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, CAVD.
2006–2011. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

Rudolf Stricker / CC BY-SA 3.0
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, CAVD.
The EGR cooler cools the recirculated exhaust gas before it enters the intake again, and coolant flows through it while it does so.
Applies to the engine CFFB.
Repair: 600–1,500 EUR
The balance shaft module drives the oil pump through a hexagonal shaft stub.
Applies to the engine CBAB, CFFB, CFFA.
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 CAWB, CCZA, CCZB.
The PD (pump injector) unit is held in the cylinder head by a single side bolt.
Applies to the engine BMM.
The solenoids of the mechatronics unit wear out: slow or harsh shifting, then limp mode.
Applies to the transmission DQ250.
The high pressure fuel pump is driven by the camshaft through a cam follower.
Applies to the engine BLF, BVY, BVZ.
The same layout as in the naturally aspirated FSI, only in the turbocharged 2.0: the high pressure fuel pump is driven by the camshaft through a flat cam follower that relies on an oil film.
Applies to the engine BWA.
12 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.
A12/00923/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe driver airbag's gas generator may be faulty, resulting in uncontrolled inflation and the release of metal fragments. This increases the risk of injuries 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): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01809/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the front airbag is deployed, this could result in fragments from the inflator housing coming loose and 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: Unknown
A12/02703/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it can 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: Unknown
A12/0909/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe earth connection of the ABS/ESP system may be interrupted as a result of thermomechanical overload. This would lead to the failure of the ABS/ESP system and the risk of an accident.
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
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 · 2006–2011
The fault list opens on the version page.
21 versions
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ200
1.4 16V TSI 122hp
2006–2011
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ200
1.4 16V TSI 122hp BlueMotion Techn. Highline
2006–2011 · Techn. Highline
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ200
1.4 16V TSI 122hp BlueMotion Technology
2006–2011 · Technology
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ200
1.4 16V TSI 122hp Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 16V TSI 160hp
2006–2011
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 16V TSI 160hp Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
BLF · MQ200
1.6 16V FSI
2006–2011
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
BMM · CBAB · MQ350
2.0 TDI
2006–2011
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
BMM · CBAB · DQ250
2.0 TDI
2006–2011
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
BMM · CBAB · DQ250
2.0 TDI Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
2.0 l · 1968 cm³
BMM · CBAB · MQ350
2.0 TDI Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BVY · BVZ · MQ200
2.0 16V FSI
2006–2011
2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BWA · CAWB · MQ350
2.0 16V TSI
2006–2011
2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BWA · CAWB · DQ250
2.0 16V TSI
2006–2011
2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BWA · CAWB · MQ350
2.0 16V TSI Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
2.0 l · 1984 cm³
BWA · CAWB · DQ250
2.0 16V TSI Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CCZB · DQ250
2.0 16V TSI Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CCZB · MQ350
2.0 16V TSI Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
3.2 l · 3189 cm³
BUB · CBRA · DQ250
3.2 V6
2006–2011
3.2 l · 3189 cm³
BUB · CBRA · DQ250
3.2 V6 Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
3.6 l · 3597 cm³
CDVA · DQ250
3.6 V6 Highline
2006–2011 · Highline
Neighbouring generations
I (Typ 1F). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2006–2011. 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.