EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+14 points over EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)
0 / 100
CAUTION EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
66
80
Years
2007--2015
1991--2000
Displacement
1390 cc
1781 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
122--131 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
3
1
Total Risk Cost
€800--€6,000
€200--€400

Character

EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)

"The simpler single-turbo EA111 - no supercharger, less heat, fewer piston failures than the twincharger. Its weak point is the same timing chain and tensioner, improved in 2010 but still a known failure. Budget a chain kit unless there is an invoice, and keep oil changes at 10,000-15,000 km."

1.8 NA

"Golf III/IV, Passat B4. Simple 8V NA. Hydraulic lifters. Timing belt (interference). Oil leaks. Nearly unbreakable with basic maintenance. One of VW's most reliable engines."

Issues Comparison

EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) 3

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure - chain can jump, engine damage €800--€6,000 98,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
Weak pistons and rings - less common than on the twincharger N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Elevated oil consumption N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

1.8 NA 1

▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €200--€400 60,000 km--90,000 km

Models

EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) 10

Golf Mk5 (1K) 2005--2008 Passat B7 (3C) 2010--2014 Tiguan 5N 2007--2011 Leon 1P 2007--2012 Golf Mk6 (5K) 2008--2012 Leon Mk2 (1P) 2007--2012 Octavia 1Z 2008--2013 Rapid NH 2012--2019 Yeti 5L 2010--2018 Superb 3T 2008--2013

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) Report Full 1.8 NA Report