VW Golf VII 1.2 TSI, 85 PS, 5-speed manual (2012–2016)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Golf 7 (2012-2020): known problems and buying guide

  Coolant leaks, sunroof water and a steering recall are the main issues. Check the recall, the timing belt and the wet DSG oil record first.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Timing belt record (EA211 engines). Ask for a belt change between 120,000 and 210,000 km. Bad result: no change record at a high mileage. A belt change costs 600 to 1,000 EUR (Germany, 2026).
2. Coolant check (EA888 and EA211). Look for coolant residue in the engine bay and smell for a sweet coolant smell. Bad result: residue or a sweet smell. A scanner reads code P00B7 (low coolant flow). A pump job costs up to 835.25 USD in parts (US, 2024).
3. Steering recall (48VS). Give the VIN to a VW dealer. Bad result: an open recall. The hatchback scope is unclear, so the VIN check decides. The repair is free.
4. Sunroof drains and damp carpets. Lift the boot carpet and check the footwell for damp. Bad result: damp carpet or water in the boot. The US class action covers water damage for 7 years or 80,000 miles.
5. Fault scan and battery. A scanner (VCDS or OBDeleven) reads the fault memory. Bad result: stored faults. On start-stop cars, check that the battery is AGM or EFB.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions