EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)
Volkswagen · 1.4L TSI I4
2007–2015
"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."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 3
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure - chain can jump, engine damage
▸Metallic rattle for a few seconds after a cold start that gets longer over time, camshaft-crankshaft correlation fault codes, rough running
Same chain drive as the twincharger and, per carwiki, the 122 PS cars were the more frequent cases. The drive was revised in 2010 (cam adjuster 03C 109 088 E); afterwards failures mostly appear from about 150,000 km. Reader cases at 98,000-112,000 km, some cars needed repeat chain changes. Chain job about 800-1,400 EUR; overhaul after a jump 4,000-6,000 EUR.
Ask for the chain-kit invoice. Avoid long-life 30,000 km oil intervals - they wear the tensioner. No Greek-specific data found.
Weak pistons and rings - less common than on the twincharger
▸Misfire on one cylinder, low compression, rising oil consumption
Two Polish guides report piston and ring damage on the 122/125 PS engines too, far less often than on the twincharger. Repair "up to several thousand PLN". No EUR or km figure in any source.
A compression test before buying is cheap insurance. No Greek-specific data found.
Elevated oil consumption
▸Oil level warning between services
German guides describe consumption as "still fairly high" but lower than the twincharger. No EUR or km in any source.
Check the oil regularly. No Greek-specific data found.
Models with EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) 10
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volkswagen EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) reliable?
The Volkswagen EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) scores 66/100 with a verdict of CAUTION. It has 3 documented issues with total repair costs between €800 and €6,000.
What are the common problems with the EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)?
The most common issues are:
- Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure - chain can jump, engine damage — critical, repair cost €800–€6,000, 98,000 km–150,000 km
- Weak pistons and rings - less common than on the twincharger — high, repair cost N/A–N/A, N/A–N/A
- Elevated oil consumption — moderate, repair cost N/A–N/A, N/A–N/A
What cars use the Volkswagen EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)?
How much does it cost to repair the EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA)?
Total potential repair costs for all 3 known issues range from €800 to €6,000. The most expensive issue is typically Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure - chain can jump, engine damage.
What years was the EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) produced?
The Volkswagen EA111 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC/CNVA) was produced from 2007 to 2015. It is a 1390cc 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.