1.8 tsi reliability

JamieD

Active Member
Jan 1, 2018
48
4
Hi guys looking for some advice on the 1.8 tsi engine, Has anyone on here had any major problems with there’s? Looking online at some of the common issues, where stretched timing chains and high oil consumption? Car I’m looking at has 44k so just wondering if there was anything I should look out for.

Cheers
 

SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
2,388
1,279
I have the VAG 1.8 EA888 engine in my Polo GTI - slightly higher power output in the Polo GTI than in the Leon, but I believe it’s essentially the same power plant. I’ve owned the car since new (March 2016) and I’ve had no issues with the engine in that time. The car has only covered just over 20k miles as I only do around 6k miles per year

There was an issue with timing chain tensioners failing on the 2.0 litre version of the previous generation EA888 engine fitted to the mk6 VW Golf GTI (don’t know if this affected Seat models fitted with the same engine?), but not heard of any issues with the gen 3 1.8 fitted to the mk3 Leon / 6c Polo GTI.

I’m on the time and distance (fixed) service regime and apart from having to add around 200ml of oil in the first year, it’s never needed to be topped up between services since then.

Performance is very good, as is fuel consumption - the long term average mpg is currently showing between 42-43 mpg. My driving is a mix of roughly 20% town driving, 65% single carriageway A and B roads and 15% ‘faster’ roads; dual carriageways / motorways.

I’d check that the service record of the car you’re considering to make sure it has a full service history, and if it’s got DSG transmission, that the DSG service was carried out a 40k miles.
 
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Jazzjames

Active Member
Sep 13, 2018
160
68
Germany
My 1.8’s got no problems with nearly 60k miles on the clock. I haven’t heard about any inherent faults with the engine, and in comparison to the smaller engines with only direct injection, there shouldn’t be such a chronic problem with carbon build up.

Obviously if you buy a car that’s been abused or neglected, it could develop problems. The used car lottery!

There are a few minor issues such as dust build up/cracking in the LED lights but this is for all Leons, not just the 1.8.
 

Mr Mustard

Active Member
Jan 24, 2015
151
29
South East
I'd check that the service record of the car you’re considering to make sure it has a full service history, and if it’s got DSG transmission, that the DSG service was carried out a 40k miles.

!.8tsi DSG is a dry clutch unit that doesn't require an oil change at 40k miles.
 

jacko5

Active Member
Jan 10, 2017
187
35
59
UK
Hi guys looking for some advice on the 1.8 tsi engine, Has anyone on here had any major problems with there’s? Looking online at some of the common issues, where stretched timing chains and high oil consumption? Car I’m looking at has 44k so just wondering if there was anything I should look out for.

Cheers

Mine has had not problems in 15 months of ownership.
How much are you paying for the car ?
May be tempted to sell mine.. 11,400 miles. Full service history, immaculate condition.
JB1 about 225bhp.
 

ima

Active Member
Apr 6, 2014
53
7
I’ve had this engine in a polo gti and now FR and it’s been faultless. It’s quiet, responsive and happy to rev but not the most economical engine I’ve had but fun enough to justify the cost.
 
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