Volkswagen 1.2 12V (EA111)Crankshaft pulley and engine mounts
Vibration from worn engine mounts on the 1.2 12V
Why this rating?
Low severity: A nuisance or wear. It does not immobilise the car or damage other parts.
Frequency occasional: Fiches-auto.fr records vibration or worn mounts in isolated reports on the Volkswagen Polo V ("engine vibration" at 22,000 km), the Seat Ibiza 6L (mounts replaced together with other parts at 150,000 km) and the Škoda Fabia I ("vibrating and noisy engine", no mileage). These are isolated mentions within small samples and not a majority pattern, so we classify it as occasional.[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- Vibration noticeable in the cabin, above the usual background vibration of a three-cylinder engine, in the documented cases.[1][3]Vibrations: other faults that cause it · Monitor
Why it happens
The engine mounts wear with use and stop damping properly the vibrations inherent to a three-cylinder engine, which are then transmitted to the cabin.[2]
Affected cars and years
Documented occasionally on the Volkswagen Polo V, the Seat Ibiza 6L and the Škoda Fabia I; we have not found the same pattern for the other cars with this engine.[1][2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 54/60 hp (AWY, BMD, BBM, 2001-2014) | 2001–2014 | AWYBMDBBM |
| 1.2 64/70 hp (BME, CGPA, 2002-2014) | 2002–2014 | BMECGPA |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Seat
- Seat Ibiza III2002–2008
- Seat Ibiza IV2008–2014
Škoda
- Škoda Fabia I2001–2007
- Škoda Fabia II2007–2014
- Škoda Roomster2006–2007
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Polo IV2001–2009
- Volkswagen Polo V2009–2014
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the affected engine mounts.[2]
We have not found a published quote in Spain for this repair on this particular engine.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- With the engine idling in neutral, check that there is no stronger than usual vibration in the steering wheel, the gear lever or the cabin itself.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Engine mounts
Replaced when they wear and stop damping the engine vibrations properly.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a three-cylinder engine like the 1.2 12V to vibrate?
Some background vibration is inherent to this design; what the sources consulted document is vibration above the usual level when the engine mounts wear.[2]
Which part usually causes excess vibration?
The engine mounts, which appear replaced together with other parts in several reports.[2]
Is it a serious problem?
No: it is a comfort nuisance, and the sources consulted do not link it to major engine damage.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.2 12V faults
- Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearThe 1.2 12V timing chain can slacken and the tensioner lose effectiveness with wear; if it is not detected in time, the engine can lose compression, throw the timing out or suffer valve-to-piston contact that destroys it. It is the most cited fault of this engine, across several cars and brands.Appears at around 87,000 km
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockCylinder head and valve damage from exhaust gas backflow (Volkswagen Polo IV)On the Volkswagen Polo IV, the catalytic converter is very close to the cylinder head; when you lift off the accelerator, exhaust gases can flow back towards the engine and damage or burn the cylinder head and exhaust valves. It is a documented design fault, not ordinary wear.Appears at around 24,000 km
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalLubricationHigher-than-normal oil consumptionThe 1.2 12V can consume more oil than normal in some cases, documented occasionally on the Volkswagen Polo IV and the Škoda Fabia I. It is not the engine's most cited fault, but it is worth watching the level between services.
- Low severityCommonFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failureThe 1.2 12V ignition coils fail relatively often, with misfires, hesitation and the engine light coming on. It is the engine's most cited electrical fault, documented on several cars and brands.
More faults with the crankshaft pulley and engine mounts on other engines and cars
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalM112 / M113Crankshaft pulley (vibration damper) failureYes: on some units of the M112 V6 and the M113 V8 the crankshaft pulley can come loose or fail and, in the worst case, cause serious engine damage. German guides cite a wobble or a rattle in the engine bay as a warning.
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonBMW N57Crankshaft pulley vibration damper wearThe N57's crankshaft vibration damper (pulley) wears with use and, according to a technical guide to the engine, usually needs replacing between 80,000 and 120,000 km, giving warning with abnormal noises before failing completely.Appears at around 80,000 km
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW M57Crankshaft pulley vibration damper failureThe M57 crankshaft vibration damper (pulley) can fail with use, warning with abnormal noises and knocking at the front of the engine before it breaks completely.
- Medium severityRareFrequency: Rare1.4 HDiCrankshaft damper pulley wearThe crankshaft pulley incorporates a rubber ring that dampens engine vibrations and that can lose grip or crack over time. We have found only one specific report of this fault (a Peugeot 206 at around 250,000 km), so we do not consider it a widespread fault.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- 1.Fiabilité et pannes de la Volkswagen Polo 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 2.Fiabilité et pannes de la Seat Ibiza (2002-2008)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 3.Fiabilité et pannes de la Skoda FabiaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French