Does the 1.4 TSI have a timing belt or a chain?

The 1.4 TSI built from 2005 to 2015, from the EA111 engine family, has a timing chain. Later 1.4 TSI engines belong to a different family, so send us the registration and we will check which engine your car has.

How do I know if my timing chain is stretched?

Signs include a metallic noise after start-up and while the engine is running, and on some engines reduced power, stalling at junctions and misfire warnings. We confirm it by reading the fault data and checking the valve timing.

Do you replace just the chain?

No. Once the checks confirm the wear, we fit a complete kit: chain, improved tensioner, guides, sprockets and new bolts, plus the oil pump chain and seals where needed.

Is there a recall for VW timing chains?

Whether a recall applies depends on the individual car, so check yours on the gov.uk vehicle recall checker.

Will I know the cost before you start?

Yes. After the checks you get a written price and a promised time for your next update, and no work starts until you give us your written approval.

VW Group timing chain

Stretched timing chains on TSI and TFSI engines

A metallic noise after start-up from a VW Group petrol engine with a timing chain, such as the 1.4 TSI built from 2005 to 2015, can mean the chain has worn and lengthened, so the tensioner over-extends and the valve timing moves. We read the fault data and check the valve timing before quoting, then replace the chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets as a kit, with your written approval first.

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Last updated 12 November 2026

Which cars and engines are affected?

This page covers petrol engines with a timing chain on Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Škoda cars. For other work on these makes, see our Audi and VW specialist page.

1.4 TSI (EA111), built from 2005 to 2015 and used across the four makes.

1.2 three-cylinder 12-valve petrol, used in Volkswagen, SEAT and Škoda cars. One specialist reports chain faults on this engine, for example in the SEAT Ibiza.

2.0 TFSI and other larger petrol engines. We inspect these for timing chain wear too, and confirm at inspection which parts have worn.

Some engines use a timing belt instead, including belts that run in oil. See our wet belt engines page. If you are not sure which engine your car has, put the registration in the enquiry form and we will check.

What are the symptoms?

a noticeable metallic noise after start-up, and while the engine is running
reduced power
stalling at junctions
misfire warnings or the engine warning light

When you book, tell us when the noise happens, for example from a cold start, how long it lasts and whether any warning lights are on.

What causes it?

The timing chain wears and lengthens over time. As it does, the tensioner over-extends to take up the slack, and the valve timing moves. If the wear goes on, the chain can jump teeth on the sprockets.

How do you confirm it is the timing chain before fitting parts?

A fault code is not a repair, and a rattle is not a diagnosis. Before we quote for any parts, we:

read the fault data stored in the engine control unit
read the live manifold pressure at idle
set the engine to its timing position, with cylinder 1 at top dead centre, and check whether the camshaft timing has moved

We then show you what we found and send a written price. No part is fitted until you give us your written approval.

What does the repair involve?

We fit a complete timing chain kit, not just a chain:

the chain
an improved tensioner
guides and sprockets
new bolts
the oil pump chain and seals, where needed

Once the work is done, we check that the noise has gone and verify the repair, including a road test where appropriate.

How long does a timing chain replacement take?

It depends on the engine and on what the checks find.

Before any work starts, you get a written price and a promised time for your next update. If the car needs to stay with us, ask about a courtesy car when you book.

Is there a recall for VW Group timing chains?

Whether a recall applies depends on the individual car, so check your registration on gov.uk. Recall work is done by the manufacturer’s network, not by us.

Reverie Autocare is an independent specialist and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT or Škoda.

Our promise on every job

Written approval before any extra work
Photographic proof of what we find
A promised update time
No surprise invoice
A test drive and verification where appropriate

Our service centre

Where will my car be looked after?

At our centre at 57 Great North Road, Welwyn Garden City, built so that waiting for your car is not wasted time.

Seven ramps and an on-site MOT bay
Three customer waiting areas
A co-working space with Wi-Fi
A multi-faith prayer room and quiet room
Lavazza coffee
Customer parking

Questions people ask us

Does the 1.4 TSI have a timing belt or a chain?: The 1.4 TSI built from 2005 to 2015, from the EA111 engine family, has a timing chain. Later 1.4 TSI engines belong to a different family, so send us the registration and we will check which engine your car has.
How do I know if my timing chain is stretched?: Signs include a metallic noise after start-up and while the engine is running, and on some engines reduced power, stalling at junctions and misfire warnings. We confirm it by reading the fault data and checking the valve timing.
Do you replace just the chain?: No. Once the checks confirm the wear, we fit a complete kit: chain, improved tensioner, guides, sprockets and new bolts, plus the oil pump chain and seals where needed.
Is there a recall for VW timing chains?: Whether a recall applies depends on the individual car, so check yours on the gov.uk vehicle recall checker.
Will I know the cost before you start?: Yes. After the checks you get a written price and a promised time for your next update, and no work starts until you give us your written approval.