2018 Skoda Kodiaq: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Skoda Kodiaq?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Skoda Kodiaq than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Number plates2.2× usual
  Skoda Kodiaq

  3.8% All 2018 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2018 Skoda Kodiaq MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Skoda Kodiaq MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  8% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Seats and seatbelts
  5% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Known faults on the 2018 Skoda Kodiaq

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Seat, airbag and brake pedal recalls

  Some cars

  Small recalls covered rear seat nuts, airbags, cracked front seat frames, engine software (built Oct 2018 to June 2019) and a brake pedal weld (built July 2020).

  At the viewing: Ask a Skoda dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Skoda Kodiaq (Mk1, 2017-2024) review

• Jerky seven-speed DSG

  DSG automatic

  Some owners find the seven-speed DSG jerky.

  At the viewing: Drive in slow traffic and feel for jerky changes.

  Source: Auto Express: used Skoda Kodiaq (Mk1, 2017-2024) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Skoda Kodiaq

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2018 Skoda Kodiaq as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?