VW TSI reliability

Ardennes1944

Hi all,

I´m tempted to upgrade the car and wanted something smallish but that is nippy.

Im living in Basel, so naturally car prices are a bit obsurd in most cases.

I had almost settled on getting an Ibiza Cupra but the horror stories of timing chain issues and just general reliability of the 1.4tsi has put me off.
Then I saw the 1.2tsi was more reliable so thought about getting a 1.2tsi Polo and remapping to 130bhp, but have also now discovered that engine has similar issues as its bigger brother.
My last car in Ireland was a 207 1.6 THP engine (same as r56) which itself was quick enough and economical but had the well known timing chain rattle. I got that fixed by a local specialist with an upgraded tensioner for 500euro, is there a similar "fix" for the 1.4tsi engine?
I dont mind doing a similar preventative maintainance for 500euro if it will cure it but i havent seen a clear indication of one.

It seems that between 2005-2013 almost all quick small cars had issues with their engines, so much so that the top runners now are an Astra/Corsa OPC (gearboxes are supposedly made of mush), Bravo TJET 150, FN2 Type R/1.8, Astra J 1.6T, none of which I really adore.

I know if you google most engines you will find complaints but it seems there were a ridiculous amount of issues with those generation of engines, so much so that the new Cupra comes with a 1.8t.

I´m coming from a Grande Punto Sporting 2008, which has been über reliable carrying us all over Europe.

Thanks for any replies.

MidMan25

Have the 1.2 TSI 110bhp in a Skoda Fabia, granted it only has 10,000km on it after 8 months but haven't had an issue yet touch wood. I know a few people with the same engine approx. 20,000km and a year in with no issues either.

Rusky rusky

We have 2 VW with 16v 1.2 tsi engines in 110 and 90 hp versions with 17-22k over 15 to 17 months and had no issues.

bazz26

Didn't they revert from a chain back to a belt in these engines a few years back?

jca

The 122 bhp turbo only (not twin charger)1.4 TSI seems to be the most reliable version. I have that engine in my DSG Octavia with just short of 110,000 km on it and not a bother with it. It does have a full service history which is essential on these engines.

Rusky rusky

bazz26 wrote: »

Didn't they revert from a chain back to a belt in these engines a few years back?

Yep, both our 16vs are with belts

Seth Brundle

The wife's 2010 Leon 1.2 tsi joined the "timing chain skipped a tooth and wrecked the engine" club a few months ago.
It had a full Seat dealership history and the noisy startup had been flagged with them. Still didn't prevent it happening!

Ardennes1944

Thanks for the replies guys. I dont think they switched to a belt until about 2013, whereas Im looking at 2009 2010 cars unfortunately.

jca

kbannon wrote: »

The wife's 2010 Leon 1.2 tsi joined the "timing chain skipped a tooth and wrecked the engine" club a few months ago.
It had a full Seat dealership history and the noisy startup had been flagged with them. Still didn't prevent it happening!

When you had the noisy startup that was the time to do it. What does the noisy startup sound like? Is it a knocking noise or is it more of a rattle? What mileage was on it?

grogi

Ardennes1944 wrote: »

Hi all,

I´m tempted to upgrade the car and wanted something smallish but that is nippy.

Im living in Basel, so naturally car prices are a bit obsurd in most cases.

I had almost settled on getting an Ibiza Cupra but the horror stories of timing chain issues and just general reliability of the 1.4tsi has put me off.
Then I saw the 1.2tsi was more reliable so thought about getting a 1.2tsi Polo and remapping to 130bhp, but have also now discovered that engine has similar issues as its bigger brother.
My last car in Ireland was a 207 1.6 THP engine (same as r56) which itself was quick enough and economical but had the well known timing chain rattle. I got that fixed by a local specialist with an upgraded tensioner for 500euro, is there a similar "fix" for the 1.4tsi engine?
I dont mind doing a similar preventative maintainance for 500euro if it will cure it but i havent seen a clear indication of one.

It seems that between 2005-2013 almost all quick small cars had issues with their engines, so much so that the top runners now are an Astra/Corsa OPC (gearboxes are supposedly made of mush), Bravo TJET 150, FN2 Type R/1.8, Astra J 1.6T, none of which I really adore.

I know if you google most engines you will find complaints but it seems there were a ridiculous amount of issues with those generation of engines, so much so that the new Cupra comes with a 1.8t.

I´m coming from a Grande Punto Sporting 2008, which has been über reliable carrying us all over Europe.

Thanks for any replies.

There are plenty of 1.4TSi, some chain driven, some belt... With and without compressor. With and without ACT.

As far as I know, the timing belt versions are ok. Don't know about the reliability of ACT - but it really saves fuel - like 1l/100km. Miles better than the stupid S&S systems...

That's the issue with VW engines - you need to have a PhD to know which one is ok...

Seth Brundle

jca wrote: »

When you had the noisy startup that was the time to do it. What does the noisy startup sound like? Is it a knocking noise or is it more of a rattle? What mileage was on it?

We reported a number of times but mainly when she brought it in for any work. This was between 30k and 70k kms.
The noise was really only at startup and it sounded very rattled almost like starting an old tractor. Dealer's mechanics said it was fine on each occasion

jca

kbannon wrote: »

We reported a number of times but mainly when she brought it in for any work. This was between 30k and 70k kms.
The noise was really only at startup and it sounded very rattled almost like starting an old tractor. Dealer's mechanics said it was fine on each occasion

That was terrible treatment by the garage. Did you get it fixed? Any goodwill from the garage?

Seth Brundle

I rang around a few VW and Seat dealers and was told that whilst it was a common occurrence (one had a car in for the same thing) they would be unlikely to help financially.
The dealer she had always dealt with had left Seat for another non VAG brand. They wanted something like €1800 for the work. We agreed on something like €1200 plus a death trap loaner car

murphym7

I have a 2010 1.2tsi engine. Had that rattle on start up around Dec 2014 with about 60k on the clock. Brought to main dealer who wanted to charge me around 1200 to replace timing chain. Brought to Indi and got it one for 600. Still working fine today with no other problems to report.

Edit: The noise on start up sounds exactly what it is, the chain slapping up and down.

Stallingrad

There is so much misinformation about the timing chain issues on the 1.4Tsi engine. The supercharged/Turbo version is the engine to be concerned about. Timing chain issues on the 120bhp 1.4tsi are extremely rare by all accounts. It is a fine engine, smooth, frugal and responsive with plenty of go.

Wildly Boaring

Brother had the 1.4tsi in a Fabia VRS 2011.

Terrible trouble with it.

Skoda had it back numerous times. Replaced head (twice I think) and eventually replaced whole engine. He sold very soon after.

jca

Stallingrad wrote: »

There is so much misinformation about the timing chain issues on the 1.4Tsi engine. The supercharged/Turbo version is the engine to be concerned about. Timing chain issues on the 120bhp 1.4tsi are extremely rare by all accounts. It is a fine engine, smooth, frugal and responsive with plenty of go.

That's the engine I have and having owned the car since 2014 I must agree with everything you say. It is a fabulous engine. Coupled to the DSG just compliments it even more.