Volkswagen 2.3 VR5 de 10 and 20 válvulas (AGZ, AQN and AZX)Timing chain
Timing chain stretch on the 2.3 VR5 (V5)
Why this rating?
High severity: Risk of a serious engine, turbo or gearbox failure.
Frequency occasional: In its Bora entry, Gebrauchtwagenberater says the VR5 and VR6 'sometimes' suffer chain stretch, but in its Golf IV entry it gives the 2.3 V5 as 'no known problems' and mentions the chain only for the 3.2 VR6. AutoHints gives 150,000-200,000 km (AGZ) and 200,000-250,000 km (AQN) with no statistics behind them.[1][2][3][4]
Symptoms
- Metallic rattle on cold start and, over time, rough idle, according to AutoHints (AGZ); Gebrauchtwagenberater mentions rattling noises on start-up or during load changes.[1][2]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- AutoHints (AGZ) cites the engine warning light caused by correlation faults between the crankshaft and camshaft sensors.[2]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Stretching of the timing chain, which throws the engine timing out of adjustment, according to Gebrauchtwagenberater.[1]
The chain is at the rear of the engine, between the block and the gearbox, so AutoHints says replacing it means removing the engine or the gearbox.[2][3]
If it is not repaired: Gebrauchtwagenberater warns that in the worst case, chain stretch can end in catastrophic engine damage.[1]
Affected cars and years
AutoHints covers it in its AGZ and AQN entries and Gebrauchtwagenberater in the Bora with the 150 and 170 hp VR5.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3 VR5 10v 150 hp (AGZ; 1997-2001) | 1997–2001 | AGZ |
| 2.3 VR5 20v 170 hp (AQN, AZX; 2000-2006) | 2000–2006 | AQNAZX |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Seat
- Seat Toledo II1998–2003
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Golf IV1997–2003
- Volkswagen Bora1998–2005
- Volkswagen Passat B51997–2005
- Volkswagen Beetle I2000–2005
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Timing chain replacement, with removal of the engine or the gearbox.
How we calculated it: We have not found a published price in Spain for this repair on the VR5, nor labour hours that can be cited alongside a parts price, so we do not give a figure. AutoHints only says it is a 'very expensive' repair.
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
- Ask the seller not to start the car before you arrive and listen to the first 3-5 seconds: a metallic rattle from the gearbox side indicates a chain due for replacement and justifies lowering the price.[2][3]
- Ask whether the chain has already been replaced and ask for the invoice with the date and mileage.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Timing chain, guides and tensioner, which on the VR5 sit at the rear of the engine.
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
- AutoHints advises changing the oil at most every 10,000-15,000 km.[2]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 2 November 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
At what mileage does the VR5's chain stretch?
AutoHints gives 150,000-200,000 km for the 150 hp AGZ and 200,000-250,000 km for the 170 hp AQN; these are editorial estimates with no statistics behind them. Gebrauchtwagenberater only says it happens sometimes.[1][2][3]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 2.3 VR5 (V5) faults
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionFaulty ignition coilsFiches-auto warns that a weak coil causes misfires in one cylinder of the V5 and records a Golf IV with a faulty coil at 286,000 km. AutoHints adds that when it fails, the engine loses power, vibrates and smells of unburnt petrol.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingCoolant leaks from the hoses and thermostat housingAutoHints notes that the VR5's plastic coolant hoses and thermostat housing crack with heat and age and leak coolant, and fiches-auto warns that the V5 may have cooling problems. If it overheats, the head gasket can fail.
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 frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming 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: 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
Have you had this fault? Your case helps other owners know when it appears and how much it costs. Report your fault in 2 minutes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- VW Bora (1J2) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 14 July 2022 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
- Engine 2.3 VR5 (AGZ) 150 HP: Experiences, problems, fuel consumption and used-car buying tipsAutoHints · Technical documentation · published 24 July 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026
- Volkswagen 2.3 VR5 20V (AQN): Experiences, problems, fuel consumption and used car buying tipsAutoHints · Technical documentation · published 24 July 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026
- VW Golf 4: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 2 September 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German