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.
2014–2018. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.
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.
Most recent: 1 June 2026
SR/01853/26Safety recallInjuries1 June 2026 · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's 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: 01/06/2026 Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Request to stop driving Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0893/17Safety recallInjuries22 June 2017 · EU Safety GateDue to a faulty connection, parts of the front-seat belts tensioners could become detached on deployment in an accident and enter the vehicle interior, putting the occupants at risk of injury.
Remedy: Type of economic operator to whom the measure(s) were ordered: Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 22/06/2017
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.5 · 2014–2018
The fault list opens on the version page.
118 versions
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Active
2014–2017 · Active
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Active
2014–2017 · Active
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Adventure
2014–2018 · Adventure
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Adventure
2014–2018 · Adventure
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Ambition
2014–2017 · Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Ambition
2014–2018 · Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Ambition
2014–2018 · Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Ambition
2014–2017 · Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Elegance
2014–2018 · Elegance
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Elegance
2014–2017 · Elegance
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · DQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Elegance
2014–2018 · Elegance
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
CBZB · MQ200
1.2 TSI 105hp Elegance
2014–2017 · Elegance
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Active
2014–2017 · Greentech Active
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Active
2014–2017 · Greentech Active
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2018 · Greentech Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2017 · Greentech Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2017 · Greentech Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2018 · Greentech Ambition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Drive
2014–2018 · Greentech Drive
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Drive
2014–2018 · Greentech Drive
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Edition
2014–2017 · Greentech Edition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Edition
2014–2018 · Greentech Edition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Edition
2014–2018 · Greentech Edition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Edition
2014–2017 · Greentech Edition
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Joy
2014–2018 · Greentech Joy
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Joy
2014–2017 · Greentech Joy
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Joy
2014–2018 · Greentech Joy
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Joy
2014–2017 · Greentech Joy
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Style
2014–2017 · Greentech Style
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Style
2014–2017 · Greentech Style
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Style
2014–2018 · Greentech Style
1.2 l · 1197 cm³
no engine code
1.2 TSI 110hp Greentech Style
2014–2018 · Greentech Style
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · DQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Active
2014–2017 · Active
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · DQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Adventure
2014–2018 · Adventure
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · DQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Ambition
2014–2017 · Ambition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · DQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Ambition
2014–2018 · Ambition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · DQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Elegance
2014–2017 · Elegance
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · DQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Elegance
2014–2018 · Elegance
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Greentech Active
2014–2017 · Greentech Active
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Greentech Adventure
2014–2018 · Greentech Adventure
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2018 · Greentech Ambition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2017 · Greentech Ambition
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Greentech Elegance
2014–2017 · Greentech Elegance
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · CMBA · MQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp Greentech Elegance
2014–2018 · Greentech Elegance
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Active
2014–2017 · Greentech Active
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Active
2014–2017 · Greentech Active
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2018 · Greentech Ambition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2017 · Greentech Ambition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2017 · Greentech Ambition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Ambition
2014–2018 · Greentech Ambition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Drive
2014–2018 · Greentech Drive
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Drive
2014–2018 · Greentech Drive
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Edition
2014–2018 · Greentech Edition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Edition
2014–2018 · Greentech Edition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Edition
2014–2017 · Greentech Edition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Edition
2014–2017 · Greentech Edition
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Joy
2014–2018 · Greentech Joy
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Joy
2014–2017 · Greentech Joy
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Joy
2014–2017 · Greentech Joy
1.4 l · 1395 cm³
no engine code
1.4 TSI 125hp Greentech Joy
2014–2018 · Greentech Joy
Neighbouring generations
I facelift (5L). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2014–2018. 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.