Owners of the Volkswagen Touran with 1.4 TSI engine regularly report high oil consumption, often more than 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres. This problem is caused by thin oil control rings, broken pistons or carbon deposits in the engine, and shows itself through smoke from the exhaust, oil spots under the car and the need to top up oil frequently. Discover what the causes are and how to tackle this problem.
Why does my VW Touran 1.4 TSI use so much oil?
The Volkswagen Touran with TSI petrol engine suffers from a known weakness in the engine design. The high oil consumption is caused by several technical factors that occur both separately and in combination. In many models, the problem can be traced back to undersized oil control rings, allowing oil to pass the piston rings and enter the combustion chamber.
In addition, carbon deposits on the piston rings and in the oil return channels can block the oil return flow. This occurs mainly with drivers who make many short trips where the engine does not fully reach operating temperature. The combination of these factors leads to increased oil consumption that is far above normal values.
In some Touran models with turbocharged petrol engines (TSI), broken pistons have been found. This defect arises due to thermal load and design issues in the piston ring. You can find more information about known problems with this model on the page about Volkswagen Touran car problems.
‘ By recognising these symptoms in time you can prevent expensive consequential damage to the engine. ’
Recognisable symptoms of increased oil consumption
Increased oil consumption reveals itself through specific signals that you should not ignore. By recognising these symptoms in time, you can prevent expensive consequential damage to the engine.
Blue smoke from the exhaust
The most noticeable symptom is blue smoke from the exhaust, especially when accelerating or under load. This smoke is caused by engine oil being burned in the combustion chamber. The characteristic blue colour points directly to oil consumption in the engine.
Oil spots under the car
Although external oil leaks from the engine can have other causes, owners sometimes see oil spots under the car. With TSI engines that have high internal consumption this is less common, because the oil is burned internally instead of leaking to the outside.
Frequently topping up engine oil
The clearest sign is the need to top up oil regularly. Normally, a modern petrol engine uses a maximum of 0.5 litre of oil per 5,000 kilometres. In TSI engines with this problem, consumption can rise to 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres or more. This means that between regular services you have to top up oil several times.
Possible causes of the oil consumption
The oil consumption problem in VW Touran TSI engines has several causes that are all related to the engine design and the operating conditions.
- Thin or worn oil control rings that do not scrape enough oil from the cylinder wall
- Carbon deposits in the oil return channels and on piston rings due to frequent short trips
- Broken pistons due to thermal stress and design flaws
- Worn piston rings that no longer provide a proper seal
- Valve stems or valve guides with excessive play
Carbon deposits due to short trips
With many short trips, the engine does not reach its optimal operating temperature. As a result, fuel residues do not burn completely and settle as carbon in the engine. These deposits block the oil return channels in the piston, preventing oil from flowing back properly to the sump. The blocked oil then ends up in the combustion chamber.
Problematic pistons and piston rings
The TSI engines in the Touran use pistons with relatively thin rings to save weight and reduce friction. However, these thin piston rings cannot always scrape enough oil from the cylinder wall. At higher engine temperatures this problem becomes worse because the oil becomes thinner and can pass the rings more easily.
How do I solve oil consumption in a Volkswagen Touran TSI?
The approach to the oil consumption problem depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the damage. In many cases, professional diagnostics are necessary to determine the exact cause.
Chemical engine treatment (cleaning of internal components)
In the case of carbon deposits, a chemical engine treatment can help clean the oil return channels. This process involves adding special cleaning agents to the engine oil or using hydrogen carbon cleaning (cleaning the engine with a gas mixture of hydrogen and carbon compounds). This treatment only works if the piston rings themselves are still in good condition.
Replacing pistons and piston rings
If the piston rings are worn or pistons are defective, replacement is necessary. This repair requires dismantling the cylinder head and replacing the defective parts. Some garages fit improved piston rings with a more robust design to prevent recurrence. This procedure is expensive, with prices ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 euros depending on the garage and the required parts.
Engine overhaul or replacement
In the case of severe damage or when several pistons are defective, a complete engine overhaul or engine replacement may be necessary. This is the most expensive solution, with prices starting at 3,000 euros for a reconditioned exchange engine up to 6,000 euros for a new engine including labour.
‘ No, oil consumption of more than 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres is not normal and indicates a technical problem. ’
Is high oil consumption normal in Touran petrol engines?
No, oil consumption of more than 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres is not normal and indicates a technical problem. In the manual, Volkswagen states that oil consumption of up to 0.5 litre per 1,000 kilometres is acceptable, but in practice healthy engines use significantly less.
The problem mainly affects the 1.4 TSI engine in Touran generations built between 2010 and 2015. Later modified versions with improved piston rings show the problem less often. Nevertheless, owners of newer models also occasionally report similar complaints.
What does Volkswagen say about this problem?
Volkswagen has long regarded the oil consumption problem as falling within specifications, as long as consumption remains below 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres. In some countries there have been recalls for specific engines, but in the Netherlands no general scheme has been put in place. Individual cases are assessed by each dealer, often depending on warranty status and service history.
What are the consequences of oil consumption in a VW Touran?
Untreated oil consumption leads to various problems that shorten the lifespan of the engine and can affect safety.
Engine damage due to oil shortage
The biggest risk is engine damage due to too little oil. If the oil level becomes too low, the moving parts receive insufficient lubrication. This causes increased friction, overheating and eventually seizure of the engine. Such damage is usually irreparable and requires engine replacement.
Contamination of the catalytic converter
Burned engine oil leaves the engine via the exhaust and ends up in the catalytic converter and particulate filter. These components can therefore become contaminated and fail. Replacing a catalytic converter costs between 500 and 1,500 euros, depending on the type and version.
Increased emissions and MOT issues
Burning engine oil causes increased emissions of hydrocarbons and fine particles. This can lead to failure of the MOT test. In addition, it contributes to environmental pollution and health risks from exhaust gases.
Increased maintenance costs
Regularly topping up engine oil increases direct costs. With consumption of 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres and an annual mileage of 20,000, this quickly adds up to 200 to 300 euros extra per year in engine oil. This is on top of the cost of regular maintenance.
Preventive measures and maintenance tips
Although the design issue cannot be completely prevented, certain measures can limit the symptoms and stop them from getting worse.
- Check the oil level every 500 to 1,000 kilometres and top up in time
- Use high-quality engine oil that meets VW specifications (VW 504.00/507.00)
- Avoid extremely short trips and regularly let the engine reach full operating temperature
- Regularly run the engine at higher revs to prevent carbon deposits
- Consider intermediate oil changes with high oil consumption (every 10,000 km instead of 15,000 km)
Checking the oil level regularly
With an engine known for increased oil consumption, frequent checking of the oil level is the most important measure. Ideally, check the level at every fill-up or at least every 1,000 kilometres. Use the dipstick with a cold engine or wait at least 5 minutes after switching off for a reliable reading.
‘ Discover more about your model and stay informed about important technical developments. ’
More information about car problems
The oil consumption problem in the VW Touran TSI is just one of many well-known technical issues that car enthusiasts may encounter. On the Carnews website you will find extensive information about common car problems, maintenance tips and experiences from other owners. Discover more about your model and stay informed about important technical developments.
Frequently asked questions
The 1.4 TSI (EA111) engines in the first-generation VW Touran, particularly the twin-charged versions (turbo + supercharger, such as the 140 and 170 bhp variants), are best known for high oil consumption. This is mainly due to wear and sticking or coked-up piston rings and sometimes due to design tolerances in the cylinder wall/piston combination. Some early 1.2 TSIs (EA111) can also show increased oil consumption due to similar piston ring problems. Later EA211 TSI engines have been improved in this respect and are on average less prone to it, provided they are properly maintained.
Clear signs of high oil consumption are that the oil warning light (level) comes on regularly, you have to top up several times between two services, there is a blue haze from the exhaust (especially when lifting off the throttle or on start-up) and oil deposits in the exhaust. Check consumption by measuring the level with the dipstick on a flat surface, with a warm engine that has been switched off for a few minutes, and keeping exact track of how many litres you top up over a given mileage. Divide the amount of oil added in litres by the kilometres driven and multiply this by 1,000 to get consumption in litres per 1,000 km. For consumption roughly above 0.5–1.0 litre per 1,000 km, many VW TSI engines are said to have increased to high oil consumption.
Changing the oil regularly and on time, using the correct specification prescribed by VW (including the correct viscosity), helps to limit wear and consumption. Check the oil level at least every 1,000 km and top up immediately if necessary to avoid driving with too low a level. Have known weak points of TSI engines (such as piston rings, PCV/breather system and software) checked preventively and, where possible, updated with modernised parts or software updates. Avoid high revs on a cold engine, lots of short journeys and prolonged heavy load, as these can increase oil stress and consumption.
Check whether it is an older EA111 TSI (including 1.2/1.4 TSI up to around 2012–2013), as these are known for high oil consumption due to piston ring and timing chain problems; preferably choose a later EA211 engine. Carefully check the service history: oil changes (ideally every 10–15,000 km), timely replacement of the timing chain (if applicable) and use of only the prescribed oil. Ask explicitly about oil consumption (litres per 1,000 km), check whether it has to be topped up regularly and perform a cold start to rule out a rattling chain or smoke from the exhaust. Before purchase, have a pre-purchase inspection carried out with a compression test and endoscopy of the cylinders by a specialist in VAG engines.