Volkswagen 1.2 TDI de 3 cilindros common rail (EA189, 2009-2014)Emissions control
Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update on the 1.2 TDI
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency very frequent: This is not a mechanical fault with a variable failure rate, but software installed at the factory in the control unit of all EA189 engines: that is why it is documented as systemic, and not simply because a campaign exists to correct it. That said, we have found no official figure for the number of 1.2 TDI units specifically affected in Spain: there are published figures for the group's EA189 engines as a whole, but they are not broken down for this 3-cylinder engine.[1]
Symptoms
- No perceptible symptom at the wheel: the software detected the homologation test bench and, in real-world driving, allowed nitrogen oxide emissions higher than those declared, as the sources on the scandal describe.[2]
Why it happens
This engine is part of the EA189 family, in which Volkswagen installed software that recognised the homologation test bench and, away from it, relaxed NOx emissions control.[1][2]
The 1.2-litre engine did not appear in the initial announcement of September 2015, centred on the 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDIs; according to Wikipedia, citing the press of the time, it was added to the list of affected engines on 6 October 2015.[1]
If it is not repaired: Without the update, the car continues to emit more nitrogen oxides than homologated in real-world driving; we have found no sources that document, for this engine, any additional mechanical wear attributable to the software itself, unlike what is debated for other TDIs of the same family.[2]
Affected cars and years
It affects the whole production of this engine: it is factory software in the control unit, not a defect in a particular batch of units.[1][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014) | 2009–2014 | CFWA |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Seat
- Seat Ibiza IV2010–2014
Škoda
- Škoda Fabia II2010–2014
- Škoda Roomster2010–2014
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Polo V2009–2014
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Software update at an official service centre, at no cost to the owner.[2]
Volkswagen offered the update free of charge from January 2016, according to Wikipedia. We have not found the specific workshop time for this 3-cylinder engine.
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
- Use the chassis number (17 digits) on the manufacturer's website or at an official service centre to check whether the car has this engine and whether the update has already been done.
- Ask the seller for proof of the software update campaign.
How to prevent it
- Have the update done through the official network: Volkswagen has offered it at no cost since January 2016.[2]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
Software updateVolkswagen · January 2016
Software update for EA189 engines (including the 1.2 TDI)
EA189 engines with the software that manipulated NOx emissions on the homologation test bench, including this 1.2 TDI, added to the list of affected engines on 6 October 2015: free reprogramming of the control unit through the official network.[1][2]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1.2 TDI affected by dieselgate?
Yes: although the scandal broke in September 2015 centred on the 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDIs, the press reports collected by Wikipedia place the extension of the list of affected engines to this 1.2 TDI a few days later, on 6 October 2015.[1]
How much does the software update cost?
Nothing: Volkswagen has offered it free of charge through its official network since January 2016.[2]
Does the update have side effects?
We have found no sources documenting specific side effects on this 3-cylinder engine; for other TDIs of the same family a possible increase in soot is debated, something Volkswagen denies.[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 TDI faults
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming belt, water pump and high-pressure pumpOn this engine, a single toothed belt drives the camshaft, the water pump and the common-rail high-pressure pump. If the water pump seizes, it can drag the belt with it and cause it to jump a tooth or break, with the risk of serious engine damage.Repair (garage): €400–€700
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboFailing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smokeThe 1.2 TDI's turbo can lose pressure through deteriorated hoses or wear on the shaft with use. The engine loses power, whistles or gives off bluish smoke, and replacing the turbo costs around €1,000 in Spain if there is no added damage to other parts.Repair (garage): €1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by carbon depositsThe EGR valve builds up carbon deposits, especially on short urban journeys, until it seizes and stops sealing or opening precisely. The engine loses power and judders; cleaning it costs considerably less than replacing it.Repair (garage): €100–€700
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlBlocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)This engine has a particulate filter as standard. Short urban journeys stop it regenerating and it becomes saturated with soot: the DPF warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car can enter an emergency mode with loss of power.Repair (garage): €500–€2,000
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German