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Volkswagen 1.4 TSI (EA211) engine: reliability and faults

Petrol · 1,395 cm³ · 122, 125, 140, 150 hp · since 2012

Excellent choice
Reliability
4.5/5

2 known faults

Verdict

A turbo four-cylinder of 1,395 cm³ that succeeded the former 1.4 TSI EA111 in 2012: it dropped the timing chain for a belt, which removed the chain-stretching problems of its predecessor. Volkswagen states a belt replacement interval of 210,000 km, but mechanics advise changing it earlier. Offered in 122, 125, 140 and 150 hp, it also serves as the combustion engine (150 hp) of the Golf VII GTE plug-in hybrid. Its known weak points are the water pump and the plastic thermostat housing, and, on the ACT versions, cylinder deactivation.

Years to favour or avoid

To favour
No year particularly to favour
To avoid
No year to avoid identified

Known faults

Water pump and thermostat housing leak or failure (1.4 TSI EA211)

Severity 2/3 · Costly

The water pump, driven by a small belt from the exhaust camshaft, is housed together with the thermostat in a plastic housing. This housing can leak prematurely, especially if it is contaminated by oil (leak from the oil vapour recirculation), and the pump can lose efficiency: the temperature then rises gradually under heavy load. Monitor the coolant level and check for traces at the rear of the engine.

Versions
tsi-1-4-ea211
Onset
not documented
Repair
€500 to €1,000

Vibrations and faults with ACT cylinder deactivation (1.4 TSI 140 and 150 hp)

Severity 1/3 · Annoying

On the 140 and 150 hp versions fitted with ACT, which shuts down two cylinders at low load, owners report vibrations or rattling in two-cylinder mode at low revs, and the actuators mounted on the camshafts can seize, with the EPC warning light coming on. The 122 and 125 hp versions do not have this system.

Versions
tsi-1-4-ea211
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Models fitted

  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Seat Ateca

    since 2016 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €491/month
    See the guide : Seat Ateca
  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Škoda Kodiaq

    2016–2024 · Petrol, Diesel

    Estimated monthly cost
    €550/month
    See the guide : Škoda Kodiaq
  • Buy with care

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Škoda Superb

    2015–2024 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €476/month
    See the guide : Škoda Superb
  • Buy with care

    Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Golf

    2012–2020 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric

    Estimated monthly cost
    €409/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen Golf
  • Good choice, check first

    Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Volkswagen Tiguan

    2016–2024 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

    Estimated monthly cost
    €539/month
    See the guide : Volkswagen Tiguan

Maintain and diagnose this engine

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.