EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 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 EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Volkswagen

Specifications

EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
66
80
Years
2007--2015
2012--2020
Displacement
1390 cc
1984 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Turbo
Power
122--131 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€800--€6,000
€700--€1,500

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."

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

"Same as Audi EA888 Gen 3. Dual injection, metal tensioner. Golf GTI/R engine. Proven."

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

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 2

● MODERATE
Water pump failure €400--€900 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced in Gen 3) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 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

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 32

Golf Mk6 (5K) 2012--2012 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2017 Octavia 5E 2013--2017 Superb 3V 2015--2019 Passat B8 (3G) 2014--2019 Octavia 5E 2017--2020 Kodiaq NS 2017--2024 Transporter T5 2012--2015 Transporter T6 2015--2021 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2016--2017 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2019 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2014--2017 A3 8V 2013--2016 Leon 5F 2014--2017 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2016--2018 A3 8V 2016--2020 Leon 5F 2017--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2017--2020 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2020--2019 Superb 3V 2019--2024 Arteon 3H 2017--present Tiguan AD 2016--2024 Q3 F3 2019--present Passat B8 (3G) 2019--2023 Ateca KH 2016--present Ateca 2.0 TSI KH 2018--2024 SUV Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Golf R 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 2.0 TSI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Polo GTI 2.0 TSI AW 2017--2024 Hatchback Scirocco 2.0 TSI 13 2008--2017 Coupe T-Roc R 2.0 TSI A1 2019--2024 SUV
Full EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) Report Full EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Report