SEAT Alhambra - Engine failure

Poulgorm · 04-12-2024 04:01PM #1

A relative of mine has a SEAT Alhambra (bought new) and she just phoned me to say it developed some sort of a rattle yesterday evening.

This morning, she brought to her garage and was told that it needs a new engine. The car is 5 years old with less that 50,000 miles on the clock. Serviced by the main dealer for the first 3 years and by a local mechanic for the last 2 years.

It has a turbocharged VW petrol engine - 1.5 litres, I think. Have these engines got a history of such failures? If so, do SEAT/VW ever make a contribution to the cost of replacing it?

Is there any merit in getting the engine rebuilt? Or getting a different rebuilt engine?

User1998 · 04-12-2024 04:11PM

No they aren’t particularly prone to needing a rebuild at that mileage. I would get a second opinion if I was them.

Regardless, definitely worth repairing considering its only 5 years old. Probably best to avoid the main dealer to significantly reduce the cost. But if they are willing to contribute it might be worthwhile. Doubtful as the car hasn’t been regularly serviced by them.

Poulgorm · 04-12-2024 04:19PM

Thanks for your reply. The mileage is only 36,000 miles. My relative is in the UK (if that matters).

Do those engines have a timing belt or a timing chain?

Exiled Rebel · 04-12-2024 05:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122921456#Comment_122921456

Pretty sure it's a chain. My Ateca has a 1.0 litre TSI engine and the chain is for life. When I bought it from the dealer in the UK it had 50k miles. They changed the chain as part of the sale but this was prior to VW changing their guidance.

Poulgorm · 04-12-2024 06:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122921713#Comment_122921713

What was the change in their guidance? Thanks

selectamatic · 04-12-2024 06:09PM

Making contact with the main dealer and or seat UK would surely be a worthwhile exercise first and foremost. See about goodwill etc.

Exiled Rebel · 04-12-2024 08:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122921816#Comment_122921816

In summer of 2023 technical guidance was issued by VAG that the Kevlar belt on EA211 engines no longer needed to be changed at 5 years or 60,000 miles.

As I understand it the stipulation is to replace after 140,000 miles with no time stipulation.

Best to speak to the dealer to find out what they can do if anything.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_EA211_engine

05-12-2024 01:24PM

No time limit and 140,000 for a timing belt surely that's BS ?

Esel · 05-12-2024 07:16PM

Is Kevlar normally used in timing belts? I could see that lasting a lot longer than a regular belt.

Poulgorm · 05-12-2024 10:28PM

Update on the Seat Alhambra: The initial reaction of their mechanic is that a conrod has fractured. He still hasn't stripped down the engine, so he does not know for certain.

If the conrod fractured, is it inevitable that the crankshaft is damaged as a result? What about damage to the connected piston and the valves?

If the crankshaft is damaged, is the engine worth rebuilding?

Luna84 · 05-12-2024 11:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122927014#Comment_122927014

No as crankshafts are quit dear. As you said it could have got damaged from the conrod. Crank isn't worth saving even if it's scored a bit.

SEAT Alhambra - Engine failure

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