Volkswagen 1.2 TDI (CFWA)
CAUTION Recovery

1.2 TDI (CFWA)

Volkswagen · 1.2 TDI 3-cyl (CFWA)

2009–2014

0 / 100
CAUTION

"Polo/Fabia/Roomster. 3-cylinder diesel. Timing belt. DPF clogs rapidly in city use. EGR valve fouling. Very low power. Good motorway economy but terrible for Athens stop-and-go. Linked to EA189 Dieselgate."

Layout I3
Displacement 1199 cc
Power 75 hp
Type Diesel
Known Issues 3
Total Risk Cost €850–€2,200

Mileage Risk Timeline

When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone

km

Known Issues 3

▲ HIGH

DPF clogging (city driving)

€400–€1,200 30,000 km–60,000 km
View details
Detection

DPF warning, limp mode

Details

3-cyl diesel + DPF + city = clogs very fast.

Greece Note

DPF 3-κύλινδρο diesel πόλη = βούλωμα γρήγορα. ΑΠΟΦΥΓΗ για Αθήνα.

▲ HIGH

Timing belt (interference)

€250–€500 60,000 km–90,000 km
View details
Detection

Preventive only

Details

Belt not chain on this 3-cyl diesel.

Greece Note

Ιμάντας — €250-500. Interference.

● MODERATE

EGR valve fouling

€200–€500 60,000 km–100,000 km
View details
Detection

Rough idle, smoke

Details

Standard small diesel EGR.

Greece Note

EGR — €200-500.

Models with 1.2 TDI (CFWA) 2

Related Guides

Other Volkswagen Engines

Tuning Potential

None

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Volkswagen 1.2 TDI (CFWA) reliable?

The Volkswagen 1.2 TDI (CFWA) scores 62/100 with a verdict of CAUTION. It has 3 documented issues with total repair costs between €850 and €2,200.

What are the common problems with the 1.2 TDI (CFWA)?

The most common issues are:

  • DPF clogging (city driving) — high, repair cost €400–€1,200, 30,000 km–60,000 km
  • Timing belt (interference) — high, repair cost €250–€500, 60,000 km–90,000 km
  • EGR valve fouling — moderate, repair cost €200–€500, 60,000 km–100,000 km
What cars use the Volkswagen 1.2 TDI (CFWA)?

The 1.2 TDI (CFWA) is found in:

How much does it cost to repair the 1.2 TDI (CFWA)?

Total potential repair costs for all 3 known issues range from €850 to €2,200. The most expensive issue is typically .

What years was the 1.2 TDI (CFWA) produced?

The Volkswagen 1.2 TDI (CFWA) was produced from 2009 to 2014. It is a 1199cc I3 diesel engine.

Scores are calculated from documented issues, repair costs, and failure patterns across thousands of owner reports and technical sources. Learn about our methodology. Always inspect before you buy.