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.
vinkodex.Volkswagen EOS I.5 common faults.
2011–2015. 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
What can go wrong on this car?
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
critical4
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 CCZB.
expensive4
The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models.
Applies to the transmission MQ200, MQ250.
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 CBAB, CFFB.
The solenoids of the mechatronics unit wear out: slow or harsh shifting, then limp mode.
Applies to the transmission DQ250.
Dual mass flywheel: diesel
expensiveThe internal springs of the flywheel tire, and the two discs knock against each other.
Applies to the engine CBAB, CFFB, CFFA.
5 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
Official recall2 recallsShowThe 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
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 · 2011–2015
Pick the version.
The fault list opens on the version page.
10 versions
EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody
1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp BlueMotion Techn. Highline
2011–2013 · Techn. Highline
122 HPpetrol · manualconvertible1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAXA · MQ200
1.4 TSI 122hp BlueMotion Technology
2011–2013 · Technology
122 HPpetrol · manualconvertible1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp
2011–2013
160 HPpetrol · manualconvertible1.4 l · 1390 cm³
CAVD · MQ250
1.4 TSI 160hp Highline
2011–2013 · Highline
160 HPpetrol · manualconvertible2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · DQ250
2.0 TDI BlueMotion Techn.
2011–2013 · Techn.
140 HPdiesel · automaticconvertible2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI BlueMotion Techn.
2011–2013 · Techn.
140 HPdiesel · manualconvertible2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · DQ250
2.0 TDI BlueMotion Techn. Highline
2011–2013 · Techn. Highline
140 HPdiesel · automaticconvertible2.0 l · 1968 cm³
CBAB · CFFB · MQ350
2.0 TDI BlueMotion Techn. Highline
2011–2013 · Techn. Highline
140 HPdiesel · manualconvertible2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CCZB · DQ250
2.0 TSI Highline
2011–2013 · Highline
210 HPpetrol · automaticconvertible2.0 l · 1984 cm³
CCZB · MQ350
2.0 TSI Highline
2011–2013 · Highline
210 HPpetrol · manualconvertible
Neighbouring generations
I.5 · 2011–2015
I facelift (1F). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
About this generation
Which years does this page cover?
2011–2015. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
Does the fault apply to every car like this?
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
Is it free?
The fault list is.
Information, not an expert opinion
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.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.