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1.6 8v Total Flex (Brazilian EA-111, 2003-2022) engine: faults and reliability

Grupo Volkswagen 1.0, 1.4 and 1.6 de gasolina de 8 válvulas (EA111, Europa and Latinoamérica) version

With caution

No campaign or ruling in the sources covers the 1.6; only Click Petróleo e Gás mentions it alongside the 1.0 VHT in the lubrication problem, without specifying whether it is 8-valve or substantiating the claim, and we have found no reliability studies of our own.[1][2]

Years
2003–2022
Power
101–104 hp
Faults that affect it
1
0 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
2
in our database

7 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

According to the Portuguese-language Wikipedia, the Fox has an 8-valve EA-111 1.6 from its first generation (2003); in the Gol G5 it is the 1.6 VHT flex of 101-104 hp, and after 2017 it is the only engine left in the Fox (101 hp). The Gol G7 keeps it (104 hp) alongside the EA211 1.0. O Mecânico confirms the 8-valve EA111 1.6 flex in the Fox.[3][4][5]

Faults of the 1.6 8v Total Flex (Brazilian EA-111, 2003-2022) engine

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

  1. 1Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionCoil, lead and spark plug faultsO Mecânico describes the premature failure of the Fox's EA111 coils as a chronic problem, which it links to oxidised spark plugs and the heat of ethanol. In the 60 hp Polo III 1.4, owners cite ignition faults, some in wet weather.

Cars fitted with the 1.6 8v Total Flex (Brazilian EA-111, 2003-2022) engine

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

Volkswagen

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1.6 8v Total Flex (Brazilian EA-111, 2003-2022) engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. No campaign or ruling in the sources covers the 1.6; only Click Petróleo e Gás mentions it alongside the 1.0 VHT in the lubrication problem, without specifying whether it is 8-valve or substantiating the claim, and we have found no reliability studies of our own.[1][2]

What faults does the 1.6 8v Total Flex (Brazilian EA-111, 2003-2022) engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: coil, lead and spark plug faults (low severity).

Which cars use the 1.6 8v Total Flex (Brazilian EA-111, 2003-2022) engine?

Volkswagen Fox (2003–2021) and Volkswagen Gol G5 (2008–2022).[2][3][4][5][6][7]

Are you buying a car with the 1.6 8v Total Flex (Brazilian EA-111, 2003-2022) 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. Este é o motor Volkswagen que consumia mais óleo que gasolinaClick Petróleo e Gás · General press · published 12 June 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Portuguese
  2. Justiça do RS determina recall de 400 mil veículos da VolkswagenOlhar Direto (con G1) · General press · published 13 January 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Portuguese
  3. Volkswagen FoxWikipedia (pt) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Portuguese
  4. Volkswagen GolWikipedia (pt) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Portuguese
  5. Motor falhando após troca de cabos? Veja a sequência de instalação no Fox 1.0 e 1.6 EA111Revista O Mecânico · Motoring press · published 18 April 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Portuguese
  6. Volks anuncia recall de 268 mil unidades do Gol, Fox e VoyageOlhar Direto (con Folha Online) · General press · published 17 August 2009 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Portuguese
  7. A VW e o problema dos motores 1.0Motorshow · Motoring press · published 1 December 2009 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Portuguese