Used Skoda Yeti 2009-2017 reliability review

What should I look for in a used Skoda Yeti?

What are the most common problems with a used Skoda Yeti?

The Yeti has often scored well in our reliability survey, but that’s not to say there haven’t been problems. In fact, quite a number of non-engine electrical issues have been reported, but these cars remained driveable and the work was carried out under warranty. Some owners have complained of other faults, though, including an issue with the immobiliser that left them stranded. Check out the below too.

Oil level

All engines can suffer from high oil consumption, so if you find that the level is low, it could mean that the previous owner has driven the vehicle without enough oil in the engine. This can result in excessive engine wear; so walk away if the stick is below minimum.

High oil level

During the DPF regeneration process, extra fuel is sometimes injected into the exhaust stream to increase the exhaust temperature. Frequent regeneration attempts can result in fuel getting into the sump of the engine and contaminating the oil, raising the oil level gradually over time. Be suspicious if the dipstick is above maximum.

Off road damage

As unlikely as it may sound, check for any damage to the underbody cladding when looking at a four-wheel-drive Skoda Yeti, that might have occurred during an off-road excursion. Also, make sure it isn’t caked in mud because that will act as a moisture trap and cause corrosion.

Poor paint finish

Some owners have complained about the quality of the paintwork, so check the car during daylight hours and never under strip lighting. If possible, ask the garage to dry it for you and examine the car when it’s free of moisture.

Turbocharger

Turbos have been known to fail, which might be a result of infrequent servicing or the wrong specification of engine oil being used. If a non-specialist independent garage has serviced the car, check the paperwork if possible to identify the type of oil they used for peace of mind.

Diesel particulate filter (DPF)

All diesel Yetis have a DPF fitted, which requires regular prolonged, higher-speed journeys in order to burn off the soot it collects. To reduce the risk of buying a Yeti with a clogged DPF, check how the previous owner has used the car and make sure the engine oil used is of the low ash variety.

Automatic gearbox

The DSG automatic gearbox can be prone to failure in the Yeti. Common symptoms of a faulty gearbox include jerky or delayed gearshifts, grinding or crunching sounds when selecting gear, or the engine stalling when driving. Keep an eye out for any of these when test driving a car. Be sure to check for receipts of a gearbox oil change in the service history, too, because this can help with longevity.

Is a used Skoda Yeti reliable?

The Yeti performed well in the last What Car? Reliability Survey it appeared in. The petrol powered Yeti ranked 7th out of 42 cars, the diesel came in 13th, making it one of the more reliable cars of its type.

It hasn't appeared in our most recent surveys because too few examples were listed. As always with a car of this age, condition is king, so check your Yeti carefully and it should, as several owners in our survey testify, prove reliable.

Parts are freely available, as the Yeti shares its underpinnings with many other Volkswagen Group cars.

In our most recent survey, Skoda as a brand finished in 16th place out of 30 manufacturers in our rundown of the most reliable car brands with a good overall score of 92.9%. The brand finished above Ford, MG, Nissan and Volkswagen, but below Dacia, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota.

Used Skoda Yeti reliability: the owners' view

In the last survey the Yeti appeared, owners said it was a sturdy companion, though it wasn’t without its quirks. Generally, the car was praised for its solid build quality, with many owners reporting a trouble-free experience over high mileages. However, specific issues surfaced, notably with the timing chain on earlier 1.2 TSI petrol models, which can lead to expensive engine repairs if it jumps.

Other reported faults include sticking rear wiper motors and occasional exhaust sensors failing. Some owners also highlighted concerns regarding rust on doors and sills.

The dealer experience received a mixed bag of feedback. While many owners found Skoda’s network helpful and accommodating – even contributing to repair costs out of warranty – others were frustrated by lengthy waits for parts and a perceived lack of awareness regarding known faults. Overall, while the Yeti is largely dependable, choosing a well-maintained example with a documented service history is vital.

If you'd like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.

To take part in our annual reliability survey with your car, please follow the link here