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VW · Van · 2003–2015

VW Touran 1(1T)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.8 / 5.0 · Based on 12 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

136–143 PS

2.0L TDI CR Diesel

Sensible family TDI

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

102 PS

1.6L MPI Benzin

9 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

105–110 PS

1.6L TDI Diesel

12 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The VW Touran 1 is available with 9 engine variants — from 75 to 170 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L TDI · Diesel· 90–110 PS Engine Change
2010 2015
Stay Away! 12 weaknesses
2010 2011
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.9L TDI PD · Diesel· 101–105 PS
2003 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L TDI CR · Diesel· 136–140 PS
2010 2015
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2.0L TDI PD · Diesel· 136–170 PS Engine Change
2004 2010
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
2006 2010
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.2L TSI · Benziner· 105–110 PS
2010 2015
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4L TSI · Benziner· 122 PS
2010 2015
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4L TSI Twincharger · Benziner· 160–170 PS Engine Change
2006 2010
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2010 2015
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L FSI · Benziner· 116 PS
2003 2006
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L MPI · Benziner· 102 PS
2003 2010
Good Choice 9 weaknesses

The VW 1.6L TDI (Diesel, 90–110 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CAYC (2010–2015, Stay Away!) und CAYB (2010–2011, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L TDI!

The VW 1.9L TDI PD (Diesel, 101–105 PS) has the BJB (1.9L TDI PD) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TDI CR (Diesel, 136–140 PS) has the CFFB (2.0L TDI CR) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TDI PD (Diesel, 136–170 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BKD (2004–2010, Stay Away!) und BMN (2006–2010, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI PD!

The VW 1.2L TSI (Benziner, 105–110 PS) has the CBZB (1.2L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.

The VW 1.4L TSI (Benziner, 122 PS) has the CAXA (1.4L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 1.4L TSI Twincharger (Benziner, 160–170 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BLG (2006–2010, Stay Away!) und CAVD (2010–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L TSI Twincharger!

The VW 1.6L FSI (Benziner, 116 PS) has the BAG (1.6L FSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 1.6L MPI (Benziner, 102 PS) has the BSE (1.6L MPI) — rated: "Good Choice", 9 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rear axle spring fracture

The rear coil springs frequently break at the lowest coil due to corrosion. The problem occurs from around 80,000 km, but has also been documented at 38,000 km. Replace both sides simultaneously.

Symptoms: Knocking or scraping noise from the rear; vehicle sitting lower on one side; unsettled handling
from 90,000 km
Ad Hinterachsfeder Touran 1Tcoil spring rear 1T2Touran spring rear set
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 93 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Touran 1 (2003–2015) — 84 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. 8 problem engines: BLG (1.4L TSI Twincharger), CAXA (1.4L TSI), BKD (2.0L TDI PD), BMN (2.0L TDI PD), CBZB (1.2L TSI), CAVD (1.4L TSI Twincharger), CAYC (1.6L TDI), CAYB (1.6L TDI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Electronics, Rust. Considered reliable: BSE (1.6L MPI).

Touran (BJB, 2003–2010) — Be Careful: PD unit injectors worn, Conrod bearing failure, Conrod bearing cavitation damage — engine failure without warning. Power: 101–105 PS.

Touran (BKD, 2004–2010) — Stay Away!: Hairline cracks in the cylinder head BKD 2.0 TDI, PD unit injector failure BKD, Timing belt snap with engine destruction BKD. Power: 136–140 PS.

Touran (BMN, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Piezo PD unit failure BMN 170 PS, Timing belt failure BMN 2.0 TDI PD, Piezo PD unit failure — BMN-specific problem. Power: 170 PS.

Touran (CAYC, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing belt oil pump drive wear, EGR valve wear and failure, Mandatory emissions software update (Dieselgate EA189). Power: 105–110 PS.

Touran (CFFB, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: EA189 Dieselgate recall CFFB 103 kW, EGR cooler leaking (EA189), Defective clutch pressure plate. Power: 136–140 PS.

Touran (CAYB, 2010–2011) — Stay Away!: Injector premature failure, Mandatory emissions software update (Dieselgate EA189), EGR valve failed after software update. Power: 90 PS.

Touran (BAG, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Timing chain and camshaft adjuster wearing, Timing chain + camshaft adjuster — rattle, engine damage possible, High-pressure pump leaking or defective. Power: 116 PS.

Touran (BLG, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Piston damage from pre-ignition, Supercharger clutch wears out. Power: 170 PS.

Touran (CAXA, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain prematurely worn EA111, Timing chain stretched / tensioner failed, Increased oil consumption. Power: 122 PS.

Touran (CBZB, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch EA111 1.2 TSI (critical), Turbocharger damage, Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure. Power: 105–110 PS.

Touran (CAVD, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches — engine damage risk, Piston ring land failure and massive oil consumption, Supercharger magnetic clutch failed. Power: 160 PS.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the VW Touran 1 have? +
The VW Touran 1 has 84 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used VW Touran 1? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: BSE (1.6L MPI). The most reliable engine is the BSE (1.6L MPI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the CFFB (2.0L TDI CR). Problem engine: CAYC (1.6L TDI) — stay away!
Which VW Touran 1 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the VW Touran 1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 9 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which VW Touran 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the VW Touran 1 — rated: "Decent". {description} The 2.0 TDI CFFB with 140 hp is the more reliable generation in the Touran. Solid engine for daily use.
Is the VW Touran 1 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the VW Touran 1 — 8 of 12 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Touran 1? +
The VW Touran 1 is available with engine variants from 75 to 170 hp. Petrol: BLG (1.4L TSI Twincharger), CAXA (1.4L TSI), BAG (1.6L FSI), CBZB (1.2L TSI), CAVD (1.4L TSI Twincharger), BSE (1.6L MPI). Diesel: BJB (1.9L TDI PD), BKD (2.0L TDI PD), BMN (2.0L TDI PD), CAYC (1.6L TDI), CFFB (2.0L TDI CR), CAYB (1.6L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee