Skoda Roomster
1.4L three-cylinder unit injector engine, 59 kW. Robust diesel, but typical PD weaknesses: camshaft wear and EGR coking at high mileages. Use only VW-approved 505.01 oil.
70 hp in a high-roof estate — overwhelmed
51 kW three-cylinder TDI in the Roomster: Auto Bild called it 'completely out of its depth'. Too weak for the vehicle weight.
Engine Weaknesses 3
On PD-TDI engines, camshaft bearings and hydraulic tappets wear from mechanical stress caused by the unit injector assemblies. Damage typically appears from 180,000–220,000 km.
Symptoms: Clattering from the valvetrain, especially on cold start. Power loss, rough engine running.
The 1.4 TDI BNM is an interference engine — a snapped timing belt will definitely bend valves. Strictly observe the replacement interval of 120,000 km (until April 2006) or 150,000 km (from May 2006).
Symptoms: Sudden engine stop, loud banging from engine bay. Engine will not restart.
The EGR valve clogs with soot deposits from diesel operation. The connecting hose between EGR and throttle body is particularly affected. More pronounced in short-trip driving.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, EGR valve fault message, elevated fuel consumption.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
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.
The rear wheel cylinders of the drum brakes become leaky from approximately 80,000 km. Brake fluid leaks and contaminates the brake shoes.
The front axle control arm bushings wear above-averagely quickly on the Roomster. Early failures possible from 50,000 km. Cause: original design with only two support ribs instead of four.
The electric window regulator control modules in the Roomster fail sporadically or permanently, often due to moisture ingress through the seals. Faulty switches and corroded connectors are further causes.
The roof antenna seal deteriorates and allows water to enter, collecting in the headlining or interior. Damp headlining and a musty smell are the typical result.
The central locking of the Roomster sporadically fails to respond to the remote signal or does not fully unlock the doors. The cause is often corroded door locks, broken wires at the door hinge or a faulty body control module.
The steering column develops a creaking noise when steering, particularly in the cold. Dry universal joints in the steering column are a common cause.
The blower resistor burns out and the fan only works on the highest setting. Overheating caused by a dirty pollen filter accelerates failure.
Reports & Tests
The Roomster shows noticeably poor MOT results compared to other Group vehicles. Lighting, oil leaks and suspension cause significant problems with increasing age.
