Timing chain stretch
Attaches to A12XER at engine level · Engine · carried by 1 variants across 1 chassis
Overview
Timing chain stretch is a common fault recorded against A12XER at engine level, typically from 90–170k km. It shows up as a rattle from the front of the engine at a cold start, and a camshaft correlation fault once the chain has stretched far enough. Where it's documented, the repair runs €550–€1,000 (chain kit at an independent, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be checked before you buy. 1 variants across 1 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. A rattle from the front of the engine at a cold start, and a camshaft correlation fault once the chain has stretched far enough.
Cause. The chain and tensioner wear on short-trip use and stretched oil changes, which is exactly how most of these cars have lived. The part cost is modest and the labour is what makes it worth checking.
How to check it
Cold start
Start it from stone cold and listen. Ask for the oil-change history, because interval length predicts this better than mileage does.
You get one. If the engine is warm when you arrive, come back another day.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 16V A12XER | D | hatchback | 2009–2014 | R2 | €3,650 | 21% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.