Petrol · 2005–2014
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Volkswagen Golf PlusAll about the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine
The 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine was fitted to the Volkswagen Golf Plus (2005–2014). In the EU that is 58.5 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.4 122 hp, 1.2 105 hp, 1.4, 1.2 86 hp, 1.2, 1.4 80 hp.
The most expensive known risk is increased oil consumption: it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €100–3,000 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Rattle for a few seconds on cold start, later constant rattle, engine light; the chain can jump and destroy the valves
Fix: Check chain elongation with diagnostics; replace chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets with the revised (post-10/2011) kit
Signs: Rattle for a few seconds on cold start, camshaft position codes, engine light; the chain can jump and damage the engine
Fix: Check chain elongation with diagnostics; replace chain, guides, tensioner and the oil pump drive chain parts; check the camshaft adjuster
Signs: Misfire, low compression on one cylinder, rising oil use, EPC light
Fix: Compression and leak-down test, endoscope check; replace the damaged pistons or the short block; use 98 RON fuel
Signs: Oil level warning between services, blue smoke, sooted plugs
Fix: Measured consumption test; check crankcase ventilation and leaks; on confirmed ring wear new rings or pistons
Signs: EPC light, sudden power loss, boost codes such as P0299 / P334B, rattle from the turbo
Fix: Check the actuator and linkage; free the linkage or fit the VW shim kit, otherwise replace and calibrate the actuator, or the turbo if the flap is worn
Signs: Coolant loss, temperature warning; on the twincharger also weak low-rpm pull or a squeal when the supercharger engages
Fix: Pressure-test the cooling system; replace the water pump (on the twincharger the pump module with the magnetic clutch) and the drive belt
Signs: Rough idle when cold, hesitation, power loss, misfire codes
Fix: Inspect with an endoscope; clean the intake valves mechanically (walnut blasting); fuel additives do not reach the valves
Signs: Doors don't lock / unlock, warning on the dash
Fix: Replace the lock unit
Signs: Knock over bumps, vague rear end
Fix: Replace bushes
Signs: Wet carpets, electrical faults
Fix: Clear drains; dry and check modules
Signs: Fan runs constantly or not at all
Fix: Replace fan / module
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Gearbox warning, odd or even gears (1-3-5 or 2-4-R) drop out, delayed or wrong shifts, limp mode or no drive
Fix: Diagnose with a dealer-level tester; repair the control unit / solenoids or fit a reconditioned mechatronic unit, change the oil and filter and run the adaptations
Signs: Jerky or hard shifts, flashing gear display, odd or even gears drop out, then limp mode or the car will not move (codes such as P17BF)
Fix: Have the hydraulic pressure checked by a DSG specialist; repair the housing / accumulator with a revised kit or fit a reconditioned mechatronic unit, then run the adaptations
Signs: Gearbox warning and sudden loss of drive (clutches open, car freewheels), usually just after starting; gearbox fuse found blown
Fix: Check whether the recall / service action was done (control unit and mechatronic oil change); otherwise repair or replace the control unit and use the current oil
Signs: Judder or shudder when pulling away or parking, slipping, burning smell, warning to stop when the clutch is hot
Fix: Read clutch wear and adaptation values with a dealer-level tester; reset adaptations first, replace the double clutch (with release levers / bearings) if worn
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,500–5,550. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Volkswagen Golf Plus with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 Petrol1,390 cm³ · 90 kW (122 hp) | 19.2 % | 2011–2014 | — | — |
| 1.2 Petrol1,197 cm³ · 77 kW (105 hp) | 19.1 % | 2011–2014 | — | — |
| 1.4 Petrol1,390 cm³ | 12.1 % | 2010–2014 | — | — |
| 1.2 Petrol1,197 cm³ · 63 kW (86 hp) | 6.4 % | 2011–2014 | — | — |
| 1.2 Petrol1,197 cm³ | 5.4 % | 2010–2013 | — | — |
| 1.4 Petrol1,390 cm³ · 59 kW (80 hp) | 2.0 % | 2011–2014 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
The faults with the highest risk: increased oil consumption (80,000–200,000 km, €100–3,000); turbo wastegate actuator or linkage fault (mainly 1.2 TSI) (60,000–160,000 km, €300–1,200); water pump leak (twincharger: pump with supercharger clutch) (60,000–160,000 km, €250–700); radiator fan / control module (100,000–220,000 km, €200–450).
Chain.
5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~3.6–3.9 L · every 10,000 km.
1.6 / 2.0 TDI CR (EA189)1.4 / 1.6 16v MPI (EA111: BCA / BUD / CGGA)2.0 TDI PD (EA188, 8v / 16v)1.6 / 2.0 8v MPI (EA113)1.6 FSI (EA111)
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Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026