Skoda Yeti problems, reliability and years to avoid
If you are considering buying a used Skoda Yeti, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 8 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Is the Skoda Yeti reliable?
The Skoda Yeti has 8 known faults in our database, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (the DQ200 automatic (seven speeds, dry clutches) fitted to the 1.2 TSI Yeti judders) and engine (the 1.8 TSI petrol can burn oil through worn piston rings, and its timing chain can slip). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.
Which Skoda Yeti years should you avoid?
No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.
Years and engines with a serious known fault
2010 to 2017, 1.2 TSI DSG (DQ200 seven-speed dry clutch): the DQ200 automatic (seven speeds, dry clutches) fitted to the 1.2 TSI Yeti
2009 to 2012, 1.8 TSI 160 4x4 (EA888 Gen 2): the 1.8 TSI petrol can burn oil through worn piston rings
2009 to 2014, 1.2 TSI 105 (EA111, chain-cam): timing chain stretch and tensioner failure leading to engine rattle
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
Generation 1 of 18 known faults · 37 owner reports · 8 good notes
Skoda Yeti 5L (2009 to 2017) problems
Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial
EGR valve failure and DPF blockage following the 'Dieselgate' emissions software fix
Rough guide
£400-900
Typical symptoms
engine management light
flashing glow plug light
limp mode
frequent DPF regenerations
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.0 TDI (EA189)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
November 2019A 2010-2015 Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI (EA189) experienced DPF, injector, and EGR problems at 117,000 miles after the NOx emissions fix.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure leading to engine rattle, skipped timing, and valve damage
Rough guide
£500-1000
Typical symptoms
loud metallic rattle on cold start for 2-3 seconds
engine management light
rough running
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.2 TSI 105 (EA111, chain-cam)
Typical mileage:
19000-51000 miles
2 more owner reports back this up
December 2017The timing chain on a 2011 Yeti 1.2 TSI failed at 34,000 miles, destroying the engine; Skoda supplied a new engine for a 500 fitting charge.
December 2017A new timing chain fitted to a Yeti 1.2 TSI failed because the replacement chain was wider than the available sprockets.
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 13 owner reports, 2011 to 2020
The DQ200 automatic (seven speeds, dry clutches) fitted to the 1.2 TSI Yeti judders and hesitates when pulling away, and owners report clutch packs wearing out (one at 6,000 miles) and mechatronic control units failing, in some cases both on the same car. Later cars from 2014 to 2017 still produced complaints of slipping, lurching and harsh changes in slow traffic.
Rough guide
£1005 (one owner's clutch pack replacement)
Typical symptoms
Judder or shudder pulling away, worse uphill or when warm
Hesitation emerging from junctions
Jerky or clunky change from first to second in slow traffic
Gears slipping or the box seeming to be in the wrong gear
Gearbox failure needing a new clutch pack or mechatronic unit
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.2 TSI DSG (DQ200 seven-speed dry clutch)
Typical mileage:
6000-62500 miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2017 to 2018
Fuel injector failure on the 1.6 TDI diesel. Owners report injectors failing at around 45,000 miles and, once the emissions software update had been applied, an EGR valve followed by injectors, and injectors failing one after another. Under the post-fix warranty the manufacturer replaces injectors only once they have failed.
Typical symptoms
Engine management light
Rough running or misfire
Loss of power
Smoke or poor starting
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6 TDI (EA189, Greenline)
Typical mileage:
45000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 6 owner reports, 2017 to 2019
The 1.8 TSI petrol can burn oil through worn piston rings, and its timing chain can slip. On 2010 and 2011 cars, oil use has started climbing between 50,000 and 70,000 miles and reached a litre every 300 miles. Chains have jumped at 60,000 to 65,000 miles, letting the valves hit the pistons, and a replacement engine was needed.
Rough guide
£3600 (one owner's share of a new engine after a manufacturer contribution)
Typical symptoms
Oil level dropping between services
Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start
Engine stopping with serious internal damage when the chain slips
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.8 TSI 160 4x4 (EA888 Gen 2)
Typical mileage:
50000-85000 miles
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Bodywork/ChassisMedium severity💬 5 owner reports, 2017 to 2020
Water leaking into the front and rear footwells from the sunroof or panoramic roof, in one case through twisted roof drains. Repairs do not always hold, and owners report repeat leaks after dealer work.
Rough guide
£1300 (one owner's repair, which did not stop the leak)
Typical symptoms
Wet carpet in the driver's or rear passenger footwell
Damp or musty smell
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Cars with a sunroof or panoramic roof
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
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Bodywork/ChassisLow severity💬 3 owner reports, 2017 to 2018
Rust on the wheel arches, door corners and rear doors, reported on cars only a few years old. One owner's warranty corrosion repair rusted again afterwards.
Typical symptoms
Bubbling paint at the wheel arches
Rust at the bottom corners of the doors
Rust returning after a previous repair
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
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Transmission/ClutchMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2014 to 2019
Bearing failure in the six-speed manual gearbox of the Yeti, mostly reported on the 1.2 TSI, ending in a gearbox rebuild or replacement. One failure came at 29,000 miles.
Rough guide
£3600 (one owner's replacement gearbox)
Typical symptoms
Noise from the gearbox that rises with road speed
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.2 TSI 6-speed manual
Typical mileage:
29000 miles
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What owners report on the 5L
37 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Bodywork · February 2020A 2016 Skoda Yeti 1.4 TSI experienced persistent panoramic sunroof leaks, with various attempted repairs failing to resolve the issue.
Gearbox and clutch · January 2020A 2016 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI with a DQ200 7-speed DSG gearbox lurched when changing from first to second gear in slow traffic.
Gearbox and clutch · January 2020The clutch pedal on a 2014 Skoda Yeti 4x4 2.0 TDI was reported to be sticking at 57,000 miles.
Engine · December 2019A 2011 Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI engine began consuming one litre of oil every 300 miles from 70,000 miles.
Engine · October 2019The engine light illuminated on a 2011 Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI SE; diagnostics indicated a throttle sensor issue that recurred after resetting.
Gearbox and clutch · August 2019A 2017 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI with a DQ200 7-speed DSG appeared to slip gears without clear reason.
Bodywork · August 2019A September 2017 Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI DSG had a leaking sunroof that allowed water into the rear passenger footwell.
Engine · August 2019A Skoda Yeti developed a stiff throttle pedal, which was subsequently resolved.
Engine · July 2019A 2014 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI with a DQ200 7-speed DSG had an oil leak and a camshaft problem discovered at 26,000 miles.
Gearbox and clutch · July 2019A 2013 Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI 4WD DSG with a DQ250 6-speed wet clutch gearbox developed a small leak from its mechatronics unit.
Bodywork · June 2019Rainwater was reported to be leaking into the passenger footwell of a 2013 Skoda Yeti.
Engine · March 2019The timing chain failed on a 2011 Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI engine at 65,000 miles, leading to a £5,300 bill for a new engine.
Suspension and steering · February 2019A 2015 Skoda Yeti had an MoT advisory for light oil misting on both front shock absorbers at 44,000 miles.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2019Bearings failed in the manual transmission of a 2014 Skoda Yeti at 29,000 miles, with an exchange transmission quoted at £4,025.
Gearbox and clutch · December 2018A 2015 Skoda Yeti with 50,000 miles was reluctant to change gear, feeling as though it was grinding and moaning.
Gearbox and clutch · November 2018A Skoda Yeti owner reported experiencing problems with the DQ200 7-speed dry clutch DSG gearbox for eight years.
Gearbox and clutch · November 2018A 2011 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI with a DQ200 7-speed DSG failed at 34,000 miles, diagnosed with clutch pack and mechatronic faults.
Bodywork · November 2018A 2014 Skoda Yeti had a leaking factory-fitted panoramic sunroof, with water entering the driver's and rear passenger footwells.
Cooling · September 2018A Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI required two new cylinder heads and three engine rebuilds due to coolant entering the combustion chambers.
Gearbox and clutch · September 2018A 2015 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI developed a rumble from the gearbox at 56,200 miles, with a repair quoted at £1,200 to £1,400.
Gearbox and clutch · August 2018A 2017 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI with a DQ200 7-speed DSG intermittently made a noise like a poorly executed manual gearchange.
Engine · July 2018A 2009 Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI ran roughly, smelled of exhaust fumes, and had an EGR cooler leak after the emissions recall fix.
Engine · July 2018A Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI experienced repeated injector failures after the NOx emissions update.
Bodywork · July 2018Corrosion repairs on a Skoda Yeti's bodywork failed, with rust reappearing after the initial fix.
Gearbox and clutch · July 2018A 2014 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI Elegance manual needed a new gearbox due to a failed bearing, costing £3,600.
Gearbox and clutch · June 2018The clutch pedal on a Skoda Yeti sometimes failed to rise at 58,000 miles, attributed to a failing slave cylinder.
Engine · May 2018A Yeti 1.6 TDI required a new EGR valve and then new injectors after receiving the NOx Emissions Fix.
General · May 2018A used Skoda Yeti with 51,738 miles suffered broken suspension springs, cutting out, rust, a damaged crankshaft, and jumping out of 5th gear.
Engine · May 2018A Skoda Yeti diesel experienced repeated issues, including new temperature sensors and numerous regenerations, after the NOx emissions fix.
Interior · April 2018The heating system in a 2012 Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI Greenline, owned since new, developed a fault at 69,000 miles.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2018A 2017 Skoda Yeti DSG accelerated when braking at a junction, with the gearbox changing down and applying too much power.
Suspension and steering · February 2018Both rear springs failed on a 2011 Skoda Yeti 4WD, despite rarely being driven off-road.
Engine · February 2018A Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI DSG developed a rattle from the engine when accelerating moderately hard at 7,000 miles.
Gearbox and clutch · December 2017A 2011 Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI DSG DQ200 experienced clutch pack failure at 18,000 miles, followed by mechatronics failure at 31,700 miles.
Gearbox and clutch · November 2017The 4th gear synchromesh on a 2012 Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI Greenline failed at 41,387 miles, requiring a £1,950 repair.
Exhaust · November 2017A Skoda Yeti had its EGR cooler replaced after the NOx emissions fix, resulting in reduced fuel economy and torque.
Brakes · October 2017Front brake discs on a Skoda Yeti warped at 3,500 miles, were replaced, and the new discs warped again at 10,700 miles.
What owners like about the 5L
8 notes
March 2013The Skoda Yeti was recognised as the best car for back pain sufferers by Sundial Clinics.
The Yeti features a robust and solid design with a distinctive grille and stylish headlamps, offering a high seating position and a light, un-bulky appearance.
The Yeti offers agile handling and a balanced ride, with turbocharged, economical engines making it dynamic and enjoyable to drive.
The Yeti is well-equipped for carrying loads, offering a flexible luggage compartment that expands to 1,760 litres with the rear seats removed.
Four-wheel-drive variants provide excellent off-road capability and traction, combined with low emissions and good fuel consumption.
The Yeti combines the strengths of a 4x4 with the practicality of a hatchback, offering a fresh attitude.
The flexible VarioFlex rear seat system allows easy expansion of the Yeti's carrying capacity to 1,760 litres.
The Yeti offers excellent on-road and off-road driveability thanks to its higher ground clearance and fourth-generation Haldex clutch system.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 20 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Skoda Yeti advert and we check it in seconds.
Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 5 DVSA recalls for the Yeti, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.
🏛️ July 2025Cars built January 2014 to January 2016
Takata drivers side front airbag
On affected vehicles the propellant in the front airbag may deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature fluctuations. As a result in the event of an accident and airbag deployment fragments could detach from the generator housing and injure the vehicle occupants.
Put right by: Replace the front airbag on the driver's side.
DVSA R/2026/00211 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2023Cars built May 2015 to April 2017
On affected vehicles from a certain production period there is a possibility that the gas generator cover could be damaged when the driver's airbag is activated.
On affected vehicles from a certain production period there is a possibility that the gas generator cover could be damaged when the driver's airbag is activated.
Put right by: Replace the driver's airbag in affected vehicles.
DVSA R/2023/0865 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2017Cars built May 2016 to October 2016
Parts of seat belt pretensioner may be dislodged on deployment
Due to a faulty connection part of the pyrotechnical system could become dislodged on deployment in an accident and enter the vehicle interior putting the occupants at risk of injury. On affected vehicles.
Put right by: Replace seat belt on affected vehicles.
DVSA R/2017/1921,293 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2016Cars built January 2015 to January 2015
Side airbag gas generator canister may fail
For certain vehicles manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the gas generator housing may be damaged if a side airbag is deployed. If the airbag/s were deployed the gas generator could explode and dislodge small metal parts which could cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Put right by: On affected vehicles check the dates of manufacture of side airbags and replace where necessary.
DVSA R/2016/072217 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2011Cars built January 2009 to December 2011
Fuel may leak
On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.
Put right by: Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.
DVSA R/2011/1711,867 vehicles affected in the UK
Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.
Skoda Yeti cambelt or timing chain, and service intervals
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Yeti. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing chainChain
1.2 TSI, EA111
No fixed replacement interval
The EA111 1.2 TSI chain is notorious for stretching and jumping teeth due to a weak tensioner design. Listen for a loud rattle on cold start. Failure destroys the engine. Many have been modified, but check history carefully.
Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.0 TDI, EA189
60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first
Although VAG dropped the 5-year time limit in 2023, independent specialists strictly advise replacing the belt and water pump every 5 years or 60,000 miles to prevent failure.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Skoda Yeti buying questions
What are the most common Skoda Yeti problems?
Three stand out. Gearbox: the DQ200 automatic (seven speeds, dry clutches) fitted to the 1.2 TSI Yeti judders (typically 6000 to 62500 miles). Engine: the 1.8 TSI petrol can burn oil through worn piston rings, and its timing chain can slip (typically 50000 to 85000 miles). Engine: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure leading to engine rattle, skipped timing (typically 19000 to 51000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Skoda Yeti years should I avoid?
No Skoda Yeti year is a write-off, but the 5L (2009 to 2017) carries the most serious faults: gearbox and engine. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Skoda Yeti?
Ask the seller about the gearbox and engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for judder or shudder pulling away, worse uphill or when warm, oil level dropping between services and loud metallic rattle on cold start for 2-3 seconds. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 8 known faults before you travel. Check a Skoda Yeti advert →
Are there any recalls on the Skoda Yeti?
The DVSA lists 5 safety recalls for the Skoda Yeti issued between 2011 and 2025. The most recent, from July 2025, is "Takata drivers side front airbag". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.
What is the real MPG of a Skoda Yeti?
Owners report 43.6 mpg on average across the Skoda Yeti engines with data, about 88% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 1,606 owner submissions. Skoda Yeti Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Skoda Yeti owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.