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1.4 TSI vRS Twincharger (CAVE/CTHE)

2010–2014 · petrol · 1390cc · 180hp

Engine codes: CAVE, CTHE

History-Dependent

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Skoda Fabia II 1.4 TSI vRS Twincharger (CAVE/CTHE). Check this before you buy used.

The hot vRS twincharger (EA111). Quick and fun, but early units (CAVE) had excessive oil consumption from defective pistons plus misfiring and the timing-chain risk. A revised engine (CTHE) from late 2012 addressed most of it. A CTHE or low-oil-use car is good; an early CAVE oil-burner is a costly rebuild.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (CAVE) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

Oil consumption / piston failure (CAVE)critical

Early CAVE had defective pistons → heavy oil consumption and misfires; revised CTHE from late 2012 fixed most.

Fix / Workaround: Prefer CTHE (late-2012+); check consumption; pistons/rings if severe.

Repair cost: €1200–€3000

Typically appears after: 80,000 km

Timing chain / tensionercritical

EA111 chain jump risk.

Fix / Workaround: Revised chain + tensioner.

Repair cost: €600–€1400

Typically appears after: 90,000 km

Year Cutoffs

2012: Before — CAVE — defective pistons, oil consumption. After — CTHE (late 2012+) — revised, much improved.

Mileage Thresholds

After 90,000 km: Oil/chain issues cluster on early units.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

  • ☐Prefer CTHE (late-2012+)
  • ☐Oil consumption check essential
  • ☐Cold-start rattle check (chain)
  • ☐Check DSG7 if fitted

Frequently asked questions

Is the Skoda Fabia II 1.4 TSI vRS Twincharger (CAVE/CTHE) reliable?

History-Dependent — The hot vRS twincharger (EA111). Quick and fun, but early units (CAVE) had excessive oil consumption from defective pistons plus misfiring and the timing-chain risk. A revised engine (CTHE) from late 2012 addressed most of it. A CTHE or low-oil-use car is good; an early CAVE oil-burner is a costly rebuild.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Skoda Fabia II 1.4 TSI vRS Twincharger (CAVE/CTHE)?

The most commonly reported problems: Oil consumption / piston failure (CAVE), Timing chain / tensioner.

Is a used Skoda Fabia II 1.4 TSI vRS Twincharger (CAVE/CTHE) worth buying?

The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.