Skoda Yeti
The 1.8L TSI (EA888 Gen2, CDAA) became notorious for its oil consumption — a design fault with undersized oil control rings that VAG only fully resolved later. The timing chain was revised five times (last version March 2012), indicating acknowledged design weaknesses. Cooling system (thermostat/water pump) is a further weak point. With piston ring repair and regular oil maintenance the engine remains long-lived.
TSI 4x4 — versatile all-rounder
160 hp all-wheel-drive Yeti: enough power for every situation, good handling on- and off-road.
Engine Weaknesses 4
EA888 Gen2 CDAA engines were fitted from factory with overly thin oil control rings. From around 50,000–100,000 km consumption rises to 1–2 L/1,000 km. Cylinder bores can suffer secondary damage.
Symptoms: Frequent oil top-up between services (up to 3 L), blueish exhaust smoke under load, burning oil smell.
VAG revised the chain tensioner for the CDAA five times up to March 2012. Despite the revisions, chain damage appears from 70,000–100,000 km. A jumped chain risks severe engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, rough idle, engine check light, in the worst case sudden engine failure.
The water pump and thermostat housing of the EA888 Gen2 are known weak points. Coolant loss and overheating risk typically appear from 100,000 km. Removal is time-consuming (approx. 3 hours).
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak, temperature gauge rises irregularly, coolant smell in engine bay.
The high-pressure fuel pump on the EA888 Gen2 can fail spontaneously and in the worst case release metal particles into the fuel circuit, damaging injectors, rail and lines.
Symptoms: Poor starting behaviour, engine stuttering especially on cold start, fault code 'rail pressure too low', in extreme cases engine will no longer start.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
The electro-hydraulic Haldex 4 coupling fails with a blocked oil filter or used-up oil. VAG stipulates a 60,000 km interval without filter change; Haldex recommends 30,000 km with filter. A complete failure costs over €4,000.
Particularly pre-facelift Yetis (up to 2013) rust on the lower door edges beneath the rubber seals. The inner metal carrier of the seal between the front and rear door oxidises and eventually breaks through. Also fold rust on the tailgate.
The drain hoses of the optional panoramic roof kink or block with leaves and insects. Water then runs into the front footwell or the boot. A well-known issue in Skoda forums; airbag canisters can also corrode.
The steering rack can leak at the gaiters, allowing grease to escape. Ingressing moisture accelerates wear of the rack.
The air conditioning condenser in front of the radiator is damaged by stone chips and loses refrigerant. Particularly frequent on vehicles without underside protection.
The rear brake callipers are prone to seizing, particularly on infrequently driven vehicles or after extended standing. Corroded guide pins are often the cause.
The key fob is sporadically not recognised, the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked. The cause is often a defective door wiring harness or a fault in the control electronics. Cable breaks at the door cause the same symptoms.
Front wheel bearings wear relatively early on the Yeti, particularly with frequent city driving or light off-road use. A well-known issue in owner forums, usually harmless and inexpensive to fix.
Reports & Tests
The Yeti passes the MOT with slightly above-average results. Steering, driveshafts and corrosion protection are exemplary; only brake discs and TSI timing chains stand out.
