1.4 TSI (CAVA / CTHA)
2010–2015 · petrol · 1390cc · 150hp
Engine codes: CAVA, CTHA
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Seat Alhambra II 1.4 TSI (CAVA / CTHA). Check this before you buy used.
The 1.4 TSI twincharger (CAVA/CTHA — supercharged + turbocharged, the same unit as the Sharan/Touran/Tiguan) gives the heavy Alhambra surprising pace, but it's the engine to be careful with: the early EA111 1.4 TSIs are the ones with the timing-chain-tensioner failure risk (chain jump → bent valves) and piston-ring oil consumption. A car with the revised tensioner done and controlled oil use is fine; an unknown-history one is a real gamble in a two-tonne MPV. Buy on chain/oil documentation or pick the diesel.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (CAVA) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
Early 1.4 TSI chain tensioner can fail → chain jump → bent valves. Revised tensioner is the fix.
Fix / Workaround: Confirm revised tensioner; listen for cold-start rattle.
Repair cost: €600–€3500
Typically appears after: 90,000 km
Some EA111 units consume oil via rings.
Fix / Workaround: Check consumption; piston/ring work if heavy.
Repair cost: €200–€2500
Typically appears after: 110,000 km
Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 120,000 km: Chain + oil window.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Revised chain tensioner done?
- ☐Oil-consumption history
- ☐Heavy MPV works the engine hard
Frequently asked questions
Is the Seat Alhambra II 1.4 TSI (CAVA / CTHA) reliable?
History-Dependent — The 1.4 TSI twincharger (CAVA/CTHA — supercharged + turbocharged, the same unit as the Sharan/Touran/Tiguan) gives the heavy Alhambra surprising pace, but it's the engine to be careful with: the early EA111 1.4 TSIs are the ones with the timing-chain-tensioner failure risk (chain jump → bent valves) and piston-ring oil consumption. A car with the revised tensioner done and controlled oil use is fine; an unknown-history one is a real gamble in a two-tonne MPV. Buy on chain/oil documentation or pick the diesel.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Seat Alhambra II 1.4 TSI (CAVA / CTHA)?
The most commonly reported problems: Timing chain tensioner (EA111), Piston-ring oil consumption.
Is a used Seat Alhambra II 1.4 TSI (CAVA / CTHA) worth buying?
The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.