Most Common 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI Engine Problems

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

With the 1.4 TSI, the older, higher-displacement VW engines were meant to be replaced. The aggregate was introduced to the market in 2006 and was crowned Engine of the Year that same year. There are three versions of the 1.4 TSI in total, which significantly differ from one another.

The first 1.4 TSI belongs to the EA111 series and can be divided into two variants:

• 1.4 Twincharger: This version uses twin-charging, consisting of a turbocharger and supercharger, to deliver a substantial 140 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
• Simpler Version without Supercharger: A simpler variant without a supercharger followed shortly thereafter.

In 2012, the EA111 was replaced by its successor, the EA211.

Problems with the 1.4 TSI

As much as the Twincharger engine was celebrated as a revelation, it didn't take long for its downsides to become apparent:

• Pistons could not withstand thermal stress
• High oil consumption was common
• Timing chain problems also persisted
• The compressor's clutch often failed prematurely

Some owners reported initial problems after 6,000 to 12,500 miles. There were also cases where serious defects requiring an engine overhaul occurred after just 31,068 miles. Joy was found only when the engine worked flawlessly and one could enjoy the excellent power delivery of the twin-charging.

The somewhat simpler variant of the 1.4 TSI is not bad and is somewhat less stressed due to the lack of a supercharger. Although oil consumption is still relatively high, it is still lower than in the 1.4 Twincharger.

A recurring issue remains the timing chain, which prematurely stretches due to a defective chain tensioner. In 2010, the chain drive was improved, thus typical engine damage occurred only after around 93,205 miles (and still does).

The most significant change in the new EA211 engine generation concerned the valve control: Volkswagen realized that it made no sense to continue fighting with the timing chain and finally replaced it with a timing belt. This resolved the problems of the previous series, and indeed, the EA211 shows no weaknesses to be feared even ten years after its debut.

Problems with the 1.2 TSI

The 1.2 TSI celebrated its debut in the VW Polo in 2009, before subsequently finding its way into almost all VAG models of the subcompact and compact class. The aluminum-crafted aggregate relies on gasoline direct injection and turbocharging, as befits a downsizing engine. The engine was usually offered with 90 or 105 horsepower and even variants with 86 horsepower and 118 lb-ft were available, roughly equivalent to the performance of a conventional naturally aspirated gasoline engine – enough to power a Audi A1.

Like every engine from the TSI family, the 1.2 TSI also faced a series of problems:

• The timing chain drive was often worn out after just 18,000 to 24,000 miles due to defective chain tensioners and worn slide rails, almost always resulting in a stretch of the timing chain, which subsequently jumps and usually causes major engine damage.
• High oil consumption and turbocharger damage completed the damage pattern.

Relief was also provided for the 1.2 TSI with the introduction of the new EA211 engine generation, where the timing chain was exchanged for a timing belt.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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