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VW · Luxury · 2010–2016

VW Phaeton 1-FL(3D)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

450 PS

6.0L W12 Benzin

450 hp Silkiness

Legendary!

Generations

Engine Overview

The VW Phaeton 1-FL is available with 4 engine variants — from 232 to 450 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

3.0L V6 TDI · Diesel· 232–245 PS Engine Change
2010 2013
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2013 2016
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.6L V6 FSI · Benziner· 280 PS
2010 2016
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
4.2L V8 · Benziner· 334 PS
2010 2016
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
6.0L W12 · Benziner· 450 PS
2010 2011
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The VW 3.0L V6 TDI (Diesel, 232–245 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CEXA (2010–2013, Be Careful) und CEXB (2013–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.0L V6 TDI!

The VW 3.6L V6 FSI (Benziner, 280 PS) has the CMVA (3.6L V6 FSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 4.2L V8 (Benziner, 334 PS) has the BGH (4.2L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 6.0L W12 (Benziner, 450 PS) has the BRN (6.0L W12) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Alternatives

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Audi S8 D4

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 25 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Phaeton 1-FL (2010–2016).

Phaeton (CEXA, 2010–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear (4-chain system), High-pressure pump failure (metal swarf in fuel system), Diesel particulate filter blockage. Power: 232–245 PS.

Phaeton (CEXB, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear (4-chain system), High-pressure pump failure (metal swarf in fuel system), Diesel particulate filter blockage. Power: 239–245 PS.

Phaeton (BGH, 2003–2015) — Be Careful: Timing belt replacement — expensive and time-critical, Automatic gearbox faults (GUV), Swirl flap actuator seized. Power: 334 PS.

Phaeton (BRN, 2005–2015) — Be Careful: Increased oil consumption from piston ring wear, Crankshaft bearing and piston slap damage, Timing chain guide rail wear. Power: 450 PS.

Phaeton (CMVA, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation from oil sludge with longlife oil, Timing chain wear from approximately 80,000 km, High-pressure pump — excessive fuel pressure. Power: 280 PS.

What to watch out for with the VW Phaeton? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the VW Phaeton 1-FL have? +
The VW Phaeton 1-FL has 25 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used VW Phaeton 1-FL? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CMVA (3.6L V6 FSI), BGH (4.2L V8), BRN (6.0L W12), CEXA (3.0L V6 TDI), CEXB (3.0L V6 TDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the BRN (6.0L W12).
Which VW Phaeton 1-FL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the VW Phaeton 1-FL — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The most powerful Phaeton with its 450 hp W12 is an unrivalled luxury statement: near-silent drive, breathtaking build quality.
Is the VW Phaeton 1-FL worth buying used? +
The VW Phaeton 1-FL requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Phaeton 1-FL? +
The VW Phaeton 1-FL is available with engine variants from 232 to 450 hp. Petrol: CMVA (3.6L V6 FSI), BGH (4.2L V8), BRN (6.0L W12). Diesel: CEXA (3.0L V6 TDI), CEXB (3.0L V6 TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee