Why has the timing chain snapped on my 2011 Audi A3 after only 45,000 miles?

I have a 2011 Audi A3 1.8 TFSI, which has done less than 45,000 miles. It went into limp mode and I've just been informed by the Audi garage that the timing chain has snapped. As a result, I need to pay for a new timing belt, tensioner and cylinder plus associated parts. This will cost me £4900 and the local dealership will give me 30 per cent as a goodwill gesture. Please could you provide any clarity as to why this would happen on such a low mileage car?

Asked on 9 February 2018 by Sarah Bell

Answered by Honest John

The quality of the timing chains in EA211 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI engines was variable. The reason was that Volkswagen Group cut the price it was prepared to pay the manufacturer of the chains. So the chain manufacturer extended the working life of its link stamping tools. The result was that if you got a chain with links stamped out late in the life of the stamping tool it could be prone to early failure. Since it's completely unpredictable whether you get a good chain or a bad one these engine are a lottery. Volkswagen Group then abandoned chains and switched the engines over to belts, which happened gradually between 2012 and 2015.

Tags: known defect timing chain

Similar questions

My DS3 timing chain is slipping, which is a known issue - should Citroen contribute even though it's out of warranty?

I have been told be a local Halfords garage, where I've had my regular services done since owning a 2014 Citroen DS3, that the noise within the engine is due to a timing chain problem. DS3 Customer Services...

Is buying a low mileage diesel car a good idea?

I'm considering buying a 2010 BMW 118 M Sport Diesel Automatic with only 16,000 miles on the clock. It's in pristine condition, genuine mileage with dealership service history (last service January 2017)....

Should I swap my high spec 2007 Nissan Navara for a 2009 Audi A4 or a 2008 BMW 5 Series?

I own a 2007 Nissan Navara D40 LE top spec model with 70,000 miles. Every extra and gadget is installed and it's in showroom condition as I've only used it as a Chelsea tractor. It's on sale for €8000,...

Related models

Audi A3 (2008 - 2012)

Good choice of engines. Some petrol engines now chain cam. Comfortable and well built interior. cheap to run 1.6 TDI. Feels very refined especially on the motorway.