What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Timing chain failure on Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI - what are my options?
I bought a used (2011) Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI from a dealer in 2012. Two weeks ago, parked normally on (flat) drive in evening. Following morning, engine died before car could be put into gear and driven. After being towed to a local garage, I’ve been told the timing chain has snapped and the car needs a new engine.
The estimated cost of a replacement engine is £5000, which means it’s an effective write-off because the vehicle is only worth £6000. The dealer doesn’t want to help and I’m aware of this being a common failure on the 1.2 TSI engine. What should I do?
The estimated cost of a replacement engine is £5000, which means it’s an effective write-off because the vehicle is only worth £6000. The dealer doesn’t want to help and I’m aware of this being a common failure on the 1.2 TSI engine. What should I do?
Asked on 15 February 2015 by haggis4me
Answered by
Honest John
This is becoming increasingly common on chain cam 1.2TSIs, whatever VAG car they are fitted in. Another reader had the same problem with a SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI last week. A German magazine investigation established that the cause was burrs in the chain links from the manufacturer using work out equipment to stamp them out, combines with VAG's ridiculous longlife oil service regime. VAG is well aware of the problem and switched these engines to timing belts in 2013. So it's worth pushing for some help from the manufacturer.
Tags:
technical issues
timing chain
Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.
The Good Garage GuideSimilar questions
What are the most common faults on a used 2010 BMW 3 Series 320d? I am thinking of buying one and would value your opinion on this model.
I have a 2003 Nissan Micra 1.2 that has recently been giving trouble. At first, it was just kangarooing for 30 seconds after moving off, then it got worse and would do it for maybe a minute or two. More...
I have a 2011 BMW 320i (N43 engine) with timing issue problem. I have been waiting for two days for the results of the investigation but O am told it will be expensive to fix. The car is out of warranty...
Related models
Well thought of by owners. Huge boot. Spacious and comfortable cabin. Reasonable to drive. Efficient Greenline TDI models.
.jpg)
