and EGR cooler.
- Used units often inherit clogged DPFs or failing AdBlue heaters, leading to immediate post-purchase repair bills.
Question 5How do I know if my car has the CNHA engine-
You can confirm your vehicle has the CNHA engine by checking the V5C registration document or the manufacturer sticker on the timing belt cover. The code is also stamped on a machined pad near the engine and gearbox junction. Do not confuse it with the CRLB or CRBC, as fitting the wrong revision can cause ECU and emissions incompatibility.
- The code is also stamped on a machined pad near the engine and gearbox junction.
- Do not confuse it with the CRLB or CRBC, as fitting the wrong revision can cause ECU and emissions incompatibility.
Compare Volkswagen CNHA Engine Prices Today
Get a free, no-obligation price comparison for your exact Volkswagen CNHA engine. Our registration lookup confirms your precise fitment and sub-code before any quotes are sent, ensuring you receive accurate pricing from vetted specialists. With reconditioned CNHA units starting from £2,800, comparing takes two minutes and could save you hundreds on your replacement.
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Minimum 12-Month Warranty
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
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