Does the mk1 Skoda Superb 2.0TDI potentially suffer from a known oil pump problem?

I have been looking through your excellent website car reviews to guide me and came across the one for the Mk1 Skoda Superb, a car I quite like. You mention a potentially serious and very expensive issue with the oil pump on the 2.0TDI 140 engine that was fitted to these cars. I believe this engine is still in production: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/skoda/superb-2002/?section=bad

Please can you confirm if this fault risk is also present in all other Volkswagen group cars fitted with this engine, and whether it is also an issue with other power variants of the design (eg 170bhp)? Does it also extend to the 1.9 engine that preceded this engine? Surely if this fault is so potentially serious and expensive if not guarded against, it should be highlighted to owners and potential owners of Volkswagen Group cars that have this engine.

Asked on 19 September 2011 by SG, Pulborough

Answered by Honest John
Yes. And they changed the oil pump drive to a different type that also can fail. But it cannot be hugely widespread, otherwise I'd hear a lot more about it. The VAG 1.9TDI is generally much more reliable.
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