Audi A1 8X
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
231 PS
2.0L TFSI Benzin
231 hp manual AWD — rare and underrated
Fun to Drive!110–116 PS
1.0L TFSI Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good Choice185 PS
1.4L TSI Benzin
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi A1 8X is available with 7 engine variants — from 82 to 231 hp. 5 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Audi 1.4 TDI (Diesel, 90 PS) has the CUSB (1.4L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Audi 1.6L TDI (Diesel, 90–116 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CAYC (2010–2015, Be Careful) und CAYB (2010–2015, Be Careful) und DGTE (2015–2018, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L TDI!
The Audi 1.0L TFSI (Benziner, 82–116 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CHZE (2014–2018, Good Choice) und CHZD (2015–2018, Stay Away!) und CHZJ (2015–2018, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L TFSI!
The Audi 1.2L TSI (Benziner, 86–105 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CBZA (2010–2014, Stay Away!) und CBZB (2010–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L TSI!
The Audi 1.4L TFSI (Benziner, 122–125 PS) has the CZCA (1.4L TFSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Audi 1.4L TSI (Benziner, 122–140 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CAXA (2010–2014, Stay Away!) und CAVE (2010–2014, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L TSI!
The Audi S1 (Benziner, 185–231 PS) comes with 4 different engines: CTHG (2012–2014, Stay Away!) und CXZA (2014–2018, Good Choice) und CWZA (2014–2018, Be Careful) und CYJA (2014–2018, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the S1!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition cable failures (early models) Early A1 8X models (2010–2013) showed increased breakdown rates from faulty ignition cables. Misfires and power loss are the result. Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running at certain revs, engine warning light, increased fuel consumption from 40,000 km | Low | |
| Window regulator failure Electric window regulators fail regularly. The cause is usually a worn motor, snapped cable, or faulty control unit. Driver and passenger doors are most commonly affected. Symptoms: Window no longer moves, responds sluggishly, or gets stuck in mid-travel from 80,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 100 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi A1 8X (2010–2018) — 95 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 6 problem engines: CBZA (1.2L TSI), CBZB (1.2L TSI), CAXA (1.4L TSI), CAVE (1.4L TSI), CTHG (1.4L TSI), CHZD (1.0L TFSI). Typical issues affect Electronics, Gearbox, HVAC, Suspension. Considered reliable: CHZE (1.0L TFSI), CHZJ (1.0L TFSI), CXZA (2.0L TFSI).
A1 (CAYC, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Oil Pump Drive Timing Belt Wear, EGR Valve Failure and Carbon Buildup, Water Pump Failure with Coolant Loss. Power: 90 PS.
A1 (CAYB, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Injector Premature Failure, EGR Valve Sooting and Failure, Diesel Particulate Filter Blockage. Power: 105 PS.
A1 (CUSB, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Oil pump chain — failure and engine damage, EGR valve coking and failure, DPF clogging from short-trip use. Power: 90 PS.
A1 (DGTE, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump Failure, Timing Belt: Adhere to Interval, EGR Cooler Cracks and Leaks. Power: 116 PS.
A1 (CBZA, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known Serial Fault, Elevated Oil Consumption, Turbocharger Pressure Loss from Deposits. Power: 86 PS.
A1 (CBZB, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Elongation — Known Serial Fault, Sporadic Misfires on All Cylinders, Elevated Oil Consumption. Power: 105 PS.
A1 (CAXA, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretched / Tensioner Failed, Timing Chain Stretched, Turbocharger VTG Linkage Stuck. Power: 122–125 PS.
A1 (CAVE, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretches / Snaps, Thermostat Failure Leads to Overheating, Elevated Oil Consumption. Power: 140 PS.
A1 (CTHG, 2012–2014) — Stay Away!: Piston Damage and Massive Oil Consumption, Timing Chain Wearing Prematurely, Supercharger Clutch Wearing Prematurely. Power: 185 PS.
A1 (CZCA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Timing belt rupture from faulty camshaft adjuster, Elevated oil consumption from piston ring coking, Water pump premature failure. Power: 122–125 PS.
A1 (CWZA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear — EA888 Gen3, Oil pump pressure problems at low rpm, Carbon deposits on intake valves. Power: 231 PS.
A1 (CHZD, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: EA111 Timing Chain Breaks Prematurely, Turbo Wastegate Actuator Corrosion Failure, High Oil Consumption from Piston Rings. Power: 95 PS.
What to watch out for with the Audi A1? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee