This app is in testing and development. The information is indicative and may be inaccurate, so check it with a workshop.
VIN Service Planner
Faults and service for this model with this engine

Volkswagen Jetta 6 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111)

Petrol · 2010–2018

7
known faults
4
Faults typical of this model
22.4 %
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Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.

All about the Volkswagen Jetta 6All about the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine

The 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine was fitted to the Volkswagen Jetta 6 (2010–2018). In the EU that is 22.4 % of all new cars of this generation.

Versions: 1.2 105 hp, 1.4 122 hp, 1.4 125 hp, 1.4 150 hp, 1.2.

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.

Engine faults ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)

✓ 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.

Timing chain stretch (1.2 TSI built before 10/2011)

usually 30,000–120,000 km · High risk
model years 2009–2012 onlyengine codes: CBZA, CBZB, CBZC

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

€700–1,500

Timing chain stretch or tensioner fault (1.4 TSI)

usually 60,000–180,000 km · High risk
engine codes: CAXA, CAXC, CAXD, CMSA, CNWA, BMY

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

€800–1,800

Piston / ring land damage (1.4 TSI twincharger)

usually 60,000–160,000 km · High risk
engine codes: BMY, BLG, BWK, CAVA, CAVB, CAVC

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

€2,000–5,000

Increased oil consumption

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

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

€100–3,000

Turbo wastegate actuator or linkage fault (mainly 1.2 TSI)

usually 60,000–160,000 km · Medium risk

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

€300–1,200

Water pump leak (twincharger: pump with supercharger clutch)

usually 60,000–160,000 km · Medium risk

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

€250–700

Carbon build-up on intake valves

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part

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

€250–700

Faults typical of this model

Door lock actuators

usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Doors don't lock / unlock, warning on the dash

Fix: Replace the lock unit

€100–250

Rear axle trailing-arm bushes

usually 120,000–220,000 km · Wear part

Signs: Knock over bumps, vague rear end

Fix: Replace bushes

€150–350

Water ingress (plenum / sunroof drains)

usually 60,000–250,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Wet carpets, electrical faults

Fix: Clear drains; dry and check modules

€0–400

Radiator fan / control module

usually 100,000–220,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Fan runs constantly or not at all

Fix: Replace fan / module

€200–450

Gearboxes

Manual

Clutch wear

usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Slipping, high bite point

Fix: Replace clutch kit

€500–900

Dual-mass flywheel

usually 150,000–220,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away

Fix: Replace with clutch

€700–1,400

DSG DQ200 (7-speed, dry clutch)

Mechatronic pressure loss (cracked accumulator / valve-body housing)

usually 60,000–200,000 km · High risk

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

€700–2,500

Gearbox control unit short / blown fuse (early units)

usually 20,000–150,000 km · High risk
model years 2008–2012 only

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

€0–1,800

Early dry-clutch wear: judder and slip when pulling away

usually 50,000–150,000 km · Medium risk

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

€900–1,600

DSG / S tronic (wet clutch: DQ250 / DQ381 / DL501)

Wet DSG mechatronic / control unit failure

usually 80,000–220,000 km · High risk

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

€800–2,500

DQ381 jerky low-speed downshifts and delayed take-off

usually 20,000–240,000 km · Wear part
model years 2016–2027 only

Signs: Knock or jerk when shifting down into 3rd or 2nd in traffic, a pause of 1-3 seconds before the car pulls away

Fix: Ask the dealer for the latest gearbox software, change the oil and filter and reset the adaptations; if it persists, have the mechatronic checked

€0–400

Service plan for this engine

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 Jetta 6 with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.

ItemIntervalTypical price
Engine oil + oil filterEngineevery 10,000 km or every 12 months€70–150
Cabin (pollen) filterClimateevery 15,000 km or every 12 months€15–40
Brake fluidBrakesevery 24 months€50–95
A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climateevery 24 months€70–150
Air filterEngineevery 30,000 km or every 24 months€15–45
Spark plugsIgnitionevery 60,000 km or every 48 months€50–160
Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngineevery 120,000 km€70–180
Coolant replacementCoolingevery 150,000 km or every 96 months€70–150
Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engineevery 150,000 km€0–120
Manual gearbox oilTransmissionevery 150,000 km€60–130
Front brake padsBrakesusually at 30,000–60,000 km€60–150
Front brake discs + padsBrakesusually at 60,000–120,000 km€150–320
Rear brake padsBrakesusually at 50,000–90,000 km€50–130
Tyres (set of 4)Wheelsusually at 40,000–60,000 km€320–700
Wiper bladesBodychecked at service€20–50
12V batteryElectricalchecked at service€100–220

Versions of this engine in the Volkswagen Jetta 6

VersionShareYearsCO₂Fuel use
1.2 Petrol1,197 cm³ · 77 kW (105 hp)15.9 %2011–2018114 g/km—
1.4 Petrol1,390 cm³ · 90 kW (122 hp)8.5 %2011–2015——
1.4 Petrol1,395 cm³ · 92 kW (125 hp)6.9 %2014–2018120 g/km—
1.4 Petrol1,395 cm³ · 110 kW (150 hp)5.5 %2012–2018116 g/km—
1.2 Petrol1,197 cm³2.6 %2011–2017114 g/km—

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.

Official recalls

Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (3). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.

  • Fire risk Starter motor may malfunction and overheat07/03/2018 · R/2018/062
  • Brakes / ABS / ESP ABS/ESC system may fail20/06/2017 · R/2017/189
  • Suspension / axles Directional control may be lost08/06/2015 · R/2015/002

Common questions

What are the biggest risks of the Volkswagen Jetta 6 with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine?

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).

Does the Volkswagen Jetta 6 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) have a timing belt or a chain?

Chain.

Which oil does the Volkswagen Jetta 6 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) need?

5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~3.6–3.9 L · every 10,000 km.

The same model with other engines

1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288)1.2 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI CR (EA189)1.0 / 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)

Other models with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine

Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C) 2009–2017Volkswagen Golf VI 2008–2012Audi A3 (8P) 2003–2012Audi A1 (8X) 2010–2018Škoda Octavia II 2004–2013Škoda Fabia II 2007–2014Škoda Yeti 2009–2017SEAT Ibiza IV 2008–2017Volkswagen Tiguan I 2007–2016Volkswagen Touran I 2003–2015Škoda Rapid 2012–2019Volkswagen Golf Plus 2005–2014

Sources and notes

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