VW Touran
EA888 Gen3 with 180 hp. Punchy turbocharged petrol with good refinement. Known for oil consumption on early model years.
Punchy TSI van
The 1.8 TSI CJSA with 180 hp is the strongest petrol engine in the Touran II. With automatic comfortable and quick.
Engine Weaknesses 9
The simplex timing chain of the CJSA stretches measurably from approximately 80,000–100,000 km. Insufficient oil pressure at low RPM places additional strain on the chain tensioner. Cold-start rattling is an early sign; left unaddressed the chain can skip.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling from engine bay on cold start (3–10 seconds), rough engine running, fault codes P0016/P0017
The cam follower (bucket tappet) of the high-pressure fuel pump wears and leaves metal swarf in the fuel system. On complete failure, swarf spreads to all injectors and fuel lines — total fuel system write-off. Regular visual inspection recommended.
Symptoms: Power drop, starting problems, fault code P0087 fuel pressure, knocking noise from pump area
The variable oil pump of the CJSA delivers insufficient oil pressure at low RPM and in urban traffic. Camshaft adjusters and chain tensioners are under-supplied — clattering, camshaft wear, and in extreme cases engine damage result. Known design shortcoming.
Symptoms: Clattering after cold start (like a sewing machine), oil pressure MIL, rough idle, camshaft adjuster fault codes
Early CJSA engines (production before week 35/2015) use excessively thin oil control rings (1.5 mm) that coke up and burn oil. Consumption can exceed 0.5–1 L/1,000 km. From week 35/2015 wavy three-piece steel lamella rings were fitted.
Symptoms: Oil level drops without visible leak, bluish exhaust smoke under load, oil-fouled spark plugs
The original water pump has a plastic housing and impeller. The housing embrittles from thermal cycling and cracks; the impeller can detach from the shaft causing pump failure. Recommended precautionary measure: replacement at 80,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, coolant level warning, engine overheating, coolant smell
The membrane valve of the oil separator (part no. 06H 103 495 AK) tears and creates an intake leak. Oil mist then flows into the intake tract, the engine runs rich/lean and misfires intermittently. Inexpensive repair, frequent issue.
Symptoms: Whistling/hissing from engine bay, rough idle, MIL with P2279/P2187, power loss
Direct injection without port injection: intake valves are not washed by fuel and coke up from EGR gases and oil mist. From approximately 50,000–80,000 km a noticeable power loss occurs from the reduced flow cross-section. Walnut blasting cleaning required.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, misfires on cold start
The temperature sensor in the electronic thermal management module fails. The engine no longer reaches operating temperature (90°C); oil temperature stays at approximately 70°C. Diagnosis is difficult as a fault code is often not stored. Repair is labour-intensive (sensor located under the intake manifold).
Symptoms: Temperature gauge stays at 75–80°C, high fuel consumption, poor cabin heating
The wastegate linkage of the IHI IS20 turbocharger develops play and rattles. In early Gen3 engines the wastegate electronics (actuator) can fail from moisture ingress. Dealers often replace the complete turbocharger; the actuator can be repaired individually.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling between 1,800–2,900 rpm, inconsistent boost pressure, boost pressure fault code P0299
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
On vehicles with panoramic roof and ambient lighting (build year up to July 2018), moisture can enter the LED module and cause a short circuit. In the worst case a smouldering fire in the headliner is possible.
On certain Touran II vehicles from model year 2020, the weld between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate can fracture. The pedal can detach and braking effectiveness is lost. Replacement by VW free of charge.
The Touran II fails roadworthiness inspection with above-average frequency due to defective suspension springs. Broken springs and elevated brake wear are particularly flagged at the front axle.
Blocked drain valves in the A-pillar drain hoses of the panoramic roof allow water to reach electrical connectors. The result is electronic failures and mould growth inside.
At higher mileages, the DSG on the 5T again develops shift problems. Juddering can occur especially after long motorway runs or in hot stop-and-go. Regular oil changes every 50,000–60,000 km are important.
On the Touran 5T, the electromagnetic clutch of the A/C compressor can fail. The centre bolt does not rotate with the pulley — a known failure of the freewheel clutch. Workshop cost depending on the repair route: 600–1,500 €.
Brake pads and discs wear faster on the Touran II due to its high vehicle weight compared to comparable compact cars. Rear discs have a typical service life of around 50,000 km.
On certain Touran II vehicles from model year 2018, headrests cannot engage correctly. VW has initiated a service action. Certain batches of the rear bench seating are affected.
The MIB2 infotainment system can freeze or crash, particularly after software updates. Navigation and telephony then fail. Usually resolved by a software update.