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1.2 54/60 hp (AWY, BMD, BBM, 2001-2014) engine: faults and reliability

Volkswagen 1.2 12V (EA111) version

With caution

It is a simple, low-power engine with no faults of its own beyond those shared with the rest of the family (timing chain, ignition coils). The chain tensioner failure is documented on this power output too, so it is worth checking the maintenance history and listening to the engine from cold before buying.[1][2]

Years
2001–2014
Power
54–60 hp
Faults that affect it
5
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
5
in our database

8 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Low-power entry-level engine, launched in November 2001 with the Volkswagen Polo IV in two calibrations of 40 kW/54 hp (codes AWY and BMD); in May 2007 a 44 kW/60 hp recalibration (BBM) was added. Under the commercial designation "1.2 60 hp", fiches-auto.fr also documents this same power output on the Seat Ibiza 6J and the Škoda Fabia II, although we have not been able to confirm whether on those cars it corresponds to the BBM code or to a later recalibration not detailed by the sources consulted.[1][3][4]

Engine codes of this version: AWY, BMD, BBM.

Faults of the AWY engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearThe 1.2 12V timing chain can slacken and the tensioner lose effectiveness with wear; if it is not detected in time, the engine can lose compression, throw the timing out or suffer valve-to-piston contact that destroys it. It is the most cited fault of this engine, across several cars and brands.Appears at around 87,000 km
  2. 2High severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockCylinder head and valve damage from exhaust gas backflow (Volkswagen Polo IV)On the Volkswagen Polo IV, the catalytic converter is very close to the cylinder head; when you lift off the accelerator, exhaust gases can flow back towards the engine and damage or burn the cylinder head and exhaust valves. It is a documented design fault, not ordinary wear.Appears at around 24,000 km
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationHigher-than-normal oil consumptionThe 1.2 12V can consume more oil than normal in some cases, documented occasionally on the Volkswagen Polo IV and the Škoda Fabia I. It is not the engine's most cited fault, but it is worth watching the level between services.
  4. 4Low severityFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failureThe 1.2 12V ignition coils fail relatively often, with misfires, hesitation and the engine light coming on. It is the engine's most cited electrical fault, documented on several cars and brands.
  5. 5Low severityFrequency: OccasionalOtherVibration from worn engine mountsThe 1.2 12V is a three-cylinder engine with a background vibration inherent to this design; on top of that, in some documented cases, premature wear of the engine mounts increases the vibration felt in the cabin.

Cars fitted with the AWY engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Seat

Škoda

Volkswagen

Frequently asked questions

Is the AWY engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It is a simple, low-power engine with no faults of its own beyond those shared with the rest of the family (timing chain, ignition coils). The chain tensioner failure is documented on this power output too, so it is worth checking the maintenance history and listening to the engine from cold before buying.[1][2]

What faults does the AWY engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (critical severity), cylinder head and valve damage from exhaust gas backflow (Volkswagen Polo IV) (high severity), higher-than-normal oil consumption (medium severity), ignition coil failure (low severity) and vibration from worn engine mounts (low severity).

Which cars use the AWY engine?

Volkswagen Polo IV (2001–2009), Volkswagen Polo V (2009–2014), Seat Ibiza IV (2008–2014), Škoda Fabia I (2001–2007) and Škoda Fabia II (2007–2014).[1][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Are you buying a car with the AWY engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which 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.

  1. Fiabilité et pannes de la Seat Ibiza (2008-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. VW Polo 4 (9N): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. VW Polo IVWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Fiabilité et pannes de la Skoda Fabia 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes de la Volkswagen Polo 4Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes de la Volkswagen Polo 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes de la Skoda FabiaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Skoda Fabia II (5J): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German