What weaknesses does the Skoda Roomster 5J have?

The Skoda 1.4L TDI PD (Diesel, 69–80 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BNM (2006–2010, Be Careful) and BWB (2006–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L TDI PD!

The Skoda 1.9L TDI PD (Diesel, 105 PS) has the BJB (1.9L TDI PD) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Skoda 1.2L HTP (Petrol, 69 PS) has the CGPA (1.2L HTP) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Skoda 1.4L MPI (Petrol, 86 PS) has the CGGB (1.4L MPI) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Skoda 1.6L MPI (Petrol, 105 PS) has the BSE (1.6L MPI) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

	Weakness	Cost
!	Rust on tailgate, wheel arches and lower door edges The Roomster is prone to rust-through on the tailgate (particularly top left beside the handle recess), the rear wheel arches and beneath the door sill strips. Rust works from the inside out. Mainly affects model years 2006–2010. Symptoms: Paint bubbles on the upper tailgate edge, rust spots on lower door edges and behind sill strips, visible rust-through patch from 80,000 km Ad tailgate Roomster rocker panel Roomster	Medium

Test Reports

tuev

TÜV Report 2024

Below average

The Roomster shows noticeably poor MOT results compared to other Group vehicles. Lighting, oil leaks and suspension cause significant problems with increasing age.

2023-11

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 40 weaknesses have been documented for the Skoda Roomster 5J (2006–2015) — 32 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: CBZA (1.2L TSI), CBZB (1.2L TSI), CAYC (1.6L TDI). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Electronics, Other. Considered reliable: BSE (1.6L MPI).

Roomster (BNM, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Camshaft wear (PD-typical), Timing belt failure → engine damage, EGR valve carbon build-up. Power: 69 PS.

Roomster (BWB, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Camshaft wear (PD-typical), Timing belt failure → engine damage, Camshaft sensor failed. Power: 80 PS.

Roomster (BJB, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Unit injectors worn, Connecting rod bearing failure, EGR valve blocked. Power: 105 PS.

Roomster (CFWA, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Fuel filter cap cracked (recall 20V7), Rail pressure failure (P0087/P0191), DPF blockage in short-trip driving. Power: 75 PS.

Roomster (CAYC, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: EGR valve wear and failure, Emissions scandal mandatory software update (EA189), Diesel particulate filter blockage. Power: 90 PS.

Roomster (CAYC, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: EGR valve wear and failure, Emissions scandal mandatory software update (EA189), Diesel particulate filter blockage. Power: 105 PS.

Roomster (CGGB, 2006–2015) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure, Timing belt failure → valve damage, Ignition coil failed. Power: 86 PS.

Roomster (CBZA, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain elongation — design fault, Turbocharger seal wear, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 86 PS.

Roomster (CGPA, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Elevated oil consumption from valve stem seals, Throttle body dirty or failed. Power: 69 PS.

Roomster (CBZB, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain elongation and chain tensioner, Turbocharger seizure (first generation), Elevated oil consumption. Power: 105 PS.

What to watch out for with the Skoda Roomster? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Skoda Roomster 5J have? +

The Skoda Roomster 5J has 32 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Skoda Roomster 5J? +

faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: BSE (1.6L MPI). The most reliable engine is the BSE (1.6L MPI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the CBZB (1.2L TSI). Problem engine: CBZB (1.2L TSI) — stay away!

Which Skoda Roomster 5J engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Skoda Roomster 5J. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Skoda Roomster 5J engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Skoda Roomster 5J — rated: "Decent". {description} 77 kW TSI in the Roomster facelift: noticeably more responsive than the weaker variants.

Is the Skoda Roomster 5J worth buying used? +

Caution is advised with the Skoda Roomster 5J — 3 of 10 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Skoda Roomster 5J? +

The Skoda Roomster 5J is available with engine variants from 54 to 110 hp. Petrol: CBZA (1.2L TSI), CGPA (1.2L HTP), CGGB (1.4L MPI), BSE (1.6L MPI), CBZB (1.2L TSI). Diesel: BNM (1.4L TDI PD), BWB (1.4L TDI PD), CFWA (1.2L TDI), BJB (1.9L TDI PD), CAYC (1.6L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee