Skoda Kodiaq MOT Failures

An analysis of 257,017 real DVSA MOT tests on the Skoda Kodiaq — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: NS (2017–2024), vRS (2019–2024).

Where the Skoda Kodiaq fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Skoda Kodiaq is transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated — this model is 14 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 257,017 MOT tests, 0.22% of all Skoda Kodiaq tests recorded this as a failure.

Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.

Other notable weak points include brake fluid significantly below minimum mark (20x the fleet average), suspension pin, bush or joint (11x the fleet average), brake fluid below minimum mark (10x the fleet average), and brake lining or pad worn down to wear indicator (6.4x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Skoda Kodiaq's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 4 categories: Bodywork, Brakes, Suspension, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Skoda Kodiaq before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Skoda Kodiaq's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

Under 60,000 miles

At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.

For the Skoda Kodiaq specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are brake fluid significantly below minimum mark (20x the average) and transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated (13x). suspension pin, bush or joint (11x) and brake fluid below minimum mark (10x) also appear frequently.

60,000 to 100,000 miles

This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.

For the Skoda Kodiaq specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated (13x the average) and brake lining or pad worn down to wear indicator (6.4x).

The shift from brake fluid significantly below minimum mark at lower mileages to transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Skoda Kodiaq specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Kangarooing and timing chain wear (EA211) Major

The EA211 1.5 TSI engine uses Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) which deactivates two cylinders under light load to improve fuel economy. Affects NS; typical independent garage repair cost is £600–£1,200.

Phase regulator bolt failure (CZDA) Major

The 1.4 TSI CZDA engine fitted to early Kodiaq models has a design flaw where the camshaft phase regulator mounting bolts can spontaneously unscrew during operation. Affects NS; typical independent garage repair cost is £250–£600.

AdBlue system failure (EA288) Major

The AdBlue selective catalytic reduction system on EA288 2.0 TDI engines is prone to component failures that prevent engine starting. Affects NS; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£1,200.

EGR valve and DPF clogging (EA288) Major

The EA288 2.0 TDI engine suffers from carbon build-up in both the EGR valve and diesel particulate filter, particularly on vehicles used for short journeys. Affects NS; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£1,200.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Skoda Kodiaq common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Skoda Kodiaq

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Skoda Kodiaq:

Bodywork — check for transmission shaft flexible coupling deteriorated. Brakes — check for brake fluid significantly below minimum mark, brake fluid below minimum mark, brake lining or pad worn down to wear indicator. Suspension — check for suspension pin, bush or joint.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about kangarooing and timing chain wear and phase regulator bolt failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £600. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.