VW Touran
CNG variant of the EA211. Bivalent CNG+petrol operation. CNG tanks have limited inspection intervals. Valve seat wear possible in gas mode.
Gas power without fun
The 1.4 TGI with 110 hp CNG in the Touran II is economical but joyless. Limited range, weak performance.
Engine Weaknesses 9
On Seat Leon TGI models (CPWA) of the 2018 model year, gas leaks were documented due to insufficient tightening torque on gas line fittings. A recall was carried out for affected vehicles. Gas leaks are always safety-relevant.
Symptoms: Gas smell in engine bay or cabin, increased CNG consumption, gas warning light
On the g-tron engine, valve stem seals wear faster than in petrol operation due to the higher thermal load of CNG combustion. Replacement at approx. 80,000 and 120,000 km documented.
Symptoms: Oil vapour from exhaust especially on cold start, increased oil consumption, misfires in gas mode
CNG operation requires precise lambda control (λ=1). Lambda sensor heating elements can overheat due to faulty software control and fail prematurely.
Symptoms: Rough idle in gas mode, engine warning light, ECU switches to petrol operation
CNG composite tanks are subject to mandatory gas system inspection (GAP) every 48 months. Inspection by certified workshops required. Tanks have a 20-year service life; replacement is very expensive.
Symptoms: No driving symptoms, but MOT failure without a valid GAP certificate
At high mileage from approx. 150,000 km, misfires occur in CNG mode. Cause: worn spark plugs or ignition coils that need to be replaced sooner in CNG operation.
Symptoms: Jerking and misfires exclusively or predominantly in gas mode, automatic switchover to petrol by the ECU
Pressure tanks must be inspected every 4 years. A missed inspection means a driving ban in gas mode and can cause problems when selling.
Symptoms: None — administrative risk; check service booklet
The CPWA CNG engine requires oil changes every 15,000 km at the latest despite its Long Life service indicator. CNG operation leads to slightly increased oil condensation. Ignoring intervals can cause bearing damage.
Symptoms: No specific symptom, but elevated engine wear risk when oil change interval is exceeded
Gas injectors wear out after 150,000–200,000 km. A faulty injector causes power loss in gas mode and the engine switches to petrol. Service by a CNG-certified workshop required.
Symptoms: Automatic switchover to petrol, rough running on CNG, increased fuel consumption
As with all EA211 TSI engines with direct injection, oil residues deposit on the intake valves. Cleaning is recommended at high mileage.
Symptoms: Slight power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
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.
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.