The quirky crossover that owners genuinely love
Built 2009-2017, the Yeti was voted Car of the Year 2010 and consistently ranks in the top 20 for reliability in UK owner surveys. Prices start from £4,000 for early 1.2 TSI models, with facelifted 2013+ cars from £7,000. Available in front-wheel-drive and 4x4 variants, the Yeti remains popular with tow car buyers thanks to its VW Group 2.0 TDI engines delivering around 50 mpg.
We track 5 known issues across the Skoda YETI range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Skoda YETI? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
5L (2009–2017) — Petrol options included the 1.2 TSI, 1.2 MPI, 1.4 TSI, 1.4 TSI ACT, 1.8 TSI, with 1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Electronic power steering malfunction (£800–£1,200 to address).
The electronic power steering system (EPS) on the Yeti uses an electric motor attached to the steering rack rather than hydraulic assistance. The motor can fail internally or the control module can develop software faults, causing complete loss of power assistance and triggering dashboard warning lights. The steering remains functional but requires significantly more effort, especially at parking speeds.
Complete EPS failure makes the vehicle extremely difficult to steer at low speeds and in parking situations, though it remains controllable at road speeds. The vehicle is technically roadworthy but dangerous in emergency manoeuvring situations. Replacement of the EPS motor or control unit is required.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The driveshafts on 2.0 TDI variants use rubber flexible couplings (also called giubo joints) to absorb vibration between the transmission and wheels. These rubber components deteriorate over time, particularly on diesel engines where torque loads are higher. MOT data shows failures at 19 times the national fleet average across all mileage bands. The coupling can separate completely, causing loss of drive to the affected wheel.
A completely failed coupling will cause total loss of drive to one front wheel, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Partial failures cause vibration and clicking noises but the vehicle remains drivable. Complete driveshaft replacement is typically required as couplings are not sold separately.
Listen for clunking or vibration from underneath when pulling away or changing direction. Check for play in the driveshafts by rocking the car in gear with the handbrake on. Worn CV boots are a telltale sign — look for grease splatter around the inner wheel arch.
The Yeti uses a traditional cable-operated handbrake system that is prone to cable stretching and adjuster wear, particularly on diesel variants. MOT data shows parking brake efficiency failures at 11.3 times the national fleet average. The brake may hold the car on level ground but fail to meet the legal requirement of holding on a 1-in-6.25 gradient, which is tested during MOT.
A parking brake that fails to meet legal efficiency requirements will result in an MOT failure. The car may roll away when parked on inclines, creating a safety hazard. Cable adjustment or replacement is typically required to restore proper function.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The Yeti's shock absorbers are prone to premature failure, with MOT data showing failures at 8.4 times the national fleet average. The front struts in particular develop internal seal failures that cause oil leakage and loss of damping control. This is exacerbated by the vehicle's higher seating position and suspension travel compared to conventional hatchbacks.
Failed shock absorbers significantly reduce braking performance and vehicle stability, particularly in emergency manoeuvres. Severe leakage will result in MOT failure. The vehicle remains drivable but handling is compromised and stopping distances are increased.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
TSI engines in the Yeti, particularly the 1.4 TSI variants, are prone to timing chain stretch due to inadequate tensioner design and extended oil change intervals. The timing chain can stretch beyond acceptable tolerances, causing timing retardation and eventual complete failure. This is a widely documented issue across the VAG group's TSI engine family and affects engine timing precision.
Severe chain stretch can cause the timing to jump, leading to valve-to-piston contact and complete engine failure requiring rebuild or replacement. Early intervention with chain replacement prevents catastrophic damage. Repair costs are significant but less than complete engine replacement.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Skoda YETI common problems page.
Based on 413k real DVSA MOT tests, the Skoda YETI fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is power steering fault at 36x the fleet average, followed by headlight fault (26x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Skoda YETI MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing chain service (£800–£1,200).
See the full Skoda YETI service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Skoda YETI has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2013-2017 facelifted models with the 2.0 TDI 140/150 PS engine and manual gearbox are the best pick. The facelift addressed early niggles and these later cars have stronger corrosion protection. Avoid the DSG automatic if possible — the manual is far more reliable. The 1.2 TSI petrol is acceptable for light use but check timing chain history. Steer clear of early 2009-2010 cars where paint and trim quality issues were worst.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Skoda YETI, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Skoda YETI issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.