Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present reliability review
The immensely capable Skoda Karoq is one of our favourite family SUVs, and it's also a great used buy.
- Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present front cornering
- Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present digital driver's display
- Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present interior dashboard
- Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present climate controls
- Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present side driving
- Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present rear cornering
- Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present boot
- Used Skoda Karoq 2017-present infotainment
What should I look for in a used Skoda Karoq?
What are the most common problems with a used Skoda Karoq?
Visibility in the Skoda Karoq is pretty good, but there are no front parking sensors on lower trim levels, so make sure to check the extremities for scuffs and marks, and the same goes for the alloy wheels.
You’ll also want to pay close attention to the interior, because a Karoq is likely to have been bought by families to carry children. Look out for stains, scratches and broken plastics throughout as signs of a less-than-sympathetic former ownership. Don’t forget to fold down the tray tables in the back, if fitted, to check them out too.
Is a used Skoda Karoq reliable?
In our 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Skoda Karoq performed well. It finished in 15th place out of 38 cars in the small SUV class with an overall score of 95.5%.
Skoda Karoq petrol (2017-present)
Reliability rating 95.5%
What went wrong? Petrol versions of the Skoda Karoq are more reliable than diesel-powered Karoqs, with the main fault areas relating to the non-engine electrics and sat-nav/infotainment system. Thankfully, most cars were drivable and fixed in less than a day, plus most were fixed under warranty.
Skoda Karoq diesel (2017-present)
Reliability rating 87.6%
What went wrong? Diesel versions of the Skoda Karoq are more likely to go wrong than petrols, with a fault rate of 30% (versus 15%). Engine and non-engine electrical faults were the biggest headaches. Most affected cars were back on the road in less than a week, but only 43% of repairs were free, with 29% of owners facing bills of up to £750.
Check out the full list of small SUVs here.
As a brand, Skoda came 16th out of 30 manufacturers featured, with a good score of 92.9%. That places it above Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen, but below Hyundai, Kia and Renault. Check out the full list of brands here.
Used Skoda Karoq reliability: the owners' view
In our most recent Reliability Survey, What Car? readers reported mixed experiences with the reliability of the Skoda Karoq, with differences across petrol and diesel models.
Petrol Karoqs were more prone to non-engine electrical faults, with several owners citing issues with warning lights and infotainment systems, some requiring multiple dealer visits to resolve. Diesel models had fewer electronic complaints but did experience issues with the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), which some found costly to fix outside warranty periods.
In terms of dealership service, feedback was also varied. Many owners described Skoda dealerships as helpful and accommodating, with warranty repairs handled smoothly. However, a few reported delayed parts and repeat visits for unresolved issues, particularly with infotainment glitches in petrol models.
The costs of repairs outside warranty emerged as a concern, as some Karoq owners found them higher than expected. Overall, while reliable for most, some Karoq models presented persistent electronic issues that dealerships struggled to resolve efficiently.
