Volkswagen 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI (EA111 and EA211)Timing chain
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111) on the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI
Why this rating?
Critical severity: It can destroy the engine or gearbox, or affects safety.
Frequency very frequent: In 2012 Volkswagen acknowledged that the chain could stretch and jump, launched a goodwill programme in Germany and changed the design, although it maintained that the defect rate was very low. The ADAC placed the chain among the above-average faults of the Polo (2010-2011), Scirocco (2009), Tiguan (2009) and León (2009-2010), without specifying the engine.[1][8][9]
Symptoms
- Rattling or metallic scraping during the first few seconds after a cold start, which settles down as oil pressure rises.[2][10]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Fault warning light on because of a lack of synchronisation between the crankshaft and camshaft (for example, code P3008).[10]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- The engine is harder to start once the timing has lost its setting.[10]Hard to start: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Rough running and misfires if the chain has jumped a tooth.[2]Vibrations: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- Rattling or metallic scraping during the first few seconds after a cold start, which settles down as oil pressure rises.[2][10]Noise on start-up: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The tensioner is hydraulic: with the engine stopped it loses pressure and the chain is left slack at start-up. With use the chain stretches until the tensioner can no longer compensate for it.[3][10]
Volkswagen attributed part of the cases to a supplier that, during a specific period, made chains with stamping tools that had exceeded their wear limit.[1]
The earliest chains, guides and tensioners had little durability in reserve; in 2011 Volkswagen redesigned the 1.2 TSI's assembly with a wider chain, new guides, a larger tensioner and sprockets with different tooth profiles.[2][7]
If it is not repaired: If the chain jumps one or more teeth the timing is lost and the valves can collide with the pistons, which means the engine has to be rebuilt or replaced.[1][2]
Affected cars and years
The most exposed are the 1.2 TSI engines built before the 2011 revision (sources place it between June and October of that year) and the 1.4 TSI engines from before 2010-2012. The revised versions last longer, but they still have a chain and are now over ten years old.[2][3][6][7]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TSI 86/90/105 hp (EA111, CBZA/CBZC/CBZB, 2009-2015) | 2009–2015 | CBZACBZCCBZB |
| 1.4 TSI twincharger 140-185 hp (EA111, BMY/BLG/CAVD/CAVE…, 2006-2012) | 2006–2012 | BMYBLGCAVBCAVCCAVDCAVECAVFCAVG |
| 1.4 TSI twincharger revised 160-185 hp (EA111, CTHD/CTHE/CTHG, from 2012) | since 2012 | CTHDCTHECTHG |
| 1.4 TSI 122/125 hp (EA111, CAXA/CAXC, from 2007) | since 2007 | CAXACAXC |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Audi
- Audi A1 I2010–2018
- Audi A3 II2007–2013
Seat
- Seat León II2007–2012
- Seat Ibiza IV2009–2017
- Seat Altea2004–2015
- Seat Alhambra II2010–2020
- Seat Toledo IV2012–2019
Škoda
- Škoda Fabia II2010–2014
- Škoda Octavia II2008–2013
- Škoda Yeti2009–2017
- Škoda Superb II2008–2015
- Škoda Rapid2012–2019
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Golf VI2008–2012
- Volkswagen Polo V2009–2017
- Volkswagen Scirocco III2008–2017
- Volkswagen Tiguan I2007–2016
- Volkswagen Touran I2006–2015
- Volkswagen Caddy III2010–2015
- Volkswagen Jetta VI2010–2018
- Volkswagen Passat B62005–2010
- Volkswagen Passat B72010–2014
- Volkswagen Sharan II2010–2020
- Volkswagen Golf Plus2007–2014
- Volkswagen Beetle II2011–2019
- Volkswagen Eos2007–2015
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Complete timing kit (chain, tensioner and guides) with labour[4][5]
Figure from a Spanish cost guide that does not distinguish the type of workshop; original-quality parts account for 300-450 € of the total. If the chain has already jumped and valves or pistons are damaged, the repair can exceed 3,000-5,000 €.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Start the engine completely cold, preferably after standing overnight, and listen to the first few seconds: a metallic rattle lasting several seconds indicates a worn chain or tensioner.[2][10]
- Ask for invoices: ideally the complete set (chain, tensioner and guides) will have been replaced with the revised version, not just the tensioner.[2][10]
- Connect a diagnostic tool and look for stored crankshaft/camshaft correlation codes, even if the warning light is off.[10]
- Check that oil changes have been done on time and with oil meeting the relevant Volkswagen standard.[10]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Complete timing chain kit (chain, hydraulic tensioner, guides and sprockets)[4]
Replacement of the timing set when the chain is stretched or the tensioner no longer keeps it taut.
Indicative price of the part: €300–€450
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links
How to prevent it
- Change the oil on time and with an oil approved by Volkswagen: the tensioner depends on oil pressure to work properly.[10]
- At the first prolonged rattle when cold, replace the whole set with the revised version before the chain gets as far as jumping.[2][10]
- Some workshops advise fitting the modified tensioner preventively at around 60,000 km.[10]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
Extended warrantyVolkswagen AG · 2012
Volkswagen goodwill programme for the TSI EA111 chain
In Germany, Volkswagen announced in 2012 that it would cover at least 50% of parts and labour on all TSI EA111 engines, with no mileage limit, and extended the help to cars over six years old (between 50 and 100% depending on age, mileage and history). In 2018 Auto Bild reported that the brand had begun to refuse it because of the car's age.[1][8]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Which 1.2 TSI engines have the chain problem?
The chain-driven EA111 engines (CBZA, CBZB and CBZC), built between 2009 and 2015, especially those from before the 2011 revision. The 1.2 TSI EA211 engines, from 2012, use a timing belt and do not have this fault.[2][7][11]
How do I know whether my 1.4 TSI has a chain or a belt?
The 1.4 TSI EA111 engines (cast-iron block; codes such as BMY, BLG, CAXA, CAVD or CTHD) have a chain. The EA211 engines (aluminium block; codes such as CHPA, CPTA, CZCA or CZDA) have a timing belt. The engine code appears in the car's technical documentation.[6][12][13][14][15]
How much does it cost to replace the chain on a 1.2 or 1.4 TSI?
Between 700 and 1,400 € with the complete kit, according to a Spanish cost guide. If the chain has already jumped and damaged valves or pistons, the bill can exceed 3,000-5,000 €.[4][5]
Does Volkswagen pay for the repair?
In 2012 Volkswagen announced a goodwill policy in Germany (50 to 100% of the cost) for the EA111, but since 2018 it has refused it on older cars. Today it depends on each case and the maintenance history.[1][8]
Is a brief noise on start-up normal even if the chain is new?
A very short scrape can appear even with the revised kit, because the hydraulic tensioner needs oil pressure to build up. A rattle lasting several seconds, or one that gets worse, is not normal.[2]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.2 and 1.4 TSI faults
- 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: CommonCoolingWater pump and thermostat housing leak (EA211)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA211 the water pump is integrated into the plastic thermostat housing; over the years it can crack or lose its seal and the engine slowly loses coolant. Caught in time, it does not damage the engine.Appears at around 80,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: RareTimingCamshaft adjuster and belt failure (EA211, 2013-2015)On some 1.2 TSI EA211 engines built mainly in 2014, the camshaft adjuster bolts came loose, jammed the wheel and snapped the belt, causing serious engine failure. Volkswagen recalled units from late 2013 to 2015 (action 15H2).
- 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.
More faults with the timing chain on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTiming chain stretchYes: the timing chain on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel can slip or stretch prematurely and put the engine out of time, with a risk of serious failure. It is documented on the Evoque, Discovery Sport, XE, E-Pace and F-Pace, with engine failures between 90,000 and 130,000 km in several owner reports.Repair (garage): €4,000–€7,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.6 CRDiTiming chain stretchThe two timing chains of the U2 D4FB (one of which also drives the high-pressure pump) tend to stretch at around 120,000-150,000 km, with a characteristic metallic rattle. If left unattended, the chain can jump teeth and cause the pistons and valves to collide.Appears at around 120,000 km
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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
- Coste de cambiar la cadena de distribución: guía VW Audi TSISkanyx · Other source · published 25 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Problemas en la cadena de distribución: casos y costeGT Autos (Málaga) · Other source · published 22 December 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Volkswagen CAVD 1.4 Litre TSI Engine ProblemsGrant Walker (taller, Australia) · Other source · published 28 June 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026
- Motores EA111 1.2 TSI Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotorDinámico · Other source · published 26 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Steuerketten-Probleme: VW erweitert Kulanzautoplenum.de · Motoring press · published 26 April 2012 · 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
- Problema en la distribución en motores TSi del Grupo VAGBlog Mecánicos · Other source · published 13 February 2014 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- The new Golf – Powertrain structure: engines and gearboxesVolkswagen Newsroom · Manufacturer · published 2012 · consulted 26 September 2026
- Self-Study Programme 359: 1.4l TSI Engine with Dual-chargingVolkswagen AG (copia alojada en volkspage.net) · Manufacturer · published March 2006 · consulted 26 September 2026
- International Driving Presentation of the new Polo BlueGTVolkswagen Newsroom · Manufacturer · published 2 July 2012 · consulted 26 September 2026
- Volkswagen EA211 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Škoda OctaviaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026