Skoda Yeti Review SKODA Yeti (5L) (05.2009 - 12.2017)

Škoda Yeti Common Issues by Engine Type:

2.0 TDI (All variants):
Reliable but prone to typical diesel issues — clogged EGR valves and DPF (especially in city driving), dual-mass flywheel wear, injector issues at high mileage, and emissions scandal-related software updates (EA189 engines up to 2015). Models before 2011 had fuel line recalls due to fire risk. 4x4 versions may face costly Haldex AWD and DSG gearbox issues, especially if poorly maintained or heavily used off-road.

1.2 TSI:
Early models suffer from timing chain stretch (EA111 engine) which can lead to severe engine damage; replaced by timing belt from 2015. Common issues include high oil consumption and intake/injector coking.

1.4 TSI:
Same timing chain and oil consumption issues as 1.2 TSI. Power loss and poor fuel economy may result from injector/intake deposits.

1.8 TSI (incl. 4x4):
Frequent problems include high oil consumption (up to 3L/1000 km), turbocharger vacuum block failure, and premature wear of timing chains, camshaft adjusters, and tensioners. 4x4 DSG (DQ250) is more robust but still requires regular maintenance.

General Tip:
Always check service history and whether timing chain/belt and emissions updates were done when buying used.

It's come a long way since the boxy little thing Jeremy Clarkson once described as looking like it was "designed by a child." I've owned a 2015 Yeti for a few years now, and while it's been a reliable workhorse, I'm definitely eyeing this new model. The hybrid option sounds particularly intriguing – might finally be time to join the electric revolution without giving up my weekend camping trips. Anyone know if they've kept those nifty removable rear seats? Those were a godsend when I had to transport my son's drum kit!

Blimey, the new Yeti's certainly put on some muscle, hasn't it? Looks like it's been hitting the gym and discovered hair gel. I remember watching Clarkson's review of the old one on YouTube – he was surprisingly positive, despite comparing it to a Tupperware box on wheels. I've got a 2013 model myself, and while it's been as reliable as a British queue, I'm tempted by all those new gadgets. That said, I'm a bit wary of the DSG gearbox. My mate's got one in his VW, and it's been more temperamental than a cat in a bathtub. Any long-term owners care to chime in on reliability?

Cor, look at all those bells and whistles! Makes my trusty 2015 Yeti feel positively Stone Age. Still, I'm not sure I need all that tech – half the time I can barely figure out how to change the radio station. What I really want to know is how it handles on a muddy farm track. My current Yeti's been a champ, even when I accidentally drove it into a sheep dip (don't ask). Honest John gave the old model a thumbs up for its off-road capabilities, but this new one looks a bit too posh to get its wheels dirty. Anyone taken one for a proper countryside spin yet?