Likes
- Offers superb levels of equipment for the money.
- Arguably better value than any other Euro SUV.
- Huge levels of practicality.
- Excellent driving experience.
Used SKODA Kodiaq review
2017 - 2022
Dislikes
- Carries over a number of known Volkswagen reliability issues.
- Arguably lacks brand panache of other Euro alternatives.
- Depreciation can hit hard.
- Parts and labour can ask a premium.
Stuff you should know
- Skoda, a Volkswagen-owned brand, shares its platform and many mechanical components with the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
- The Skoda Kodiaq made its debut in Australia in 2017 and is still a current model, with a new version on the horizon.
- Throughout its lifecycle, the Kodiaq has undergone numerous updates, with a significant one occurring in late 2021, bringing cosmetic changes, new technology, and mechanical adjustments.
- In Australia, the Kodiaq lineup offers primarily five trim options, with variations within each, and the availability of option packs that can substantially impact the features included.
- All Kodiaq models in Australia come with four-wheel drive, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a powertrain choice of two diesel engines and a single petrol engine. The power outputs of the turbocharged petrol engine vary depending on the year and trim specification.
- Interestingly, the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine in the Kodiaq is closely related to engines found in other Volkswagen Group vehicles like the Skoda Octavia RS, Volkswagen Golf R and GTI, and Audi’s Q5 and S3.
- Skoda, known for offering extensive standard equipment, provides the Kodiaq with a rich set of features, detailed below.
- Despite the positive aspects, it’s worth noting that Volkswagen vehicles, including the Kodiaq, may face reliability concerns and, being European, can incur higher costs for parts and labor.
- Whether the same reliability concerns and premium costs apply to the Kodiaq will be explored further in the following sections.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- Door locks: Owners have reported issues with locks randomly unlocking and locking themselves, central locking malfunctions, and problematic actuators. Some also experience key fob recognition problems, triggering alarms when manually unlocking the car.
- Power-related issues: Sporadic reports include power window faults, power tailgate malfunctions, power mirror problems, and troubles with the powered sunroof. Complaints suggest that if it’s powered, some owners may encounter issues.
- Fold-out door protectors: Some owners have found these features to be unreliable.
Inside:
- Electrical issues: Similar to exterior concerns, sporadic electrical problems may occur, including window switch malfunctions and electric driver seat adjustment issues. Many issues can be resolved with a software reset or affordable part replacements.
- Door handle design flaw: Older models may experience squeaky door handles, with the grab handle sometimes detaching. Newer models have addressed this issue.
- Quality annoyances: Owners have reported squeaky door cards, stuck dashboard storage compartment lids, glove box lids, and seatbelts failing to retract.
Note: Not all Kodiaq vehicles will experience these issues, and many are covered under the factory warranty.
Dealership Experiences:
- Skoda dealerships: Opinions on Skoda dealerships vary widely, with some being praised for excellent service and others receiving negative feedback. The dealership experience appears to be polarising among Skoda owners.
Mechanically:
Diesel Engines:
- Reliability: Compared to earlier troublesome Volkswagen diesels, the diesel engines in Kodiaq are considered fairly reliable.
- Twin-turbo complexity: The twin-turbo engine option adds complexity with a complex cooling system, charge cooling setup, and dual turbos, leading to potential complications.
- Common issues: Some reported problems include oil leaks, EGR cooler issues, and Adblue level sensor problems.
- Timing belt: Scheduled for replacement at 105,000 km or 7 years, it’s crucial not to exceed recommended service intervals to avoid potential failures.
Petrol Engines:
- Timing chain: The petrol engines feature a timing chain, eliminating specific service intervals. However, issues like chain tensioner and guide problems have been reported.
- Oil consumption: Although not as prevalent as earlier Volkswagen models, some owners have reported oil consumption issues.
- Coil packs: Occasional issues with coil packs have been noted.
- Cooling system: Commonly reported complications include water pump and thermostat module issues.
- Direct injection clogging: Over time, direct injection may lead to clogging, but it’s a manageable issue.
- Turbo failure: While not very common, some instances of turbo failure have been reported.
Transmissions:
- DSG services: Timely DSG services are critical to prevent reliability issues.
- Dual mass flywheel: Higher mileage vehicles may experience dual mass flywheel issues, characterised by a rattle followed by failure, although this is not common.
Overall:
- Mechanical maintenance: Maintenance is crucial, and services should not be missed. Servicing
Exterior:
- Door locks: Owners have reported issues with locks randomly unlocking and locking themselves, central locking malfunctions, and problematic actuators. Some also experience key fob recognition problems, triggering alarms when manually unlocking the car.
- Power-related issues: Sporadic reports include power window faults, power tailgate malfunctions, power mirror problems, and troubles with the powered sunroof. Complaints suggest that if it’s powered, some owners may encounter issues.
- Fold-out door protectors: Some owners have found these features to be unreliable.
Inside:
- Electrical issues: Similar to exterior concerns, sporadic electrical problems may occur, including window switch malfunctions and electric driver seat adjustment issues. Many issues can be resolved with a software reset or affordable part replacements.
- Door handle design flaw: Older models may experience squeaky door handles, with the grab handle sometimes detaching. Newer models have addressed this issue.
- Quality annoyances: Owners have reported squeaky door cards, stuck dashboard storage compartment lids, glove box lids, and seatbelts failing to retract.
Note: Not all Kodiaq vehicles will experience these issues, and many are covered under the factory warranty.
Dealership Experiences:
- Skoda dealerships: Opinions on Skoda dealerships vary widely, with some being praised for excellent service and others receiving negative feedback. The dealership experience appears to be polarising among Skoda owners.
Mechanically:
Diesel Engines:
- Reliability: Compared to earlier troublesome Volkswagen diesels, the diesel engines in Kodiaq are considered fairly reliable.
- Twin-turbo complexity: The twin-turbo engine option adds complexity with a complex cooling system, charge cooling setup, and dual turbos, leading to potential complications.
- Common issues: Some reported problems include oil leaks, EGR cooler issues, and Adblue level sensor problems.
- Timing belt: Scheduled for replacement at 105,000 km or 7 years, it’s crucial not to exceed recommended service intervals to avoid potential failures.
Petrol Engines:
- Timing chain: The petrol engines feature a timing chain, eliminating specific service intervals. However, issues like chain tensioner and guide problems have been reported.
- Oil consumption: Although not as prevalent as earlier Volkswagen models, some owners have reported oil consumption issues.
- Coil packs: Occasional issues with coil packs have been noted.
- Cooling system: Commonly reported complications include water pump and thermostat module issues.
- Direct injection clogging: Over time, direct injection may lead to clogging, but it’s a manageable issue.
- Turbo failure: While not very common, some instances of turbo failure have been reported.
Transmissions:
- DSG services: Timely DSG services are critical to prevent reliability issues.
- Dual mass flywheel: Higher mileage vehicles may experience dual mass flywheel issues, characterised by a rattle followed by failure, although this is not common.
Overall:
- Mechanical maintenance: Maintenance is crucial, and services should not be missed. Servicing ahead of scheduled intervals is recommended for optimal reliability.
Exterior:
- Door locks: Owners have reported issues with locks randomly unlocking and locking themselves, central locking malfunctions, and problematic actuators. Some also experience key fob recognition problems, triggering alarms when manually unlocking the car.
- Power-related issues: Sporadic reports include power window faults, power tailgate malfunctions, power mirror problems, and troubles with the powered sunroof. Complaints suggest that if it’s powered, some owners may encounter issues.
- Fold-out door protectors: Some owners have found these features to be unreliable.
Inside:
- Electrical issues: Similar to exterior concerns, sporadic electrical problems may occur, including window switch malfunctions and electric driver seat adjustment issues. Many issues can be resolved with a software reset or affordable part replacements.
- Door handle design flaw: Older models may experience squeaky door handles, with the grab handle sometimes detaching. Newer models have addressed this issue.
- Quality annoyances: Owners have reported squeaky door cards, stuck dashboard storage compartment lids, glove box lids, and seatbelts failing to retract.
Note: Not all Kodiaq vehicles will experience these issues, and many are covered under the factory warranty.
Dealership Experiences:
- Skoda dealerships: Opinions on Skoda dealerships vary widely, with some being praised for excellent service and others receiving negative feedback. The dealership experience appears to be polarising among Skoda owners.
Mechanically:
Diesel Engines:
- Reliability: Compared to earlier troublesome Volkswagen diesels, the diesel engines in Kodiaq are considered fairly reliable.
- Twin-turbo complexity: The twin-turbo engine option adds complexity with a complex cooling system, charge cooling setup, and dual turbos, leading to potential complications.
- Common issues: Some reported problems include oil leaks, EGR cooler issues, and Adblue level sensor problems.
- Timing belt: Scheduled for replacement at 105,000 km or 7 years, it’s crucial not to exceed recommended service intervals to avoid potential failures.
Petrol Engines:
- Timing chain: The petrol engines feature a timing chain, eliminating specific service intervals. However, issues like chain tensioner and guide problems have been reported.
- Oil consumption: Although not as prevalent as earlier Volkswagen models, some owners have reported oil consumption issues.
- Coil packs: Occasional issues with coil packs have been noted.
- Cooling system: Commonly reported complications include water pump and thermostat module issues.
- Direct injection clogging: Over time, direct injection may lead to clogging, but it’s a manageable issue.
- Turbo failure: While not very common, some instances of turbo failure have been reported.
Transmissions:
- DSG services: Timely DSG services are critical to prevent reliability issues.
- Dual mass flywheel: Higher mileage vehicles may experience dual mass flywheel issues, characterised by a rattle followed by failure, although this is not common.
Overall:
- Mechanical maintenance: Maintenance is crucial, and services should not be missed. Servicing ahead of scheduled intervals is recommended for optimal reliability.
Should you buy it?
And now, we come to the pivotal question: Is the Skoda Kodiaq the right choice for you? Well, we would advise steering clear of the diesel variant. While it may appear more fuel-efficient initially, concerns arise as the vehicle ages and exits the warranty period. The potential additional expenses for maintenance and repairs could potentially negate any savings you initially enjoyed on fuel costs.
Furthermore, and subjectively speaking, many drivers find the petrol version of the Kodiaq to offer a more pleasant driving experience and overall ease of ownership.
So, should you opt for a petrol-powered Kodiaq? Certainly, as long as you have factored in periodic expenses for a new water pump and managed to locate a meticulously maintained example. Not only is buying a Kodiaq a wise decision considering the extensive equipment it offers for the price, but it also outshines competitors such as the Tiguan and various Audi SUVs.
In fact, the Kodiaq stands out as a preferable choice among European SUVs. Yet, if you are willing to compromise on some luxury features in favour of enhanced capability, reliability, and potential resale value, it might be worth exploring alternatives sourced from Japan, such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner. These options provide a balance between functionality and practicality.
And now, we come to the pivotal question: Is the Skoda Kodiaq the right choice for you? Well, we would advise steering clear of the diesel variant. While it may appear more fuel-efficient initially, concerns arise as the vehicle ages and exits the warranty period. The potential additional expenses for maintenance and repairs could potentially negate any savings you initially enjoyed on fuel costs.
Furthermore, and subjectively speaking, many drivers find the petrol version of the Kodiaq to offer a more pleasant driving experience and overall ease of ownership.
So, should you opt for a petrol-powered Kodiaq? Certainly, as long as you have factored in periodic expenses for a new water pump and managed to locate a meticulously maintained example. Not only is buying a Kodiaq a wise decision considering the extensive equipment it offers for the price, but it also outshines competitors such as the Tiguan and various Audi SUVs.
In fact, the Kodiaq stands out as a preferable choice among European SUVs. Yet, if you are willing to compromise on some luxury features in favour of enhanced capability, reliability, and potential resale value, it might be worth exploring alternatives sourced from Japan, such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner. These options provide a balance between functionality and practicality.
Should you buy it?
And now, we come to the pivotal question: Is the Skoda Kodiaq the right choice for you? Well, we would advise steering clear of the diesel variant. While it may appear more fuel-efficient initially, concerns arise as the vehicle ages and exits the warranty period. The potential additional expenses for maintenance and repairs could potentially negate any savings you initially enjoyed on fuel costs.
Furthermore, and subjectively speaking, many drivers find the petrol version of the Kodiaq to offer a more pleasant driving experience and overall ease of ownership.
So, should you opt for a petrol-powered Kodiaq? Certainly, as long as you have factored in periodic expenses for a new water pump and managed to locate a meticulously maintained example. Not only is buying a Kodiaq a wise decision considering the extensive equipment it offers for the price, but it also outshines competitors such as the Tiguan and various Audi SUVs.
In fact, the Kodiaq stands out as a preferable choice among European SUVs. Yet, if you are willing to compromise on some luxury features in favour of enhanced capability, reliability, and potential resale value, it might be worth exploring alternatives sourced from Japan, such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner. These options provide a balance between functionality and practicality.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Feb 2, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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