1.5 TSI EVO Issue

GeoffGeoff

Active Member
Feb 1, 2020
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40
Hi all,

I appreciate this has been covered in other threads but have searched and can’t find a definitive answer / list regarding the kangaroo / jerking issue.

Recently picked up a late 2018 1.5 TSI EVO 130 and during test drive no issues but during my regular commute (stop start traffic) notice this issue slightly.

It’s not overly bad but noticeable and also the occasional flat spot / hesitation.

Reading all the other threads this seems to be the issue that others have experienced but the dealer I bought the car from along with another dealer (for verification) have advised my car is not affected and has the latest software already being late 2018 and updated prior to being sold (but can’t prove it).

I just wondered if anyone has a definitive (or even rough) list of build date, engine codes, vin numbers etc. that are thought to be affected or if there is a way to check what software is installed without going to dealer (who advised may be a charge for the service if no issue even though under warranty and a reported issue).

There’s definitely no recalls for my vehicle but think this currently (and likely to always be based on the info available) outside of a recall.

Any help greatly appreciated as not sure if I’m just noticing it now I have read up on the issues as it doesn’t seems as bad as some have stated.

Also, anyone know if/when the gpf / opf was fitted to the 1.5’s?

Thanks!
 

RUM4MO

Active Member
Jun 4, 2008
7,784
983
South Scotland
The only thing that I can say is, if you could scan that car using VCDS or OBD11 then it would reveal the current issue of the S/W in the engine controller, and you could quote that in this forum, or find a link to lists already posted online for both the 130PS and 150PS 1.5TSI EVO engines.

Recalls, these are tricky things, there will be safety related recalls that should get recalled via the DVLA and must be logged against that individual car in SEAT's local dealer and SEAT UK and probably SEAT Spain, then there are the other recalls, mainly only to be applied to cars if customer complains and the local SEAT workshop confirms that there is an issue, possibly not too much control of who got this carried out, then there are recalls that because of their nature, maybe just emissions related, that will always get applied to cars even if the owner does not agree to it.
 
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BigJase88

Jase
Apr 20, 2008
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All 1.5 tsi’s have gpf’s

68 plate is the first of the 1.5’s

mine has the same issues and ive owned it since new (nov 2018) and seat tell me there are no updates and no issues with the car
 

ReddStripe

Active Member
Jul 23, 2019
162
72
Lincolnshire
As advised above, ideally if you can find some one local to you with OBDeleven or VCDS that will tell you within seconds which software version is installed on the engine ECU. Or an independent VAG specialist could also scan your car for a small charge.

My 1.5 130 was built in mid November 2018 and was, according to a TSB, a vehicle that would be suitable for the software update. I did eventually have the update applied (after a long story*). I can't say I've noticed really any great difference. I didn't have the kangaroo effect but had hesitation while the engine was warming up from an overnight cool down, amplified when the ACT kicked in while sustaining revs/gear/speed say for example while following a vehicle (or in my case tractor after tractor) for an overtake.

Where are you located roughly in the UK?

* The story being SEAT couldn't replicate the fault because they never let the engine cool down enough. By the time I'd driven 49 miles to the dealership the engine was warmed up for the day. I live in quite a rural area so cold temperatures are much colder than the big towns where the cosy SEAT "technicians" warm themselves up with garage doors shut. In the end they had my car for a couple of days over a cold snap and reluctantly agreed there was hesitation. They did warn me though that a software update might not improve the issue and you cannot go back to a previous version if you don't like the new programmed characteristics.
 

Leonfr140

Active Member
Aug 18, 2013
420
65
East Sussex
All 1.5 tsi’s have gpf’s

68 plate is the first of the 1.5’s

mine has the same issues and ive owned it since new (nov 2018) and seat tell me there are no updates and no issues with the car
Same as mine, but I've been able to successfully "reject" the car - being picked up Friday as it happens, I spoke to my dealer who supplied my car (not local) and they said to complain about it to Seat Fs, but also to get it checked by local dealer to confirm it was affected. That was between (roughly October November time last year) they said it was one that was affected, so I then complained and that was successful.
bcdba8de8b4542cdf4292c28659b8676.jpg


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GeoffGeoff

Active Member
Feb 1, 2020
191
40
Thanks RUM4MO...I’ll try and track down an OBD11 or someone with access to one...I do have an old OBD2 code reader...I’m guessing this won’t display specific software installed though.

Cheers BigJase88...sorry to hear you have the same issues. And thanks for confirming about the GPF . Are you just putting up with it going forward or have plans to follow up? I spoke to one dealer who said my car wasn’t affected then I quoted the Service Bulletin Number from another thread and they said oh yes I can see it that should be applicable to your car but if not there will be a diagnostic fee. Spoke to another dealer and they said they were very aware of the problem and would do the update (if applicable when they plug in) but we’re 99% sure it would apply being a 68.

Thanks RedStripe...I’m near Nottingham. Having read your post I’m not sure it’s worth the hassle...mine isn’t too bad, just jerky at ‘very’ low speed, i.e. clutch engaged but totally off throttle in crawling traffic (which I am in quite a bit but can manage this). It also has a slight flat spot here and there but most cars I have owned have had to one degree or another...not ideal but again not something that seems to be causing huge issues.

Cheers Leonfr140...Great to hear you managed to get yours rejected if it was affecting you that much...I said to my wife a year ago these small engine highly strung turbo engines would be trouble (issue with the 1.0 fords and many others) and we went for a naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol for her and it is fantastic...as I use the car for work and holidays I just needed a big boot and reasonable economy so as it’s just me in the car 99% of the time it’s probably easier for me to just go with the flow on this occasion, which isn’t usually like me...must be middle age setting in

Thanks all...will keep you posted if I bother getting it checked
 
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GeoffGeoff

Active Member
Feb 1, 2020
191
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I'm in South Lincs if you're ever the way and need a scan. I'm sure there is someone closer though. Good luck.
Thanks for the generous offer...I have to admit it’s rare I’m over that way but will pop you a message if I ever venture towards Lincs, cheers.

Other than then occasional bout of jerkiness am liking the car so far :)
 

RUM4MO

Active Member
Jun 4, 2008
7,784
983
South Scotland
A big warning out there for anyone buying a used but rejected SEAT or any other marque's car I suppose, as SEAT Finance accept/disclose that it will go straight to auction - which I suppose is obvious, and maybe lose some or all of its troubled history.

This happened a lot with the 1.4 Twincharger engined VW Group cars and caught a lot of used car buyers out, that hurt some people quite a bit and more.

Edit:- also, it was not very clever of me to write "OBD11" when I was referring to OBDeleven, that might have confused someone into buying any cheap OBD2 compliant scan tool - and be disappointed!
 
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Maypack

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Apr 20, 2014
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Gods Country - West Cumbria
I guess there must have been as cut off point for the software update. The cars mentioned are all late 2018 models and my wife has recently picked up a late 2019 built 1.5 TSI EVO 150 (picked up Jan 2020).

I’ve not mentioned the issue with the engine so that any feedback from her is not swayed. She has told me that there is ever so slight hesitation over her old car but nothing that she would class as dangerous. On the whole she appears to be happy with her car.

I’ll try and find out what software version the ECU is running just for comparison.


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GeoffGeoff

Active Member
Feb 1, 2020
191
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Edit:- also, it was not very clever of me to write "OBD11" when I was referring to OBDeleven, that might have confused someone into buying any cheap OBD2 compliant scan tool - and be disappointed!

Thanks for the info and no worries, I was aware of the difference between OBD2 and the newer OBD11 but I don’t have an android device to run the 11. I appreciate the 2 is no where near as advanced but can’t recall if it showed software versions (not used for a while now).

Cheers for the edit and as you say will hopefully avoid anyone reading this in future of mistaking the two.
 

GeoffGeoff

Active Member
Feb 1, 2020
191
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I guess there must have been as cut off point for the software update. The cars mentioned are all late 2018 models and my wife has recently picked up a late 2019 built 1.5 TSI EVO 150 (picked up Jan 2020).

I’ve not mentioned the issue with the engine so that any feedback from here is not swayed. She has told me that there is ever so slight hesitation over her old car but nothing that she would class as dangerous. On the whole she appears to be happy with her car.

I’ll try and find out what software version the ECU is running just for comparison.


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Think you’re right. You’d have thought easy solution was to just say between such and such a build date this software update is recommended and pop in to local dealer if you want it (bit like the EV24 update that gives dates affected) but of course nothing is that simple haha.
 
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BigJase88

Jase
Apr 20, 2008
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Thanks RUM4MO...I’ll try and track down an OBD11 or someone with access to one...I do have an old OBD2 code reader...I’m guessing this won’t display specific software installed though.

Cheers BigJase88...sorry to hear you have the same issues. And thanks for confirming about the GPF . Are you just putting up with it going forward or have plans to follow up? I spoke to one dealer who said my car wasn’t affected then I quoted the Service Bulletin Number from another thread and they said oh yes I can see it that should be applicable to your car but if not there will be a diagnostic fee. Spoke to another dealer and they said they were very aware of the problem and would do the update (if applicable when they plug in) but we’re 99% sure it would apply being a 68.

Thanks RedStripe...I’m near Nottingham. Having read your post I’m not sure it’s worth the hassle...mine isn’t too bad, just jerky at ‘very’ low speed, i.e. clutch engaged but totally off throttle in crawling traffic (which I am in quite a bit but can manage this). It also has a slight flat spot here and there but most cars I have owned have had to one degree or another...not ideal but again not something that seems to be causing huge issues.

Cheers Leonfr140...Great to hear you managed to get yours rejected if it was affecting you that much...I said to my wife a year ago these small engine highly strung turbo engines would be trouble (issue with the 1.0 fords and many others) and we went for a naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol for her and it is fantastic...as I use the car for work and holidays I just needed a big boot and reasonable economy so as it’s just me in the car 99% of the time it’s probably easier for me to just go with the flow on this occasion, which isn’t usually like me...must be middle age setting in

Thanks all...will keep you posted if I bother getting it checked
Dealer denied there was an issue and could not see that there was an update that was a couple months ago.

only really affects my car when cold and in 1st gear so start stop traffic is a pain. Most of my driving is rural so not much stop start. I just drive around it as much as i can. Not ideal but got bored of trying to get the issue sorted.

it is most probably a fuelling issue due to the tight constraints of the new wltp regulations. I think a proper remap from a tuner would most probably fix the issue.
 

GeoffGeoff

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Feb 1, 2020
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Dealer denied there was an issue and could not see that there was an update that was a couple months ago.

only really affects my car when cold and in 1st gear so start stop traffic is a pain. Most of my driving is rural so not much stop start. I just drive around it as much as i can. Not ideal but got bored of trying to get the issue sorted.

it is most probably a fuelling issue due to the tight constraints of the new wltp regulations. I think a proper remap from a tuner would most probably fix the issue.
I considered if a remap might resolve the issue but it’s more time and hassle and if anything ever goes wrong they’ll say it’s the map that broke it etc.

Had considered a tuning box so it can easily be removed in future but heard mixed reviews and probably unlikely to cure the issue with the basic map.

Mixed reviews on the updated software as well. Doesn’t seem worth going out of my way so I’ll just take the Bulletin Number with me at the first service and ask them to check/update as per that and see what happens.

Mine seems worse when cold but does it when warm slightly but I’m talking about engine pulling car at tick-over speeds and changing first to second so it’s something that can be managed.

You’d think they’d be able to sort stuff like this easily and track it down to specific vehicles. Not ideal but then no new vehicle is 100%.
 

BigJase88

Jase
Apr 20, 2008
3,767
1,069
I considered if a remap might resolve the issue but it’s more time and hassle and if anything ever goes wrong they’ll say it’s the map that broke it etc.

Had considered a tuning box so it can easily be removed in future but heard mixed reviews and probably unlikely to cure the issue with the basic map.

Mixed reviews on the updated software as well. Doesn’t seem worth going out of my way so I’ll just take the Bulletin Number with me at the first service and ask them to check/update as per that and see what happens.

Mine seems worse when cold but does it when warm slightly but I’m talking about engine pulling car at tick-over speeds and changing first to second so it’s something that can be managed.

You’d think they’d be able to sort stuff like this easily and track it down to specific vehicles. Not ideal but then no new vehicle is 100%.
100% think its a fuelling issue at low rpm to pass mot tests as vw have been stung with that one before. That’s what i am doing just waiting until due first service and hoping it can be updated
 
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GeoffGeoff

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Feb 1, 2020
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100% think its a fuelling issue at low rpm to pass mot tests as vw have been stung with that one before. That’s what i am doing just waiting until due first service and hoping it can be updated
According to the the computer mines due in 9,000 miles so I’ll keep you posted later in the year unless I get time to pop in somewhere in the meantime haha.

PS - think you’re spot on with the fuelling...they’ve clearly had some issues meeting the new stringent regs and had to compromise a bit. At least I can lord it up knowing I’m saving the environment a little bit while I’m bouncing down the road :cool:. Then again I’m probably causing more pollution revving the little rascal to try and avoid looking like I just passed my test :confused:
 

SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
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I took my VW back to the dealer today for MOT and service and was given a ‘69 plate 1.5 EVO 150ps 6 speed manual T-Roc with 1,800 miles on the clock as a courtesy car for the day. Knowing of the issues with this power plant (albeit in 130ps state of tune?), especially when mated to a manual gearbox, I paid particular attention to the way it drove when cold and in stop start traffic conditions.

It actually drove fine and didn’t suffer from the kangarooing experienced by some owners. I’m assuming that as it was a pretty new car, it’d had the software modification (if the 150ps version needed the modification, that is) installed at the factory on the production line, or by the dealer during PDI.

I was still pleased to get my own car back though :).
 

RUM4MO

Active Member
Jun 4, 2008
7,784
983
South Scotland
I took my VW back to the dealer today for MOT and service and was given a ‘69 plate 1.5 EVO 150ps 6 speed manual T-Roc with 1,800 miles on the clock as a courtesy car for the day. Knowing of the issues with this power plant (albeit in 130ps state of tune?), especially when mated to a manual gearbox, I paid particular attention to the way it drove when cold and in stop start traffic conditions.

It actually drove fine and didn’t suffer from the kangarooing experienced by some owners. I’m assuming that as it was a pretty new car, it’d had the software modification (if the 150ps version needed the modification, that is) installed at the factory on the production line, or by the dealer during PDI.

I was still pleased to get my own car back though :).

It was the 150PS versions that mainly had this issue I believed, and @Betts-4 yes it shows up more with the 6MT, I'd think that the DSG will be able to mast this better as its under the control of controllers more than the 6MT.

Edit:- remember that the T-Roc was the replacement for the Scirocco!!??
 

BigJase88

Jase
Apr 20, 2008
3,767
1,069
Is this issue on manuals or do you guys have DSG ?
I have a model year 19 1.5 tsi 130ps manual on a 68 plate and have the issue.

It is bad when the engine is cold but i have adapted my driving technique basically give it revs and ride the clutch until you are into 2nd, not exactly good for the longevity of the clutch but as they car is a lease then its not really my issue.

its a pain in the backside in start stop traffic even when warm (kangaroo isn’t as noticeable - but its still there) so i would advise a city driver to stay well clear of purchasing one. Not until they get an actual real solution to the problem
 
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