EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC)
Volkswagen · 1.2L TSI 8V
2009–2015
"The 8-valve chain-driven 1.2 TSI in the Golf 6, Polo 6R, Fabia II, Ibiza 6J, Yeti and Caddy. VW admitted the timing chain can stretch and jump; failures from 30,000-40,000 km in the worst cases. Buy only with a chain-kit invoice, and change oil every 10,000-15,000 km."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 1
Timing chain tensioner and guide wear — chain stretch, can jump (VW-acknowledged)
▸Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start, rattle when the engine has stood for days, cam/crank correlation fault codes
The tensioner loses pressure and the guide rails wear, the chain stretches and can jump a tooth; the engine is interference so valves bend. VW admitted the fault (supplier punching tools used beyond their wear limit) and promised in 2012 to pay at least half for cars over six years old, a promise it later narrowed. Typical failures 60,000-100,000 km, worst cases 30,000-40,000 km; some owners needed several chains. Preventive chain kit about EUR 800-1,400; an overhaul after a jumped chain EUR 4,000-6,000.
Ask for a chain-kit invoice (reinforced kit) and listen to a cold start. Short trips and long oil intervals make it worse. No Greek-specific data found.
Models with EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC) 12
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Limited — small turbo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volkswagen EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC) reliable?
The Volkswagen EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC) scores 66/100 with a verdict of CAUTION. It has 1 documented issues with total repair costs between €800 and €6,000.
What are the common problems with the EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC)?
The most common issues are:
- Timing chain tensioner and guide wear — chain stretch, can jump (VW-acknowledged) — high, repair cost €800–€6,000, 30,000 km–100,000 km
What cars use the Volkswagen EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC)?
How much does it cost to repair the EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC)?
Total potential repair costs for all 1 known issues range from €800 to €6,000. The most expensive issue is typically Timing chain tensioner and guide wear — chain stretch, can jump (VW-acknowledged).
What years was the EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC) produced?
The Volkswagen EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC) was produced from 2009 to 2015. It is a 1197cc I4 petrol turbo 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.