If you refer to the second generation cars, yes it is a risk and it becomes bigger the further away you buy from a franchise as auction cars could come with no history and/or with a problem.
If you try an approved used car or one from a franchise with service history mentioning checking the chain, you reduce the risk. The franchises can read the wear of the chain and advise you. You will also need to the check the injector seals and the oil pick up.
Old posts imply that any works done, must be re-done in the future as the parts were the same. So the 2014 is not really a cut off date.
It just happened that the first generation three cars to be faulty as well and that is how everybody suggests going for a post 2014 car.
If you are looking for a third generation car, you will not have problems with the chain.
If you are looking for an Asian car, the best alternatives could be the Avensis and the i40 which are going for similar prices and basically there are not any other in the market.