2012 Seat Altea problems
The 2012 Seat Altea was sold with 3 engines and 2 gearboxes that we have documented: the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI, the DSG7 DQ200 gearbox, the 1.6 TDI, the 2.0 TDI and the 09G (Aisin) gearbox. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 09G (Aisin) gearbox (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as takata recall: the driver's airbag may fragment in a crash.
2012 Seat Altea score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 21 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine4.3From 1.8 to 5.5 depending on the engine
- Gearbox7.6Manual: no faults · DSG7 DQ200: 4.1 · 09G (Aisin): 8.6
- Suspension7.21 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes7.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering6.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.4 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights7.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety7.11 fault
What changes compared with the 2011 Seat Altea
- Score: 5.6 → 5.0
- Starts to be affected by: takata recall: the driver's airbag may fragment in a crash (rest of the car)
1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine in the 2012 Seat Altea
Names: 1.2 TSI · 1.4 TSI
- With caution
1.2 TSI 86/90/105 hp (EA111, CBZA/CBZC/CBZB, 2009-2015)
86–105 hp · CBZA, CBZC, CBZB
The chains and tensioners on the earliest units stretch early. It is a viable buy if there is an invoice for the revised timing kit, or if it starts from cold without rattling and the maintenance is up to date.[2][3]
- With caution
1.4 TSI 122/125 hp (EA111, CAXA/CAXC, from 2007)
122–125 hp · CAXA, CAXC
It is simpler than the twincharger, but shares the EA111's chain-driven timing: listen to the cold start and check the history before buying.[3][4]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonCylinder head and blockPiston breakage and oil consumption in the 1.4 TSI twinchargerThe 1.4 TSI twincharger (turbo and supercharger) built up to 2012 can crack the pistons between the rings, with oil consumption, misfires and loss of compression. Volkswagen strengthened the pistons and rings on the 2012 CTHD engines.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo wastegate actuator failureThe electric actuator that regulates turbo pressure (wastegate) can seize or fail on the 1.2 TSI and the EA211 engines: the car lights up the EPC warning light and goes into limp mode. Sometimes the actuator alone is enough; if the valve is damaged, the turbo is replaced.
DSG7 DQ200 gearbox in the 2012 Seat Altea
Names: 1.2 TSI DSG · 1.6 TDI DSG
- With caution
DSG7 DQ200 0AM (2008-2013)
· 0AM
This is the generation with the most documented mechatronic and clutch problems, and the one that accounts for the service actions acknowledged by the manufacturer; it is only advisable if you verify the service history, if the 2013 oil campaign has already been carried out and if there are no fault codes stored in the gearbox control unit.[7][8][9][10]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentElectronicsMechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housingYes: the mechatronic unit is the DQ200's most cited weak point. Its pressure accumulator and hydraulic pump can fail because of a housing design defect, with fault warnings, limp mode or loss of drive; Volkswagen has acknowledged the problem with service actions and software updates.Repair (garage): €600–€2,200
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchPremature dry clutch wear and judder when drivingYes: the DQ200's dry clutch wears out sooner than a wet one, especially in stop-start urban traffic. It warns of its condition with judder or jerking when pulling away, slipping when accelerating and, in advanced cases, a burning smell; specialists put its service life at between 120,000 and 180,000 km depending on use.Repair (garage): €500–€1,100Appears at around 120,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionReverse and 6th gear selector fork bearing failureYes, mainly on 0AM units: the bearing that guides the reverse and 6th gear selector fork can wear and leave the fork unsupported, so that the car stops engaging those gears or loses reverse, with fault warnings in the instrument cluster.
1.6 TDI engine in the 2012 Seat Altea
Names: 1.6 TDI 105 CV
- With caution
1.6 TDI common rail EA189 (2009-2015)
75–105 hp · CAYA, CAYB, CAYC, CAYD, CAYE
The dieselgate scandal affects the whole series: check that the update (software and air flow stabiliser) has been done and that there are no symptoms of EGR, particulate filter, turbo or water pump problems.[14][15]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlManipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and air flow stabiliserThe 1.6 TDI EA189 engines (2009-2015, 75-105 hp) carried software that reduced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) outside homologation tests. Unlike the 2.0 TDI, Volkswagen corrects this engine with the software update plus the fitting of an air flow stabiliser.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming belt and water pumpThe 1.6 TDI drives its timing with a toothed belt. It is common for the water pump to be changed together with the kit: if the pump seizes first, it can drag the belt with it, with a risk of breakage and serious cylinder head damage.Repair (garage): €400–€1,500
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboVariable-geometry turbo seized or with playThe variable-geometry turbo on the 1.6 TDI EA189 can seize because of carbon deposits or wear on the shaft. The engine loses power, whistles or emits bluish smoke, and replacing the turbo costs around €1,000 if there is no additional damage.Repair (garage): €1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve clogged with carbon depositsThe EGR valve accumulates carbon deposits, especially on short urban trips, until it seizes and no longer seals or opens precisely. The engine loses power and jerks; cleaning the valve costs considerably less than replacing it.Repair (garage): €100–€1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter (DPF)In urban use and on short trips, the particulate filter does not complete regeneration and becomes saturated with soot. The DPF warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car may enter limp mode with a loss of power.Repair (garage): €200–€3,000
2.0 TDI engine in the 2012 Seat Altea
Names: 2.0 TDI 140 · 2.0 TDI 170
- With caution
2.0 TDI common rail EA189 (2008-2015)
84–177 hp · CBDC, CFFD, CAAC, CBAB, CFFB, CFHC, CFHD, CAGA, CJCA, CBAC, CAHA, CBBB, CFGB, CFGC, CGLC
Worth buying if the emissions update has been done and, on 2009-2011 units, the diesel pipe campaign, and if there are no symptoms of EGR, particulate filter or turbo problems. Caradisiac finds it hard to recommend the Audi A4 2.0 TDI of this era because of its reliability problems.[15][18][19]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlManipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent updateThe 2.0 TDI EA189 (2008-2015) had software that reduced the EGR outside type-approval tests. Volkswagen fixes it free of charge with an update of about 30 minutes, which is not mandatory to pass the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) and whose long-term effects are still under discussion.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionHigh-pressure pump, injectors and diesel leaks on the EA189On the 2.0 TDI EA189, the high-pressure pump can shed metal particles that force the pump and injectors to be replaced. In addition, 2009-2011 units were recalled for diesel leaks from the high-pressure pipes.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 2.0 TDI's EGR valve often fills with carbon, especially with short journeys, and causes smoke and loss of power. On the EA189, the EGR cooler can also lose coolant.Repair (garage): €100–€300
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant loss from the water pump or the coolersMany 2.0 TDI engines lose coolant. On the 150 hp EA288 the water pump is usually the culprit and, more rarely, the cylinder head; on the 140 hp EA189 the typical causes are the oil cooler or the EGR cooler.
09G (Aisin) gearbox in the 2012 Seat Altea
- With caution
09G (Aisin TF-60SN, 2003-2018)
· 09G, 09M, 09K
It has a reputation for being more reliable than the DSG and the press documents hardly any systemic faults, but there are isolated cases of overheating or total gearbox failure, and as with any torque converter automatic of this age it is worth checking the oil maintenance history before buying.[22][23][24]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- High severityFrequency: RareTransmissionTotal gearbox failure at low mileage, documented in an isolated caseA testimony from an Audi A3 8P 2.0 FSI with a Tiptronic gearbox says it became unusable at 100,000 km, with an expensive repair. It is the only total failure documented in this entry: there is no sign that it is a widespread problem, but it is worth checking carefully that it works properly before buying.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareTransmissionGearbox overheating under demanding use, documented in an isolated caseThere is one documented testimony of a Golf V 2.0 FSI whose automatic gearbox overheated at 49,500 km. It is an isolated case - we have found no similar testimonies for this gearbox in the other cars in this entry - but it is worth bearing in mind if you do a lot of driving in heat, heavy traffic or towing.
Faults outside the engine in the 2012 Seat Altea
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyTakata recall: the driver's airbag may fragment in a crashYes: campaign 69FT covers Altea cars built between 29 June 2012 and 2 August 2013, because the Takata propellant in the driver's airbag can degrade and release metal fragments when it deploys. The inspection and, where necessary, replacement of the inflator are free at official dealers.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionThe shock absorbers and their joints can wear out before 50,000 kmAltea owners describe worn shock absorbers, top mounting bearings and suspension ball joints in under 50,000 km; a German technical inspection report confirms that shock absorbers, springs and driveshafts are a common reason for failure in inspections of this model.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Seat Altea reliable?
The 2012 Seat Altea was sold with 3 engines and 2 gearboxes that we have documented: the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI, the DSG7 DQ200 gearbox, the 1.6 TDI, the 2.0 TDI and the 09G (Aisin) gearbox. All of them have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the 09G (Aisin) gearbox (verdict “With caution”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2012 cars, such as takata recall: the driver's airbag may fragment in a crash.
Is the 2012 Seat Altea better than the 2011?
Our score goes from 5.6 in 2011 to 5.0 in 2012. Starts to be affected by: takata recall: the driver's airbag may fragment in a crash (rest of the car).
What is the best year for the Seat Altea?
According to our score, the best are 2005 and 2004 (6.8/10). The year with the worst score is 2012 (5.0/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2012 Seat Altea have?
The most important ones documented for 2012 cars are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111) (1.2 and 1.4 TSI, critical severity), piston breakage and oil consumption in the 1.4 TSI twincharger (1.2 and 1.4 TSI, critical severity), takata recall: the driver's airbag may fragment in a crash (airbags and safety, critical severity), mechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housing (DSG7 DQ200 gearbox, high severity) and timing belt and water pump (1.6 TDI, high severity).
Own a 2012 Seat Altea? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- VW 1.2 TSI & 1.4 TSI Steuerkette: VW kassiert Kulanz-VersprechenAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 1 June 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Bei älteren VW 1.2 TSi-Motoren: Gefahr einer Längung der Steuerkettefebi bilstein (blog técnico) · Technical documentation · published 28 January 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Probleme und Schwachstellen beim 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI (EA111)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Other source · published 1 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- ADAC Pannenstatistik 2019 (anexo: defectos por encima de la media por modelo)ADAC e.V. · Reliability study · published 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- VW, Skoda & Seat DSG Probleme: alle 6 und 7-Gang DQ GetriebeCarwiki · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Fallo en la mecatrónica de la caja DSG: Ojo a estos modelosGT Autos · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- DSG7 DQ200: Guía Técnica Definitiva (P17BF, Mecatrónica y Soluciones)STR Performance · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Doppelkupplungsgetriebe: DQ200 - Das große Problem des VW-KonzernsHandelsblatt · General press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Probleme mit VW-DSG: Kein offizieller Rückruf von VolkswagenAuto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- 7 Speed DSG Gearbox Problems | Mechatronic Faults | DSG Clutch PackEco Torque · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
- VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- SEAT Altea - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
- Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Los SEAT León y Altea se despiden del TDI "viejo"Motorpasión · Motoring press · published 23 November 2010 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Lista provisional de coches afectados por los TDI de VolkswagenMotor.es · Motoring press · published 25 September 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité - Audi A4 (2007-2015) : belle, mais capricieuseCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Used Skoda Yeti reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 June 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026
- List of Aisin transmissionsWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Seat LeónWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- VW Passat B6 – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 25 September 2022 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Fiabilité Audi A3 (2003-2012), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf V (2003-2008), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French