Timing chain and tensioner wear (1.4 TSI)
Attaches to CAXA at engine level · Engine · carried by 2 variants across 2 chassis
Overview
Timing chain and tensioner wear (1.4 TSI) is a common fault recorded against CAXA at engine level, typically from 60–150k km. It shows up as rattle on start-up, chain noise that grows, timing correlation codes, and in the worst case a jumped chain and bent valves. Where it's documented, the repair runs €700–€1,600 (independent; substantially more if the chain has jumped, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be checked before you buy. 2 variants across 2 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. Rattle on start-up, chain noise that grows, timing correlation codes, and in the worst case a jumped chain and bent valves.
Cause. The EA111 1.4 TSI uses a short chain with a tensioner that can lose tension and allow the chain to skip. VW revised the tensioner.
Later parts. Revised tensioner part number on later production
Sources. VW technical bulletins · specialist reports
How to check it
Cold start
Cold start and listen at the timing end. Any rattle beyond the first moment is this. Ask for a tensioner receipt with the revised part number.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 TSI CAXA | Mk5 | hatchback | 2007–2009 | R4 | €3,300 | 35% |
| 1.4 TSI CAXA | Mk6 | hatchback | 2009–2013 | R4 | €4,250 | 27% |
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.