The Škoda Octavia is considered a reliable, durable vehicle This car has a growing presence in many European and Asian countries. Among the list of impressive cars, there is one that stands out from the crowd, the Škoda Octavia sedan. This car hit the scene in 1996 and quickly climbed into recognition. It became one of the most popular cars among owners and is now in its 4th-generation with no signs of that ending any time soon. However, outside of the accolades, it’s a machine, and machines can fail or have several issues. Because this car is mass-produced, there is room for error and possible issues. If you are an owner of Octavia, there are a few problems you should be aware of and possibly correct them before they become serious problems.

According to many motoring journalists, the Škoda Octavia is a very popular vehicle and is responsible for burying the stigma that it was nothing but a poor Eastern Block cousin of the American and Japanese makes but managed to cement its reputation in the Western Markets through excellent design.

All said, there are some issues that you should be aware of:

Turbo Issues

The Octavia is known for issues with the turbochargers ranging from 2002 to 2013. That said, there are older cars out there that could also have the same problem. No one can seem to pinpoint the problem, it just will not last as long as it should. The two signs are a loss of power when accelerating and the engine going into limp mode. In some cases, the turbo could cause a huge deduction in value for the car. So, this is a serious problem.

DPF Issues

The Škoda Octavia engine is designed to be pushed to a high level of performance but failing to do so can result in a blockage in the DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter which should be cleaned. The lights on the dashboard may show a warning and in some cases, a solution can be found by driving out on an open road, in 4th gear, for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Car Leaks

You should check around the inside of the vehicle for signs of water damage. There are some known issues with drainage throughout the car. There have been many reports of the seals in the boot of the car allowing water to leak through during heavy rain, damaging the carpet. Adding to that, drainage in the front area of the car, under the bottom of the windscreen will become blocked and cause considerable damage. You might experience a large amount of water entering into the front interior, causing even more damage.

The Headlamps

Water has also been reported getting into the headlamps causing the parts to short out early on or water getting on the lens which can cause problems affecting the adequacy of the beams. A visual inspection should be performed to verify if this problem is present.

A Vibrating Driveshaft

Some Škoda Octavia owners have reported that the driveshaft rattles when driving at low speeds. Usually, this is a sign that the driveshaft is wearing out due to age and should be replaced. This is actually pretty common in the Octavia but nothing to worry about. Simply order a replacement and the sound will be gone.

Dual Mass Flywheel

The Dual Mass Flywheel is one of the main recalls issued for the Octavia. This part has been known to come apart causing extensive damage to the engine.

Gearbox

The gearbox on the automatic Škoda is the Volkswagen DSG. Over a period of time, the gearbox will have issues shifting in between gears which in turn will lead to a clunky feeling when accelerating or decelerating. This is caused by a faulty gearbox and the Mechatronic control system. To test for this problem, take your car on an extensive test drive on a dual carriageway or motorway at full legal speed.

Octavia Rear Wheel Alignment Pre-2006

Some older Škoda Octavias have issues with the rear wheel that will lead to uneven tyre wear. This can be a problem as you will have to change both tyres at the same time. If one tyre wears out before the other, that means you are throwing away a perfectly good tyre. This issue is far from ideal during the winter months or even wet seasons. Post 2006, the problem has been addressed and hopefully corrected.

Experience A Loss Of Power

It’s possible you could experience a loss of power or various other reasons and one of those issues could damage the fuel pump. On the other hand, there can be issues with the forced induction pressure sensor or a damaged turbocharger. Many owners have reported that a damaged turbocharger will lead to acceleration issues, especially when you are on the highway driving at high speeds.

This problem is not something you can repair yourself. You will need to get your vehicle to a professional mechanic. However, if you have the money but not a lot of time, you could buy a new turbocharge for an easy fix around the issue.

DSG Automatic Gearbox Issues

A DSG gearbox comes with 2 clutches that few other automatics have. These gearboxes are very popular in cars built under Volkswagen including Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, and SEAT.

There have been many issues related to this gearbox including odd noises and juddering problems. These two problems are common in Volkswagens, SEATs and Škoda as well as some other brands that use a similar gearbox. The reasons and issues can be complicated. If you are in the market to buy one of these cars, it’s very important to check the car out thoroughly and consider looking around for a later automatic model. Over the years, the issues have been addressed many times.

EGR Valve Issues

There are several complex systems functioning in your car to guarantee a smooth ride. If one of these components fails, you will get a string of issues that will have to be repaired. One common problem in the Octavia is an EGR or Exhaust Gas Recirculation. The EGR plays an important part in newer cars and it should be kept in excellent condition at all times. The EGR valve controls emissions which means all combustion by-products will go through it and will clog up. Carbon build-up must be cleaned if you want a constant power supply.

You can achieve this by adding a fuel system cleaner to your tank. These products are specifically designed to wipe away any carbon in the system from the tank to the exhaust valve. That said, it’s still better to trust a professional mechanic who knows what to do and how to take care of the problem correctly. The last thing you need is to end up having to replace the EGR because you messed up.

If you believe you have an issue with your Škoda Octavia or are considering a service, repair or MOT you can book your vehicle in to one of our 4 branches by using the simple form below or give us a call at Oldham 0161 624 5060, Heywood on 01706 622633, Bury 0161 761 3030 and our Oldham Van Centre 0161 628 5270.

We also offer a highly convenient Collect & Return service or a Courtesy Car to ensure your routine is disrupted as little as possible while your vehicle is serviced, repaired or undergoes an MOT.

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