Skoda Kodiaq
2.0L TDI from the EA288 generation at 140 kW — in the 150 hp class considered more solid than the RS predecessor, but EGR cooler cracks, water pump defects and DPF problems in short-trip driving are known weak points. With regular maintenance and motorway use, 250,000+ km are realistic.
190 hp diesel — the composed Kodiaq
140 kW and 400 Nm: the ideal engine for the large Kodiaq. Composed on the motorway and when towing.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Cracks in the EGR cooler allow coolant into the exhaust tract — gradual coolant loss, whitish smoke and engine protection warning. Ignoring the problem risks cylinder head damage. EGR cooler replacement costs €600–1,000.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, dropping coolant level without visible leak, fault code P0401, rough idle.
A faulty water pump or sticking control valve (TPI 2041955) causes overheating — coolant temperature rises to 130 °C. Mainly vehicles up to build date 09/2014 affected; replace in combination with timing belt.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature gauge rises unusually fast, engine temperature warning light, power reduction from engine protection.
A clogged DPF raises exhaust back-pressure and permanently stresses turbine housing bearings. Oil contamination from aged oil accelerates turbo damage. Replacement €900–1,800.
Symptoms: Whistling or whirring noise under load, sluggish boost build-up, oil in intercooler hose, fault code P0299.
Frequent short trips prevent active DPF regeneration (at least 15 min motorway driving required). Filter clogs — rising back-pressure stresses the turbocharger and activates limp mode. Professional cleaning €350–600.
Symptoms: 'Particulate filter loaded' message on instrument cluster, elevated fuel consumption, power loss through limp mode, black soot on acceleration.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
Due to the vehicle weight (up to 2,000 kg) and aggressive ACC use, the rear brakes are disproportionately loaded. Rear brake discs and pads can be worn out after just 30,000–40,000 km.
The drain hoses of the optional panoramic roof swell or kink in the A-pillar, causing water ingress in the footwell. Owners report completely soaked floor mats and a risk of mould.
On 4x4 variants the Haldex coupling pump fails, often caused by a blocked filter (fault code C111204). Regular Haldex oil changes (every 30,000–60,000 km) are mandatory.
The DSG gearbox (DQ200 on smaller engines, DQ500 on larger ones) shows increased clutch wear, particularly with frequent city driving and trailer use. The clutch pack often needs renewal after 100,000–150,000 km.
The drainage channels of the panoramic sunroof block and water runs into the interior. Regular cleaning of the drainage channels is essential maintenance.
Particularly on sills, lower door edges and wheel arches, paint bubbles form due to inadequate corrosion protection. Rust breakthrough can occur after 4–6 years.
The electromechanical power steering develops a rattle or vibration when steering slowly. A firmware update partially resolves the problem.
The front strut top mounts wear from approximately 50,000 km and cause creaking when steering. Wear occurs earlier on the heavier SUV variants.
Reports & Tests
The Kodiaq passes the MOT with clearly above-average results. 87 percent of seven-year-old vehicles are fault-free, compared to 79 percent in the class average.
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All Skoda models Kodiaq NS overview