A few seconds of chain rattle on a cold start, later a permanent noise; the chain stretches and the tensioner does not hold it.
Applies to the engine CAXA, CBZB.
2009–2014. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

Robert Basic from Germany / CC BY-SA 2.0
What to watch for
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
A few seconds of chain rattle on a cold start, later a permanent noise; the chain stretches and the tensioner does not hold it.
Applies to the engine CAXA, CBZB.
On these engines the oil pump is driven by its own small toothed belt, and that belt runs in the hot engine oil.
Applies to the engine CAYC, CFHC, CFHF and 1 more.
Repair: 200–600 EUR
With the 2008 EA888 VW switched from a belt to a chain, and the tensioner of the first two generations turned out weak: as the ratchet mechanism ages it does not hold its position when the engine stops and the oil pressure disappears.
Applies to the engine CDAA.
The EGR valve and its cooler block up with soot and oily deposits; the particulate filter cannot regenerate on short urban trips.
Applies to the engine CAYC, CFHC, CFHF and 1 more.
The solenoids of the mechatronics unit wear out: slow or harsh shifting, then limp mode.
Applies to the transmission DQ250.
On this engine the water pump is driven by the timing belt, and the plastic impeller of the pump, along with its electronically controlled shut-off ring, is the weak point: the ring sticks, and the impeller separates from the shaft or disintegrates.
Applies to the engine CAYC.
A thin wall of the mechatronics valve body can crack, which causes a loss of pressure.
Applies to the transmission DQ200.
In the EA211 the water pump and the thermostat are one plastic module, and the pump is driven not by the timing belt but by a separate toothed belt behind the exhaust camshaft.
Applies to the engine CMBA, CPVA.
10 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
A12/00787/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/1689/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe screws on the camshaft adjuster may become loose. As a result, engine oil will leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/00680/26Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateA defect in the inflator of the driver airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation and the release of metal fragments when the airbag is activated, causing injury to the occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
I · 2009–2014
The fault list opens on the version page.
61 versions
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Active
2009–2014 · Active
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Active Arctic
2009–2014 · Active Arctic
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI Active Plus
2009–2014 · Active Plus
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Active Plus
2009–2014 · Active Plus
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Adventure
2009–2014 · Adventure
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI Adventure
2009–2014 · Adventure
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Ambition
2009–2014 · Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI Ambition
2009–2014 · Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Ambition Arctic
2009–2014 · Ambition Arctic
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI Comfort
2009–2014 · Comfort
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Comfort
2009–2014 · Comfort
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Comfort Arctic
2009–2014 · Comfort Arctic
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Elegance
2009–2014 · Elegance
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI Elegance
2009–2014 · Elegance
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI Expedition
2009–2014 · Expedition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Expedition
2009–2014 · Expedition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI Tour
2009–2014 · Tour
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI Tour
2009–2014 · Tour
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Active Plus
2009–2014 · Active Plus
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Ambition
2009–2014 · Ambition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Comfort
2009–2014 · Comfort
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Elegance
2009–2014 · Elegance
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Expedition
2009–2014 · Expedition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Greentech Ambition
2009–2014 · Greentech Ambition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CMBA · CPVA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Greentech Comfort
2009–2014 · Greentech Comfort
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Greentech Tour
2009–2014 · Greentech Tour
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI Tour
2009–2014 · Tour
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
CAYC · MQ250
1.6 TDI Greenline Ambition
2009–2014 · Greenline Ambition
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
CAYC · MQ250
1.6 TDI Greenline Comfort
2009–2014 · Greenline Comfort
1.8 l · 1798 cm³
CDAA · CDHB · MQ250
1.8 TSI 4x4 Active Plus
2009–2014 · 4x4 Active Plus
1.8 l · 1798 cm³
CDAA · CDHB · MQ250
1.8 TSI 4x4 Alldrive
2009–2014 · 4x4 Alldrive
1.8 l · 1798 cm³
CDAA · CDHB · MQ250
1.8 TSI 4x4 Ambition
2009–2014 · 4x4 Ambition
1.8 l · 1798 cm³
CDAA · CDHB · MQ250
1.8 TSI 4x4 Comfort
2009–2014 · 4x4 Comfort
1.8 l · 1798 cm³
CDAA · CDHB · MQ250
1.8 TSI 4x4 Elegance
2009–2014 · 4x4 Elegance
1.8 l · 1798 cm³
CDAA · CDHB · MQ250
1.8 TSI 4x4 Expedition
2009–2014 · 4x4 Expedition
1.8 l · 1798 cm³
CDHB · CDAA · MQ250
1.8 TSI 4x4 Tour
2009–2014 · 4x4 Tour
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp 4x4 Active Plus
2009–2014 · 4x4 Active Plus
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp 4x4 Alldrive
2009–2014 · 4x4 Alldrive
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp 4x4 Ambition
2009–2014 · 4x4 Ambition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp 4x4 Comfort
2009–2014 · 4x4 Comfort
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp 4x4 Elegance
2009–2014 · 4x4 Elegance
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp 4x4 Expedition
2009–2014 · 4x4 Expedition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · DFSA · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp 4x4 Tour
2009–2014 · 4x4 Tour
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp Active Plus
2009–2014 · Active Plus
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp Ambition
2009–2014 · Ambition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp Elegance
2009–2014 · Elegance
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHA · CFHF · MQ250
2.0 TDI 110hp Expedition
2009–2014 · Expedition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp 4x4 Alldrive
2009–2014 · 4x4 Alldrive
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · DQ250
2.0 TDI 140hp 4x4 Alldrive
2009–2014 · 4x4 Alldrive
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp 4x4 Ambition
2009–2014 · 4x4 Ambition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · DQ250
2.0 TDI 140hp 4x4 Ambition
2009–2014 · 4x4 Ambition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp 4x4 Elegance
2009–2014 · 4x4 Elegance
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · DQ250
2.0 TDI 140hp 4x4 Elegance
2009–2014 · 4x4 Elegance
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · MQ350
2.0 TDI 140hp 4x4 Tour
2009–2014 · 4x4 Tour
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · DQ250
2.0 TDI 140hp 4x4 Tour
2009–2014 · 4x4 Tour
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · MQ350
2.0 TDI Greentech 140hp Ambition
2009–2014 · Greentech 140hp Ambition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFHC · MQ350
2.0 TDI Greentech 140hp Comfort
2009–2014 · Greentech 140hp Comfort
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFJA · MQ350
2.0 TDI 170hp 4x4 Alldrive
2009–2014 · 4x4 Alldrive
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFJA · MQ350
2.0 TDI 170hp 4x4 Ambition
2009–2014 · 4x4 Ambition
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CFJA · MQ350
2.0 TDI 170hp 4x4 Elegance
2009–2014 · 4x4 Elegance
Neighbouring generations
I (5L). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2009–2014. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
The fault list is.
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.