EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) vs EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
BUY
82/100
+16 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 4 (2.0 TSI)
Volkswagen
Specifications
EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
66
82
Years
2007--2015
2020--present
Displacement
1390 cc
1984 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Turbo
Power
122--131 hp
190--320 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€800--€6,000
€0--€0
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 4 (2.0 TSI)
"Fourth-generation EA888 (evo4, from 2020): 350 bar injection, GPF, 245-320 PS in Golf 8 GTI/R, S3 8Y, Leon/Formentor, Octavia RS. Early data only: two US recalls for assembly faults (radiator mounting, engine cover), no engine-internal failure pattern and no high-mileage history yet. Score carries a limited-data caveat until the fleet ages; the plastic thermostat module is the inherited weak point to watch."
Issues Comparison
EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) 3
◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure - chain can jump, engine damage
▲ HIGH
Weak pistons and rings - less common than on the twincharger
● MODERATE
Elevated oil consumption
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI) 3
● MODERATE
Radiator not secured to intercooler — coolant hose chafes on belt pulley (Golf 8 GTI/R built Feb 2021 to Jul 2022)
● MODERATE
Plastic thermostat / water-pump module seepage (inherited EA888 weak point — no Gen 4 failure data yet)
○ MINOR
Engine design cover can loosen under hard acceleration — fire risk (2022 Golf GTI/R)