VW 1.0 TSI three-cylinder petrol (EA211): problems, costs and what to check

A strong small engine, but check the coolant module, the injector recall and the turbo wastegate before you buy.

Updated 26 October 2026

At a glance

What it is: VW's EA211 999 cc three-cylinder turbo, 60-85 kW, built from 2014. Codes CHZ, DKL, DKR, DBY, DLA, DUS. The 7-speed DSG is the DQ200, with its own guide.
Main faults: the plastic water pump and thermostat module leaks, 2018-2020 injectors can drip fuel, and the turbo wastegate rattles or sticks. Some 2018-2020 cars lose camshaft adjuster bolts.
Belt, not chain: the EA211 has a toothed timing belt, not a chain. It is interference, so the pistons hit the valves if the belt snaps.
Reliability: 4/5. ADAC counts the Polo, T-Cross and Taigo among reliable small cars; the faults are cooling and bolt-on parts.
DIY: 2/5. Belt and pump jobs need timing tools and a cooling-system bleed; the camshaft bolts need inspection.
Buy: a car with dated belt and pump invoices and a closed injector recall. Avoid: low coolant, white crystals at the pump, a rattle on lift-off, or a noisy cam cover.

Known issues

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Water pump and thermostat module leak	All 1.0 TSI	60,000-120,000	400-900 EUR (Germany, 2026)
Injector leak recall	1.0 TSI built 2018-2020	Not stated	Free recall; 400-900 EUR if not covered (Germany, 2026)
Wastegate actuator rattle and sticking	All 1.0 TSI	40,000-100,000	300-1,200 EUR (Germany, 2026)
Camshaft adjuster bolts	1.0 TSI, mostly 2018-2020	Not stated	No confirmed price
Ignition coils and misfires	All 1.0 TSI	From 60,000	20-60 EUR per coil (Germany, 2026)
Intake valve carbon build-up	All 1.0 TSI	80,000-120,000	300-700 EUR (Germany, 2026)

Before you buy

Camshaft adjuster bolts (listen, 2018-2020 cars). Listen for grinding or scraping at the timing belt cover on a cold start. Ask whether the bolt check (TPI 2038019) was done. Bad: a grinding noise or no record on a 2018-2020 car.
Timing belt, water pump and oil (no scanner). Ask for dated invoices with mileage for belt, pump and oil changes. Check the coolant cold. Bad: no record, low coolant, white crystals at the pump.
Turbo wastegate (scanner). Warm engine, roll in third, add light throttle; listen for a metallic rattle. Read P2563 and P0299, including deleted entries. Bad: rattle or limp mode.
Injectors and recall (scanner). Check the VIN for 24FO, 24FP or 24FQ. Scan fuel trims and misfires. Bad: an open recall, fuel smell or misfire.
Intake, coils and plugs (scanner). Scan P0300-P0304 and check for rough idle, misfire under load, or a flashing engine light. Ask for a plug invoice at 60,000 km. Bad: a misfire that moves with a swapped coil.

Models with this engine

Brand	Model	Generation	Production years	Power	Engine codes	ADAC versions
Audi	A1	8X facelift	2015–2018	82–95 PS (60–70 kW)	CHZ, DKL	18
Audi	A1	GB	2018–2026	95–116 PS (70–85 kW)	DKL, DKR, DLA, DUS	81
Audi	A3	8V facelift	2016–2020	115 PS (85 kW)	CHZ, DKR	36
Audi	A3	8Y	2020–2024	110 PS (81 kW)	DLA	16
Audi	Q2	GA	2017–2020	116 PS (85 kW)	DKR	15
Audi	Q2	GA facelift	2020–2026	110–116 PS (81–85 kW)	DKR, DLA, DUS	10
SEAT	Arona	KJ	2017–2021	90–115 PS (66–85 kW)	DBY, DKL, DKR, DLA	74
SEAT	Arona	KJ facelift	2021–2025	90–115 PS (66–85 kW)	DBY, DKR, DLA, DUS	51
SEAT	Arona	KJ facelift 2	since 2025	95–115 PS (70–85 kW)	DUS	8
SEAT	Ateca	5FP	2016–2020	115 PS (85 kW)	DKR	6
SEAT	Ateca	5FP facelift	2020–2026	110–116 PS (81–85 kW)	DKR, DLA, DUS	12
SEAT	Ibiza	6P facelift 2	2015–2017	95–110 PS (70–81 kW)	CHZ	24
SEAT	Ibiza	KJ	2017–2021	90–115 PS (66–85 kW)	CHZ, DBY, DKL, DKR, DLA	96
SEAT	Ibiza	KJ facelift	2021–2025	90–115 PS (66–85 kW)	DBY, DKR, DLA, DUS	61
SEAT	Ibiza	KJ facelift 2	since 2025	95–115 PS (70–85 kW)	DUS	10
SEAT	Leon	5F	2015–2016	115 PS (85 kW)	CHZ, DKR	6
SEAT	Leon	5F facelift	2016–2020	86–115 PS (63–85 kW)	CHZ, DKL, DKR	25
SEAT	Leon	KL	2020–2024	90–110 PS (66–81 kW)	DLA	28
Skoda	Fabia	3. Generation	2017–2018	95–110 PS (70–81 kW)	DKL, DKR	41
Skoda	Fabia	3. Generation facelift	2018–2022	95–110 PS (70–81 kW)	DKL, DKR	100
Skoda	Fabia	4. Generation	since 2021	95–115 PS (70–85 kW)	DLA, DUS	42
Skoda	Kamiq	1. Generation	2019–2024	90–115 PS (66–85 kW)	DBY, DKL, DKR, DLA	54
Skoda	Kamiq	1. Generation facelift	since 2024	95–115 PS (70–85 kW)	DKR, DLA, DUS	30
Skoda	Karoq	1. Generation	2017–2021	110–115 PS (81–85 kW)	DKR, DLA	19
Skoda	Karoq	1. Generation facelift	since 2021	110–115 PS (81–85 kW)	DLA, DUS	9
Skoda	Octavia	3. Generation	2016	115 PS (85 kW)	DKR	14
Skoda	Octavia	3. Generation facelift	2017–2020	115 PS (85 kW)	DKR	49
Skoda	Octavia	4. Generation	2020–2023	110 PS (81 kW)	DLA	22
Skoda	Rapid	2. Generation facelift	2017–2019	95–110 PS (70–81 kW)	DKL, DKR	84
Skoda	Scala	1. Generation	2019–2024	90–115 PS (66–85 kW)	DBY, DKL, DKR, DLA	50
Skoda	Scala	1. Generation facelift	since 2024	95–115 PS (70–85 kW)	DKR, DLA, DUS	30
VW	Golf	VII	2015–2017	115 PS (85 kW)	DKR	16
VW	Golf	VII facelift	2017–2020	85–115 PS (63–85 kW)	CHZ, DKL, DKR	93
VW	Golf	VIII	2020–2024	90–110 PS (66–81 kW)	DLA	18
VW	Polo	V facelift	2014–2017	95–110 PS (70–81 kW)	CHZ	22
VW	Polo	VI	2017–2021	90–116 PS (66–85 kW)	DBY, DKL, DKR, DLA	87
VW	Polo	VI facelift	since 2021	90–115 PS (66–85 kW)	DBY, DKR, DLA, DUS	50
VW	T-Cross	1. Generation	2019–2023	95–115 PS (70–85 kW)	DKL, DKR, DLA	38
VW	T-Cross	1. Generation facelift	since 2024	95–116 PS (70–85 kW)	DLA, DUS	29
VW	T-Roc	1. Generation	2017–2021	110–115 PS (81–85 kW)	DKR, DLA	17
VW	T-Roc	1. Generation facelift	since 2022	110–150 PS (81–110 kW)	DKR, DLA, DUS	26
VW	Taigo	1. Generation	since 2021	95–115 PS (70–85 kW)	DLA, DUS	43
VW	Touran	II	2019	115 PS (85 kW)	CHZ	3
VW	up!	1. Generation facelift	2016–2022	90–115 PS (66–85 kW)	DKL, DKR	40
VW Nutzfahrzeuge	Caddy	IV	2015–2020	84–102 PS (62–75 kW)	DKR	54

In detail

Water pump and thermostat module leak

Symptoms. Coolant falls slowly. White crystals show at the pump and thermostat housing.

Cause. The plastic module that holds the pump and thermostat cracks or leaks. It is the most common fault.

Which cars. Every 1.0 TSI. The pump sits opposite the cam belt and has its own small belt.

Fix. Replace the module and bleed the system.

Revised parts. OEM 04E121600CS; INA 538 0721 100.

Cost. Germany: 400-900 EUR (2026). Russia: from 3,500 RUB labour plus 6,400 RUB parts (year not stated).

Sources: Autoankauf Stern, EA211 1.0 TSI weaknesses, bus-tech, Polo thermostat, Autoparts24, 04E121600CS, auto-delivery, INA pump assembly

Injector leak recall

Symptoms. A fuel smell, a misfire, or fuel left in the combustion chamber after the engine stops.

Cause. Injectors with leak rates outside the limit may not close fully and drip fuel.

Which cars. 1.0 TSI built 2018-2020, about 9,200 cars: VW 4,800 (1,190 in Germany), Seat 2,283 (467), Skoda 2,109 (331).

Fix. The dealer replaces the injector units in about 2-3 hours, free. Revised injectors came later.

Cost. Free recall. Outside it, a set costs 400-900 EUR in Germany (2026); one injector 100-250 EUR (Germany, 2026).

Recalls. VW 24FO, Seat 24FP, Skoda 24FQ, 2018-2020.

Sources: auto motor und sport, TSI injector recall, kfz-betrieb, recall codes, Car Checker, VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI

Wastegate actuator rattle and sticking

Symptoms. A fine metallic rattle when you lift off or roll without throttle. A sticking wastegate can overboost and force limp mode. Codes P2563 and P0299.

Cause. The electric actuator and linkage wear.

Which cars. Every 1.0 TSI. Reports start between 40,000 and 100,000 km.

Fix. Repair the rod and bush, or replace the actuator and adapt it. Turbo parts 04C145703H and 04C145703M.

Cost. Germany: diagnosis 60-150 EUR, rod and bush 300-600 EUR, actuator 400-800 EUR, new or reconditioned turbo 900-1,200 EUR fitted (2026).

Sources: Autoankauf Stern, 1.0 TSI wastegate, Car Checker, VW Golf Mk7 1.0 TSI, RUTUBE, wastegate axle repair

Camshaft adjuster bolts

Symptoms. A grinding noise from the cam wheel cover. The cam belt can fray; in the worst case it snaps and the valves bend.

Cause. The bolts that hold the VVT adjuster come loose.

Which cars. Mostly 1.0 TSI built 2018-2020. VW changed the design in 2020.

Fix. Check the bolts and belt. Replace loose bolts and a frayed belt. Linked to TPI 2038019/4.

Cost. No confirmed price. One bill was split 50/50 with VW; the amount is not stated.

Sources: PistonHeads, Polo 1.0 VVT bolts, What Breaks, VW Polo VI

Ignition coils and misfires

Symptoms. Judder under load, a flashing engine or EPC light, rough idle and power loss. Codes P0300 and P0301-P0304.

Cause. The coil is the first suspect, then plugs, intake deposits or a leaking injector.

Which cars. Every 1.0 TSI. Plugs are due at 60,000 km.

Fix. Swap the coil to another cylinder. If the misfire moves, replace the coil and plugs. Do not drive with a flashing light; misfires overheat the catalyst.

Cost. Germany: 20-60 EUR per coil and 30-80 EUR for a set of plugs (2026).

Sources: OBDoktor, P0300 VAG TSI, Autohints, VW 1.0 TSI CHZD

Intake valve carbon build-up

Symptoms. Rough idle, misfire under load and slow power loss.

Cause. Direct injection sprays fuel into the cylinder, so it does not wash the intake valves. Carbon builds on them.

Which cars. Every 1.0 TSI, usually at 80,000-120,000 km.

Fix. Clean the valves with walnut shells; the inlet manifold comes off.

Cost. Germany: 300-700 EUR (2026).

Sources: Autoankauf Stern, EA211 1.0 TSI weaknesses, Car Checker, VW Golf Mk7 1.0 TSI, 32CARS, life after 100,000 km

Recalls

Country	Code	Years or build range	What is done
Germany and worldwide	24FO / 24FP / 24FQ	2018-2020	New injector units fitted free; about 2-3 hours

Check the VIN for other open campaigns.

Maintenance

Timing belt. VW sets no fixed interval; the service book and VIN decide. It is interference, so a snapped belt bends valves.
Water pump. Pump and thermostat are one module. Replace it with its small belt and bleed the system. See Water pump and thermostat module leak.
Oil and service. Fill 4.0-4.5 L. Sources name 0W-20 to VW 508 00; some Russian pages list 5W-30 or 5W-40. Intervals run from 15,000 km or 1 year to 30,000 km or 2 years; some mechanics advise 7,000-8,000 km oil changes.
Plugs. Change at 60,000 km.