Skoda Karoq 1.5 tsi known engine fault, advice please

1jcdub

My wife brought her 7 week old Skoda Karoq into our local Skoda dealer today with a first gear issue hopping issue, where the car hops when taking off in first gear.
There are Skoda, VW forums with people all complaint about this issue with the 1.5tsi engine. There is a software issue or an engine design flaw, whatever. When collecting the car she spoke to the service manager. They confirmed that there is an issue with the car and other numerous cars with the same engine. They in turn spoke to Skoda Ireland regarding a solution. Skoda Ireland told the dealer not touch the car and they have acknowledged that they know about the problem, but that they don't have a solution and can't say if there will be a solution available with a future software update. So with Skoda Ireland not allowing the dealer to work on the car and not being able to provide a solution, we feel we have little choice but to try reject the car, as its not fit for purpose, they can't provide a fix and can't say if a fix will be coming in the near future.

My wife is very pi**ed off about this reply and feels like she's being fobbed off and I can't blame her to be honest. Especially after spending almost €37k The car has cut out numerous times with our 3 and 5 year old in the car. In fairness it restarts automatically, but there is still a delay in getting the car moving again, so its a safety hazard particularly at a major busy junction.

Any advice would be appreciated

Gregor Samsa

It sounds to me like Skoda acknowledge the problem and are working on trying to find a fix, but they’re advising the individual garages not to go hacking at it in the meantime. If it’s a software problem, there’s no point in a mechanic wasting time taking things apart and replacing bits - it’s going to have to be fixed by Skoda’s developers. Even if it’s a mechanical problem, their engineers will be best positioned to figure it out.

Frustrating I know, espically given the thousands you spent on it, but if you do want it fixed correctly, that may take time.

Under the Sale Of Goods And Supply Of Services act 1980, if a product is faulty, you are entitled to a refund, a replacement or a repair.

If all these engines have the issue, a replacement is no good. Skoda are looking into the potential repair, but don’t seem to be able to do it yet. So it would appear that you’re entitled to a refund. But that’s only my reading of the situation. Maybe get some advice on that from the Consumers’ Association Of Ireland or someone like that.

Slasher

If an item that you have purchased is faulty, you have the right to return the item to the retailer who should be able to repair or replace the item or refund you the cost of the item, in that order. These rights are known as your statutory rights.

In practice, obtaining a replacement or refund for a vehicle is extremely rare, and will almost inevitably involve a trip to the courts. It would be rare that a dealer would not be able to repair a fault, even if that means obtaining assistance from the manufacturer. Serious faults would normally result in a product recall, which would be paid for by the manufacturer.

emeldc

They've taken in your car while they wait for a fix and issued you with a replacement car though, haven't they ???

1jcdub

emeldc wrote: »

They've taken in your car while they wait for a fix and issued you with a replacement car though, haven't they ???

I spoke to the lead Skoda sales person today and explained our situation. So I was advised to send him an email outlining the fault, saying their mechanics found the fault. Skoda Ireland told them not to touch the car, they also acknowledged the fault but said they don't have a fixed and don't know when or if a fix will be coming down the road. Also include the wife and kids where almost involved in an accident after the car cut out at a crossroads and almost side swiped by another car. Hopefully this will spur Skoda Ireland into action. Take the car in on safety grounds while they try find a solution and provide a replacement car in the mean time.
So we're going to give Skoda two weeks to get the car fixed and working as intended, and if not, were going to refuse to take the car back and take it from there.
The dealer also mentioned that the Karoq 1.5tsi is not being produced a present but scheduled for production in the middle of October. Maybe they're working on a solution..

emeldc

1jcdub wrote: »

I spoke to the lead Skoda sales person today and explained our situation. So I was advised to send him an email outlining the fault, saying their mechanics found the fault. Skoda Ireland told them not to touch the car, they also acknowledged the fault but said they don't have a fixed and don't know when or if a fix will be coming down the road. Also include the wife and kids where almost involved in an accident after the car cut out at a crossroads and almost side swiped by another car. Hopefully this will spur Skoda Ireland into action. Take the car in on safety grounds while they try find a solution and provide a replacement car in the mean time.
So we're going to give Skoda two weeks to get the car fixed and working as intended, and if not, were going to refuse to take the car back and take it from there.
The dealer also mentioned that the Karoq 1.5tsi is not being produced a present but scheduled for production in the middle of October. Maybe they're working on a solution..

If what you're saying is true, you need to bring your car back to the dealer and demand a replacement car while yours is being fixed. The longer you are driving one of their demo's the quicker they will find a fix for your car. Your car is under warranty, its pretty much standard procedure across the board. You don't sound like you're shouting loud enough. Are you dealing with the dealer you bought the car off or another main dealer. If so, why?
By the way it's not the leading sales person you should be dealing with, it's the service manager.

1jcdub

emeldc wrote: »

By the way it's not the leading sales person you should be dealing with, it's the service manager.

This particular sales individual has more influence than the service manager.

Here's a like to the issue on a Skoda forum

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/446820-15-sel-first-gear-issue/?page=7

emeldc

1jcdub wrote: »

This particular sales individual has more influence than the service manager.

Here's a like to the issue on a Skoda forum

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/446820-15-sel-first-gear-issue/?page=7

If he had that much influence he’d have given you a loan car. But it’s up to you. As long as you’re happy to drive around in your own car I can guarantee you that no one in Skoda is losing sleep over your 1st gear issue.

i57dwun4yb1pt8

sorry you have problems
but skoda are ****e cars , worst thing i ever bought .
fur coat and no knickers would be a good summary .

Needles73

So is car hopping out of gear or is it cutting out ? I’m confused from original post. Either way it doesn’t sound great response by Skoda

freddieot

I was thinking about looking at a Kodiaq in a year or so but looking at your experience, I'm having serious second thoughts on that.

Any new car can have an issue and not work properly but the way you appear to be being treated by their Customer Service is horrendous. I thought Skoda were a reputable company to deal with, good luck with this and make sure to keep us all updated.

I'd expect a replacement car of the same type or better, until the issue is resolved as well as a financial settlement of goodwill to make up for the inconvenience (e.g. free servicing or free warrantly extension etc.)

Masala

freddieot wrote: »

I was thinking about looking at a Kodiaq in a year or so but looking at your experience, I'm having serious second thoughts on that.

Any new car can have an issue and not work properly but the way you appear to be being treated by their Customer Service is horrendous. I thought Skoda were a reputable company to deal with, good luck with this and make sure to keep us all updated.

I'd expect a replacement car of the same type or better, until the issue is resolved as well as a financial settlement of goodwill to make up for the inconvenience (e.g. free servicing or free warrantly extension etc.)

Am in similar poiition.... hopefully will be fixed by then. Wife pushing for a 3008... and a problem like this could see her get her way!!!!! ( as always!!)

Damien360

Masala wrote: »

freddieot wrote: »

I was thinking about looking at a Kodiaq in a year or so but looking at your experience, I'm having serious second thoughts on that.

Any new car can have an issue and not work properly but the way you appear to be being treated by their Customer Service is horrendous. I thought Skoda were a reputable company to deal with, good luck with this and make sure to keep us all updated.

I'd expect a replacement car of the same type or better, until the issue is resolved as well as a financial settlement of goodwill to make up for the inconvenience (e.g. free servicing or free warrantly extension etc.)

Am in similar poiition.... hopefully will be fixed by then. Wife pushing for a 3008... and a problem like this could see her get her way!!!!! ( as always!!)

Just to muddy the 3008 waters. Work mate bought one 4 weeks ago. He has had to climb in the back with a screwdriver to open the boot.

I had a 142 superb and it was such a good car, I got the new superb this year. A few of us have them in work and I am not the only one with weird faults with media system. Other than that I can't complain.

The OP's problem is a known issue but I am guessing the factory is testing a fix before release to public. If skoda at least gave a timeline to fix, he would be happier. Not a lot can be done and talk of sale of goods act won't help. You have more rights with your faulty toaster than your car or house.

1jcdub

Needles73 wrote: »

So is car hopping out of gear or is it cutting out ? I’m confused from original post. Either way it doesn’t sound great response by Skoda

The car stays in gear but it's hopping in first gear, it makes you feel like a learner when you take off.
We sent the garage an email outlining our dissatisfaction with Skoda Ireland response and we've given them two weeks to get the car right or we're reject it in safety grounds, also with it not being fit for purpose. We also want a loan car for the two weeks as my wife no longer has no faith in the car

1jcdub

Damien360 wrote: »

Just to muddy the 3008 waters. Work mate bought one 4 weeks ago. He has had to climb in the back with a screwdriver to open the boot.

I had a 142 superb and it was such a good car, I got the new superb this year. A few of us have them in work and I am not the only one with weird faults with media system. Other than that I can't complain.

The OP's problem is a known issue but I am guessing the factory is testing a fix before release to public. If skoda at least gave a timeline to fix, he would be happier. Not a lot can be done and talk of sale of goods act won't help. You have more rights with your faulty toaster than your car or house.

We'd be happy to have the car fixed, but within a timeframe of 2 weeks. After the near miss my wife and kids had at a crossroads. We're not prepared to wait any longer.
My wife loves the car and would prefer for them to fix it, but not prepared to wait longer than the 2 weeks. I'm sure they offer her a loan car for the time it's in the garage. Come the end of September if the cars not fixed we'll reject it and see what Skoda are prepared to do for us before we go the legal road.

Wildly Boaring

emeldc wrote: »

If he had that much influence he’d have given you a loan car. But it’s up to you. As long as you’re happy to drive around in your own car I can guarantee you that no one in Skoda is losing sleep over your 1st gear issue.

If you've a car from their stock and your car. Sat in there then they'll do something about it.

Relation had problems with a juke from day 1. Myself and her daughter took it back for her. Nissan clonee v quick to give her a loan of a 5 year old Micra and did all correspondence with Nissan Ireland. V professional and sorted all.

emeldc

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

If you've a car from their stock and your car. Sat in there then they'll do something about it.

Relation had problems with a juke from day 1. Myself and her daughter took it back for her. Nissan clonee v quick to give her a loan of a 5 year old Micra and did all correspondence with Nissan Ireland. V professional and sorted all.

At least they gave you a car I suppose although if I had just paid €37K on a crock, sorry Karoq, I wouldn't be accepting a five year old Fabia as a replacement.

Zubeneschamali

DaDumTish wrote: »

but skoda are ****e cars , worst thing i ever bought .
fur coat and no knickers would be a good summary .

The same 1.5 tsi engine will appear in the Golf and A3.

I think Skoda are pretty much the opposite of your saying - the mechanicals are pure VW and mostly the same as a small Audi, but you get a cheap suit over that designer underwear.

i57dwun4yb1pt8

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

The same 1.5 tsi engine will appear in the Golf and A3.

I think Skoda are pretty much the opposite of your saying - the mechanicals are pure VW and mostly the same as a small Audi, but you get a cheap suit over that designer underwear.

the list of faults indicate the opposite of what you are saying
a litany of VAG faults on all makes , with skodas penchant for sh1t body work / interiors and paint their particular forte

VAG have a dislike for people in all its aspects whether its the quality of its products or even the air we breathe .

Zubeneschamali

DaDumTish wrote: »

the list of faults indicate the opposite of what you are saying
a litany of VAG faults on all makes , with skodas penchant for sh1t body work / interiors and paint their particular forte

No, that is the opposite of what you are saying.


There are some faults that all VAG cars have, even the far more expensive VWs and Audis.



The particular extra faults you get with Skoda (that you don't get in an Audi) are because the interior/body/paint is cheaper.


So the stuff you can see (the coat) is cheap, and the stuff you can't see (the knickers) is as good as Audi.


Designer knickers and a Penneys jacket.

kerten

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

No, that is the opposite of what you are saying.


There are some faults that all VAG cars have, even the far more expensive VWs and Audis.



The particular extra faults you get with Skoda (that you don't get in an Audi) are because the interior/body/paint is cheaper.


So the stuff you can see (the coat) is cheap, and the stuff you can't see (the knickers) is as good as Audi.


Designer knickers and a Penneys jacket.

Are you saying cheaper material used in Skoda/Seat always causes faults because they are cheaper?

Does it apply to VW as it is using cheaper materials than Audi ?

galwaytt

Makes you wonder how this wasn't spotted in the factory before any shipped......there is no way this only developed AFTER it left the factory. To wit, they sold unfit product.

Yes you're entitled to a full refund as the car is not only not fit for purpose, I'd argue it's actally unsafe to use.

But there is A Way to force their hand, depending on how you bought it: did you buy it on PCP or HP by any chance ?

1jcdub

galwaytt wrote: »

Makes you wonder how this wasn't spotted in the factory before any shipped......there is no way this only developed AFTER it left the factory. To wit, they sold unfit product.

Yes you're entitled to a full refund as the car is not only not fit for purpose, I'd argue it's actally unsafe to use.

But there is A Way to force their hand, depending on how you bought it: did you buy it on PCP or HP by any chance ?

The car was purchased with both cash and Skoda finance.

Update: My wife was given a loan car as Skoda decided to take her car off the road. I presume more on safety grounds than anything else. Hopefully Skoda Ireland will see sense and offer a refund as my wife has decided she no longer wants the car back any more as she no longer has confidence in the car or brand. She would prefer to purchase a car from another brand.
We both would have been very much VW, Skoda people for 20 years plus, but for her the near accident and the fact that Skoda Ireland didn't have a fix, and was happily to let my wife drive away with a car not fit for purpose along with a genuine safety issue has been much more than a disappointment. Hopefully it all comes to an amicably conclusion.

Dick Pickle

1jcdub wrote: »

The car was purchased with both cash and Skoda finance.

Update: My wife was given a loan car as Skoda decided to take her car off the road. I presume more on safety grounds than anything else. Hopefully Skoda Ireland will see sense and offer a refund as my wife has decided she no longer wants the car back any more as she no longer has confidence in the car or brand. She would prefer to purchase a car from another brand.
We both would have been very much VW, Skoda people for 20 years plus, but for her the near accident and the fact that Skoda Ireland didn't have a fix, and was happily to let my wife drive away with a car not fit for purpose along with a genuine safety issue has been much more than a disappointment. Hopefully comes to a amicably conclusion.

It won’t. You will never see your money

Wildly Boaring

1jcdub wrote: »

The car was purchased with both cash and Skoda finance.

Update: My wife was given a loan car as Skoda decided to take her car off the road. I presume more on safety grounds than anything else. Hopefully Skoda Ireland will see sense and offer a refund as my wife has decided she no longer wants the car back any more as she no longer has confidence in the car or brand. She would prefer to purchase a car from another brand.
We both would have been very much VW, Skoda people for 20 years plus, but for her the near accident and the fact that Skoda Ireland didn't have a fix, and was happily to let my wife drive away with a car not fit for purpose along with a genuine safety issue has been much more than a disappointment. Hopefully it all comes to an amicably conclusion.

Unusual for anyone to get s refund.
They are allowed to fix it replace it.

It's not a pair of jeans

1jcdub

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

Unusual for anyone to get s refund.
They are allowed to fix it replace it.

It's not a pair of jeans

Cars have been taken back by dealers in the UK and a refund has been given back to the customer without issue.
Regarding giving Skoda a chance to fix it. The won't touch the car. They've told the garage not to attempt to fix it. And it's been confirmed to us that they don't have a solution, and they don't know if or when one will be available.
If a customer has lost faith in a car due to what could have been a very serious accident, due to a a inherent fault with the car direct from the factory, the last thing my wife wants it to drive or sit in that car again. I have to say I can blame her.

Henry Ford III

So another VAG engine to avoid? They've had a number of bad ones recently.

1jcdub

Henry Ford III wrote: »

So another VAG engine to avoid? They've had a number of bad ones recently.

Apparently the 1.5tsi is a dream to drive when combined with a dsg gearbox. Just don't buy the manual at the moment

DaDumTish

DaDumTish wrote: »

sorry you have problems
but skoda are ****e cars , worst thing i ever bought .
fur coat and no knickers would be a good summary .

I once had an old 2002 Octavia estate. Absolutely brilliant solid car, never gave one moment of bother, had a powerful strong Diesel engine, I believe it’s still going strong, was built to last. Almost the best machine I’ve ever driven. So my own experience of Skoda is first class.

Henry Ford III

1jcdub wrote: »

Apparently the 1.5tsi is a dream to drive when combined with a dsg gearbox. Just don't but the manual at the moment

So it's a transmission issue and not an engine one?

1jcdub

Henry Ford III wrote: »

So it's a transmission issue and not an engine one?

I don't think so. I believe the dsg box masks the issue. I also noticed with my wife's car when idling when after a cold start, it sounds like it's misfiring..