Engine Code

VOLKSWAGEN CHHB engine (2012–2019) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CHHB is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm response ideal for urban and motorway driving.

Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Jetta, and Mk3 Touran—including the 1.4 TSI 125 PS variants—the CHHB was engineered for responsive performance and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of stratified lean‑burn operation, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on production year.

One documented concern is excessive oil consumption in early production units, linked to piston ring land design and oil control issues. This was addressed in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2015‑07 (Ref. 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395), which recommended updated pistons and rings for affected engines. From mid‑2016, the CHHB received revised internals aligning with EA211 evo updates.

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).

CHHB Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CHHB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and family vehicles (2012–2019). It combines direct injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth high‑rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with urban efficiency.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,395 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded)
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke74.5 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm
Torque200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019)
Compression ratio10.5:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled, dual‑circuit
TurbochargerSingle fixed‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner KP39)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design)
Oil typeVW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40)
Dry weight112 kg
Practical Implications

The EA211 architecture provides responsive torque and refined operation but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to prevent carbon buildup and oil consumption. Early CHHB units (pre‑2016) may exhibit elevated oil use due to piston ring design; updated pistons per SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395 resolve this. The Bosch HDEV5 injectors demand high‑quality fuel meeting EN 228 standards to avoid coking. EGR and PCV systems should be inspected regularly to maintain emissions compliance and prevent rough idle.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395). Not interchangeable with older VW 501 01 oils.

Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). Euro 6 compliance for 2015–2019 models confirmed via VCA database.

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2013‑EA211).

Primary Sources

Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2013‑EA211, SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)

DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard

CHHB Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CHHB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and modified exhaust routing in the Golf Variant—and from 2016 the EA211 evo update introduced updated pistons and injectors, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical CHHB units in Leon and Octavia. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2012–2019
Models:
Golf VII (Mk7)
Variants:
1.4 TSI 125 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 03C‑906‑025
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2013–2018
Models:
Jetta (Mk2/A6)
Variants:
1.4 TSI 125 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 03C‑906‑025
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2019
Models:
Touran II
Variants:
1.4 TSI 125 PS
View Source
Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2015‑Touran
Make:
SEAT
Years:
2013–2018
Models:
León Mk3
Variants:
1.4 TSI 125 PS (engine code CHHB)
View Source
SEAT ETKA #S3C‑7894
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2013–2018
Models:
Octavia III
Variants:
1.4 TSI 125 PS (engine code CHHB)
View Source
Škoda ETKA #K3C‑4571
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2013‑EA211). The 4th and 5th VIN digits indicate engine family ('CH' for 1.4 TSI EA211). Early CHHB units (pre-2016) use black valve covers with integrated camshaft adjusters; post-2016 units feature revised oil separator housings. Critical differentiation from CZDA/CZEA: CHHB has single turbo and 200 Nm torque rating. Service parts require production date verification—piston kits for engines before 06/2016 are incompatible with later units due to ring land redesign (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2013‑EA211

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover near oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2013‑EA211).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2016: Black valve cover, standard PCV housing
  • Post-2016: Revised oil separator, updated injector seals
Compatibility Notes

Pistons:

Piston and ring sets for pre-2016 CHHB engines are not compatible with post-2016 units due to revised ring land geometry per SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395.

Evidence:

Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395

Fuel System:

HDEV5 injectors introduced mid-2016 require updated ECU calibration; pre-2016 injectors are not interchangeable.
Oil Consumption Fix

Issue:

Early CHHB engines exhibited oil consumption exceeding 0.5 L/1,000 km due to insufficient piston ring tension and oil control land design.

Evidence:

Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395

Recommendation:

Install updated piston and ring kit (Part No. 03C 107 005 AH) per Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CHHB

The CHHB's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or short‑trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated up to 15% of pre‑2016 CHHB engines required piston replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT statistics show increased emissions failures linked to PCV and EGR faults in city‑driven vehicles. Extended oil change intervals and low‑quality fuel exacerbate carbon buildup, making oil specification and service adherence critical.

Excessive oil consumption
Symptoms: Low oil level warnings, blue exhaust smoke under load, oil residue on spark plugs.
Cause: Early piston ring design with inadequate oil control land; exacerbated by short trips and extended oil intervals.
Fix: Install updated piston and ring kit per Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395; verify PCV function and use correct oil specification.
Carbon buildup on intake valves
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, misfire codes on cylinders 2 and 3.
Cause: Lack of fuel-wash effect in direct-injection engines leads to carbon accumulation on intake valves over time.
Fix: Perform walnut blasting or chemical cleaning; consider updated PCV system to reduce oil vapor ingestion.
PCV (crankcase ventilation) system failure
Symptoms: Oil leaks, vacuum leaks, rough idle, oil in air intake hose.
Cause: Diaphragm or check valve failure in the integrated PCV housing allows excess crankcase pressure.
Fix: Replace PCV/oil separator housing with latest OEM part; inspect associated hoses and breather lines.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle
Symptoms: Ticking or rattle noise from turbo area under deceleration, boost fluctuations.
Cause: Wear in wastegate linkage or actuator pivot points due to heat cycling and vibration.
Fix: Replace turbocharger assembly or wastegate actuator per OEM procedure; recalibrate boost control in diagnostics.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHHB

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHHB.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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