Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 Skoda Kodiaq

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2017 Skoda Kodiaq. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

DSG (DQ381 / DQ500) Sensor Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Wet-clutch DSG units in the Kodiaq (DQ381 and the heavy-duty DQ500) can suffer from internal sensor failures (P1735/P1736 or G182/G195), leading to emergency mode.

Est. Repair Cost: £700–£1,600
Warning Signs:

Gearbox emergency mode, Loss of drive or restricted gears, PRNDS flashing

What to Inspect:
  • Scan for fault codes P1735, P1736, G182
  • Check for mechatronic rebuild history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Water Pump / Thermostat Housing Leak

ModerateCooling System

The usual MQB cooling-system weak point can cause slow coolant loss long before there is an obvious puddle.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£800
Warning Signs:

Low coolant warning, Sweet smell after driving, Pink residue around the housing

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect coolant level from cold
  • Look for staining around the pump area
  • Ask if the cooling system has already been repaired
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

DSG Low-speed Judder

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

Urban use and missed servicing can leave DSG Kodiaqs shunting, hesitating or feeling inconsistent at parking speeds.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Jerky pull-away, Delayed reverse, Rough shift in traffic

What to Inspect:
  • Drive in stop-start traffic
  • Check gearbox service history
  • Test hill starts and repeated parking manoeuvres
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

NOx Sensor / AdBlue Faults

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

Diesel emissions hardware can trigger warning lights and restart countdowns on otherwise healthy-feeling cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£900
Warning Signs:

AdBlue warning, Engine light, No-restart countdown

What to Inspect:
  • Check for recent sensor or heater invoices
  • Make sure no warning returns after the drive
  • Ask about the car’s normal trip length
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2017 Skoda Kodiaq

  • Check seven-seat mechanisms, rear door trims and the electric tailgate because family use can be hard on them.
  • Inspect coolant level and look for pink staining around the water pump or thermostat housing.
  • DSG and 4x4 cars should have clear service evidence, with smooth hill starts and no shunt when reversing.