Skoda Kodiaq 1. Generation 1.5 TSI, 150 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch (2018–2021)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Skoda Kodiaq (2016-2024): known problems and buying guide

  Average reliability with several recalls. Check the steering bolt and airbag campaigns by VIN and test the DSG before you buy.

• Engine guide VW 1.5 TSI and eTSI (EA211 evo) petrol: problems, costs and what to check

  Cold-start judder, oil use, coolant leaks and 48 V faults are the risks, so buy a late car with software and service records and check the oil and coolant.

• Gearbox guide VW DQ200 7-speed DSG (0AM, 0CW): problems, costs and what to check

  Dry DSG with a known weak mechatronic and clutch. Buy only with recall and oil-change records and a clean pump test.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. On a DSG car, read the fault memory with a scanner and drive from cold. Bad result: jerks when pulling away or shifting, or a fault code. Needs a scanner.
2. Check the VIN for open recall campaigns, especially the steering bolt (KBA 17091R) and the 2023 airbag campaign (012656). Bad result: any open campaign.
3. Check the front and rear brake discs and pads, wheels off or with a torch. Bad result: worn discs or pads, so a brake job is due soon.
4. Open and close the tailgate with the key, the button and the switch, several times. Bad result: it stops halfway, opens on its own or does not close.
5. Press the start button several times, cold and warm. Bad result: a reluctant start or a button that needs several presses.
6. Test the screen, Bluetooth and phone pairing on a full drive. Bad result: a freeze, a restart or a phone that will not pair.
7. Drive over bumps and listen to the doors and trim. Bad result: creaks or rattles, or door handles that squeak.
8. Check the door edge protectors on the sills. Bad result: a protector knocked off or not deployed.
9. Ask the seller for the service book with DSG and Haldex oil records. Bad result: no records.

From the engine guide

1. Oil use (no scanner). Check the dipstick and top-up history. Bad: low level, blue smoke, or ring work without an invoice.
2. ACT and camshaft (scanner). Listen for a shudder when the engine switches from two to four cylinders, and read faults. Bad: constant shudder, EPC light, or camshaft codes.
3. Coolant (no scanner). Check the level cold; look for white residue or a sweet smell near the thermostat module. Bad: low level, stains, weak cabin heat.
4. Particulate filter (scanner). On a short-trip car, read soot load and GPF codes. Bad: GPF lamp or regeneration faults.
5. Cold start (scanner). Start stone cold; pull away in 1st and 2nd. Bad: judder between 1,200 and 1,800 rpm. Ask for the update record; a scanner shows the ECU version.
6. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 24ER, 24EV or 24EP campaign.

From the gearbox guide

1. Fault scan (needs a scanner). P17BF, P189C, P1895 or P0841 mean a pressure fault, usually the accumulator housing. Get a repair price or walk away.
2. Pump test. Ignition on, engine off. The pump should run briefly and stop. A pump that keeps whirring points to the accumulator.
3. Oil. Look at the gearbox and the undertray. Wet oil can mean a mechatronic job.
4. Control unit signs. Ask about a flashing gear display, a blown gearbox fuse, or the car losing drive at a stop.
5. Clutch values (needs a scanner). Read remaining clutch travel and the adaptation counters. Counters that will not adapt, or very low travel, mean a clutch job soon.
6. Road test in 6th and 7th. Full throttle from 1,000 and 1,500 rpm. Engine speed that swings by up to 200 rpm means a worn clutch. Also feel for judder pulling away.
7. Reverse, cold and warm. A flashing R, no reverse or a crunch is bad.
8. Cold start. A rattle for 5 to 10 minutes, or in 2nd on overrun, points to the flywheel.
9. Paperwork. VIN check for open recalls; for 2008 to 2013 cars, proof of the 2013 oil change; invoices for any mechatronic repair.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions