A timing chain failure can destroy an engine in seconds, leaving you with a repair bill of thousands – or a written-off car. But if your timing chain failed prematurely, you may have strong grounds to reject the vehicle or claim compensation.
What Does the Timing Chain Do?
The timing chain (or timing belt in some cars) synchronises the engine's moving parts. It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, ensures valves open and close at the right moment, and must stay perfectly timed for the engine to run.
When it fails, valves can hit pistons, the engine suffers catastrophic internal damage, and repairs often cost more than the car is worth.
Timing Chain vs Timing Belt
Timing chains are metal and designed to last the lifetime of the engine (typically 200,000+ miles).
Timing belts are rubber and need replacing at intervals (usually 60,000-100,000 miles).
If your car has a timing chain and it failed at normal mileage, that's usually a defect. It wasn't supposed to fail.
Engines Known for Timing Chain Problems
BMW N47 & N57 (2007-2014)
The most notorious. Affects the BMW 1 Series (116d, 118d, 120d), BMW 3 Series (318d, 320d), BMW 5 Series (520d), and BMW X1 and X3. The chain tensioner and guides fail, the chain stretches, and the engine is destroyed. Multiple class actions and widespread reports make this a well-documented issue. See our full BMW N47 timing chain rights guide for specific advice on these engines.
BMW/Mini Prince Engine (2006-2015)
Affects the Mini Cooper and One, Peugeot 207, 208 and 308, and Citroën C3, C4 and DS3. The problem is timing chain stretch at low mileage.
Ford 1.0 EcoBoost (2012-2020)
Affects the Ford Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport. Coolant loss leads to overheating and timing issues. The wet belt design is particularly problematic – see our Ford EcoBoost wet belt guide.
Audi/VW 2.0 TFSI (2004-2013)
Affects the Audi A3, A4 and TT, VW Golf and Passat, and Seat Leon. The problem is timing chain tensioner failure.
Mercedes M271 (2002-2014)
Affects the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class. The problem is chain stretch and sprocket wear.
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Your Consumer Rights
The Car Must Be "Durable"
Under Section 9 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of "satisfactory quality." This explicitly includes durability – the car should remain of satisfactory quality for a reasonable time.
A timing chain that fails at 60,000 miles (when designed to last 200,000+) is not durable.
The 6-Month Presumption
Within the first 6 months after purchase, any fault is presumed to have been present when you bought the car. The dealer must prove otherwise – you don't have to prove it was there.
After 6 Months
You can still claim, but you'll need evidence the fault was present or developing at purchase. For timing chains, this often includes noise that was developing before failure, warning signs visible on inspection, diagnostic codes showing timing issues, and service history showing no recent work on the timing system.
When Can You Reject?
Strong Grounds for Rejection
You have strong grounds if the timing chain failed within months of purchase, the car had relatively low mileage when you bought it, there were no warnings or disclosures about timing chain issues, and you bought from a dealer rather than privately.
Weaker Grounds
Your case is weaker if the car had very high mileage at purchase (150,000+), it was a private sale with limited consumer protection, the seller disclosed the timing chain was due for attention, or you ignored warning signs like rattling noise or warning lights.
Building Your Case
Step 1: Don't Scrap the Evidence
If the engine has failed, keep the car – don't scrap it yet. Keep any removed parts, and document everything with photos and video.
Step 2: Get a Diagnosis
Have a mechanic or engineer confirm that the timing chain failed, the engine is damaged, the likely cause of failure, and whether warning signs existed before the failure occurred. Get this in writing – an independent inspection report carries real weight.
Step 3: Research the Engine
Check if your engine has known issues by searching online forums (BMW forums, etc.), Which? reliability surveys, recalls and technical service bulletins, and news articles about class actions. Evidence that the problem is widespread strengthens your case significantly.
Step 4: Gather Your Records
Collect your purchase receipt or invoice, service history, MOT history from gov.uk, and any warnings or promises from the dealer. See our guide on keeping records.
What to Include in Your Rejection Letter
To: [Dealer]
Re: Rejection of Vehicle – Timing Chain Failure
Registration: [X]
Dear Sir/Madam,
On [date], I purchased [vehicle make/model/reg] from you for £[amount] at [mileage] miles.
On [date], the timing chain failed, causing catastrophic engine damage. The vehicle is now undriveable.
This vehicle is not of satisfactory quality under Section 9 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, specifically:
-
Durability – A timing chain is designed to last the lifetime of the engine. Failure at [current mileage] miles demonstrates the vehicle was not durable.
-
Known defect – The [engine code] engine has well-documented timing chain problems. [Reference any recalls, TSBs, or class actions]. As a professional motor trader, you should be aware of this issue.
-
Fault present at purchase – The timing chain does not fail instantaneously. The wear causing this failure was developing when I purchased the vehicle.
[If within 6 months: Under Section 19(14), faults appearing within 6 months are presumed present at purchase. You bear the burden of proving otherwise.]
I am rejecting this vehicle and require:
- A full refund of £[purchase price]
- Reimbursement of [any diagnostic/recovery costs]
- Collection of the vehicle at your expense
Please respond within 14 days.
Yours faithfully, [Your name]
What If the Dealer Refuses?
"It's Wear and Tear"
Timing chain failure is not normal wear and tear. Timing chains are not a serviceable item – they're designed to last.
"It's High Mileage"
Even at higher mileage, if the chain failed well before its expected lifespan, it's a defect. A 100,000-mile timing chain failure on a chain designed for 200,000+ is premature.
"You Should Have Serviced It"
Timing chains don't typically require servicing. Unlike timing belts, they're not a scheduled replacement item.
Escalation Options
Contact the finance company if you used PCP, HP, or paid a deposit on credit card – they're jointly liable. Complain to the Motor Ombudsman if the dealer is a member. Report to Trading Standards, especially if the dealer knew about the issue. And consider small claims court for claims up to £10,000.
Recommended reading
Can You Claim Against the Manufacturer?
If the dealer has closed or you bought the car long ago, you might consider:
Goodwill Claims
Manufacturers sometimes offer "goodwill" contributions for known defects, even outside warranty. Contact them directly.
Group Actions
For some engines (like BMW N47), group legal actions exist. Search for current claims you might join.
Product Liability
In extreme cases, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. This is complex and usually requires legal advice.
Prevention When Buying
If you're buying a car with a known timing chain issue:
Do Your Research
Check if the engine has known problems. Some are fine; some are ticking time bombs.
Check Service History
For affected engines, look for evidence that the timing chain has already been replaced, any records of rattling or noise complaints, and regular oil changes (poor oil maintenance accelerates chain wear).
Listen for Noise
Timing chain problems often cause rattling on cold start, ticking or whirring sounds, and noise that goes away when the engine warms up.
Get an Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection should check for timing chain noise and wear indicators.
The Bottom Line
Timing chains are meant to last the lifetime of the engine – failure is usually a defect, not wear and tear. Known problem engines include the BMW N47, VW/Audi 2.0 TFSI, Ford 1.0 EcoBoost, and others, but premature failure on any engine is grounds for a claim. Durability is explicitly part of the satisfactory quality test under the Consumer Rights Act. Within 6 months, the fault is presumed to have been present at purchase. Document everything – get a diagnosis, research the engine's known issues, and keep all purchase records. Don't accept "wear and tear" as an excuse because timing chains aren't a normal service item. And if you bought on finance, use Section 75 to claim against the finance company too.
Timing chain failed on a car you recently bought? Check if you qualify for our rejection service. We'll help you build your case and pursue a refund.
