Skoda Superb
The 2.0L TDI CR (EA189, CBBB) at 103 kW is a solid diesel that reaches 300,000 km with good care. The dual-mass flywheel is a known wear item on manual gearbox vehicles from around 120,000–150,000 km. Injectors and DPF are the other typical cost factors. Affected by the emissions scandal like all EA189 variants.
Strong diesel in the estate
350 Nm and DSG in the Superb Combi: adequate for loaded motorway runs, solid long-distance runner.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The dual-mass flywheel on the 2.0 TDI CBBB with manual gearbox typically wears from 120,000–140,000 km. Complete failure risks gearbox damage through metallic contact of the spring elements.
Symptoms: Clattering rattle at idle and when pulling away, strong vibrations below 1,500 rpm, clunking during gear changes.
The common-rail injectors of the EA189 2.0 TDI tend to leak at the valve cover gaskets and suffer from nozzle wear. Faulty injectors impair combustion and contribute to DPF problems.
Symptoms: Rough idle, poor cold start quality, elevated consumption, visible soot clouds under acceleration.
The DPF of the 2.0 TDI CBBB reaches saturation in city driving after 120,000–150,000 km. A blocked filter forces frequent forced regenerations and higher fuel consumption.
Symptoms: DPF engine check light, elevated fuel consumption up to 2 L/100 km extra, rarely engine protection shutdown at maximum back-pressure.
All CBBB engines with Euro 5 are affected by the EA189 recall. Without the software update, official impoundment is possible.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
The mechatronic unit of the DSG gearbox (DQ250) can develop faults from approximately 100,000 km. Irregular gear changes and gearbox limp-home mode result.
Suspension springs break preferentially at the front axle, often without warning. According to TÜV reports one of the most frequent fault items on the Superb II. Significantly increased risk from approximately 100,000 km and 8 years.
The BCM controls the windscreen wipers, lighting, central locking and comfort functions. The typical failure pattern is a gradual loss of individual functions through to a total failure. Repair requires coding at a dealer.
Sills and rear wheel arches are prone to hidden rust beneath the protective coating. Corrosion begins from the inside and only becomes visible when blistering pushes through the paint. The tailgate and door fold areas are also at risk.
When the air conditioning compressor fails mechanically it seizes and distributes metal swarf throughout the entire refrigerant circuit. Repair then requires a full circuit flush plus drier and expansion valve replacement. The compressor alone costs approximately €400.
The electromechanical power steering develops a knocking noise when steering, particularly at low speeds. Wear of the steering rack mounting is a common cause.
The wiring harness breaks in the door hinge area through repeated bending movements. Mainly affects the driver's door and on the Superb the Twindoor tailgate. Cheap plastic sheathing without a coiled protective sleeve promotes failure.
The handbrake cables corrode inside their sleeves and become stiff or freeze in winter. Particularly affects vehicles in salty environments.
Reports & Tests
The second-generation Superb performs worse than the class average at the MOT inspection. Springs, dampers and the braking system are the biggest weak points.
