Škoda Kodiaq — service and repair in Espoo

The Kodiaq appeared in 2016 as Škoda’s first large SUV and became the starting point for a major expansion of the brand’s SUV range. The name is linked to the Kodiak bear that lives on Kodiak Island off Alaska.

The first generation was about 4.70 m long and was offered with five or seven seats, petrol TSI, diesel TDI, a manual gearbox, 6- or 7-speed DSG, front-wheel drive, 4×4 all-wheel drive and adaptive DCC dampers on the relevant versions. The first generation received a notable update in 2021.

The main generations:

The first Kodiaq is very widely represented on the Finnish used-car market. You may find 1.4 TSI, 1.5 TSI, 2.0 TSI, 2.0 TDI, DSG, front-wheel drive, 4×4 and Kodiaq RS.

After the 2021 update the range included 1.5 TSI with 110 kW, 2.0 TSI with 140 kW and diesel 2.0 TDI with 110 and 147 kW.

On a used Kodiaq it is especially worth checking:

The second generation became significantly more technological. The range gained 1.5 TSI mild-hybrid, 2.0 TSI, 2.0 TDI, DSG, 4×4 and the Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid.

Most ordinary ICE versions use a 7-speed DSG. The more powerful 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI are offered with all-wheel drive.

When servicing the second generation it is especially important to take the specific powertrain into account. The new Kodiaq iV, mild-hybrid 1.5 TSI and diesel 2.0 TDI 4×4 have completely different systems.

The Kodiaq is a fairly heavy car that is often used with a full load, with children and passengers, for long trips, with a trailer, in winter and on poor roads.

On the seven-seat version the extra mass and load especially affect the brakes and rear suspension. So it is worth checking regularly:

Various TSI engines are used on the Kodiaq. On the first generation you find 1.4 TSI, 1.5 TSI and 2.0 TSI. On the second generation 1.5 TSI mild-hybrid and the more powerful 2.0 TSI are used. The new 2.0 TSI with 150 kW / 204 hp is offered with 7-speed DSG and 4×4.

When servicing TSI it is worth monitoring oil, spark plugs, ignition coils, turbocharging, crankcase ventilation, the cooling system and the timing drive.

1.5 TSI is widely used on the Kodiaq. On the new generation this engine received a mild-hybrid system and 110 kW / 150 hp. It also uses ACT+ — a system that deactivates some cylinders under light load.

The cause may be spark plugs, coils, sensors, the boost system or engine management. It is worth coming for diagnostics if:

2.0 TSI is used on more powerful versions. It places a greater load on the DSG, all-wheel drive, cooling system and brakes. On the new generation the 2.0 TSI with 150 kW works with 7-speed DSG and all-wheel drive.

At high mileage it is especially worth watching the turbocharger, cooling system, oil consumption, timing drive and DSG.

If the engine has started to use oil noticeably, do not immediately conclude there is serious internal wear. It is useful first to establish the actual consumption and carry out diagnostics.

The cause may be:

The design depends on the specific engine. Different TSI and TDI engines use different solutions, so there is no universal interval for the entire Kodiaq range.

You need to take into account the VIN, engine code, year of manufacture and factory schedule. If the car’s history is unknown, the timing drive condition should be checked after purchase.

2.0 TDI is one of the most popular Kodiaq engines in Finland. It suits high mileage, motorway use, towing and a heavy SUV well. On the second generation versions with 110 kW / 150 hp and 142 kW / 193 hp are available. The more powerful version has 4×4.

When servicing a diesel the following are especially important:

Kodiaq TDI is fitted with a particulate filter. On long motorway trips regeneration usually runs without problems. On short city trips the process can be interrupted constantly. Not every DPF with a fault needs to be replaced immediately.

Diagnostics check soot mass, ash quantity, differential pressure, temperatures, EGR and engine operation.

Possible signs:

EGR can become clogged over time. If the coolant level is falling at the same time, the condition of the EGR cooler should also be considered.

Symptoms:

Modern diesel Kodiaq models use SCR and AdBlue. If the car shows a countdown to a no-start condition, diagnostics should not be postponed. Topping up fluid only helps when the problem really is a low AdBlue level.

A fault may be related to:

Most Kodiaq models are fitted with DSG. Different versions use different transmissions designed for different torque levels. The cause may be the mechatronic unit, clutches, oil, adaptations or the mechanical part.

A check is needed if:

The specific gearbox must be taken into account. On powerful Kodiaq versions DSG units with wet clutches are used, with their own oil service requirements.

You cannot apply one schedule to all DSG units just because the gearboxes share the same commercial name. Before servicing, the exact transmission code should be identified.

The mechatronic unit controls the gearbox and clutches. A mechatronic fault does not necessarily mean the whole unit must be replaced. Diagnostics should be carried out first.

Possible symptoms: missing gears, limp mode, hard jolts, pressure faults and inability to select D or R.

All-wheel drive is one of the most sought-after Kodiaq features in Finland. On the first generation 4×4 was offered depending on the engine and trim. The second generation also uses all-wheel drive on the powerful 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI.

The system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that connects the rear axle. In everyday speech it is often called Haldex.

The system needs its own servicing. For 4×4 it is especially important to use four tyres of the same size and a similar degree of wear.

Oil, the pump, contamination, electronic control and faults should be checked. A problem may show as:

The all-wheel-drive version has additional components: propshaft, rear differential, drive shafts and the all-wheel-drive clutch. A similar drone can also come from wheel bearings or tyres.

A possible fault is indicated by:

The second generation received a plug-in hybrid Kodiaq iV for the first time. It combines a 1.5 TSI with 110 kW, an electric motor, a 6-speed DSG, a 25.7 kWh high-voltage battery and front-wheel drive.

System power is 150 kW / 204 hp. Technically this differs clearly from an ordinary petrol Kodiaq.

Škoda states an electric range of more than 100 km for the second-generation Kodiaq iV. In a Finnish winter the range will naturally be lower.

The real result depends on temperature, speed, heating, tyres and driving style.

The Kodiaq iV supports AC charging up to 11 kW and DC charging up to 50 kW.

This is a notable difference from many earlier Volkswagen Group plug-in hybrid models that did not support fast DC charging.

The cause is not necessarily the traction battery. Work directly on HV components requires appropriate qualification.

It is worth checking:

The new-generation 1.5 TSI became the first Kodiaq with a mild-hybrid system. Such a system helps reduce fuel consumption, supports recuperation and more efficient Start-Stop operation. But a mild hybrid is not a full electric car.

If electrical faults appear, the ordinary battery, additional electrical system, starter-generator and power electronics must be taken into account.

A seven-seat cabin has been one of the model’s key features since it appeared. The first Kodiaq offered an optional third row of seats. The car may have been used regularly under high load.

On a used seven-seat car it is worth additionally checking:

The large mass of an SUV places extra load on the running gear. Over time control arms, bushes, anti-roll bar links, ball joints, dampers, top mounts and wheel bearings can wear.

It is worth coming for diagnostics if:

The Kodiaq can be fitted with adaptive DCC suspension. It was already available on the first generation. Electronic control allows the damper characteristics to be changed.

If there is a fault, a chassis error, excessive stiffness or unusual behaviour may appear. Before replacement it is necessary to establish whether ordinary dampers or DCC are fitted.

A large car with large wheels places significant load on the hubs. The main symptom is a drone that increases with speed.

But on a 4×4 version a similar noise can come from the propshaft, differential or tyres. So the source should be localised before replacement.

The Kodiaq is heavier than an Octavia or Fabia, so the braking system is under greater load. This is especially noticeable on seven-seat cars, when towing and with a full load. In Finland corrosion from road salt should also be considered.

A check is needed if:

The Kodiaq uses an electronic parking brake. When servicing the rear brakes, service mode must be taken into account.

A fault may be related to the caliper actuator, wiring, battery or control unit.

TSI and TDI have a complex thermal management system. On the Kodiaq iV there is additionally cooling of the high-voltage side. Regular topping-up of fluid without finding the cause does not solve the problem.

A falling coolant level may be caused by:

The Kodiaq has a large amount of electrical equipment. Before replacing expensive control units it is useful to check the power supply first.

A weak 12V battery can cause:

The first and especially the second generation use a large number of digital systems. The cause may lie in software, a control unit, power supply or communication between modules.

Problems may show as:

The Kodiaq can be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist, Travel Assist, cameras and parking sensors.

After windscreen replacement, body repair or suspension repair, calibration may be required. In winter snow and ice can also temporarily block radars and cameras.

On a seven-seat car a working climate system is especially important. The cause may be a refrigerant leak, compressor, sensors, valves or servo actuators.

A check is needed if:

Many Kodiaq models have an electric tailgate. If it does not open, stops, reverses or does not close fully, the actuators, lock, sensors and power supply should be checked.

On cars with a panoramic roof the drains should be monitored. If moisture appears after rain, the source is best found before electrical faults develop.

Water ingress can lead to damp, connector corrosion and damage to electronics.

The Kodiaq is often used for towing. When buying a car with a tow bar it is useful to find out how it was previously used. The permissible trailer weight is determined from the documents of the specific car.

This increases the load on:

The first Kodiaq RS appeared in 2018 and became Škoda’s first SUV with the RS badge. Sport versions differ in a more powerful engine, DSG settings, brakes, suspension and software.

Higher power means extra load on all main assemblies. Before buying an RS it is especially important to check the engine, turbocharging, DSG, all-wheel drive, cooling system, brakes and any tuning.

Before buying a used Kodiaq it is useful to carry out a comprehensive inspection. Check cold starting, faults in all control units, the engine, oil consumption, turbocharging, timing drive, cooling system, DSG, DPF, EGR, AdBlue, 4×4, propshaft and differential, suspension, DCC, wheel bearings, brakes, battery, air conditioning, multimedia, cameras and assistants.

For the Kodiaq iV the HV system, AC/DC charging, hybrid mode and high-voltage faults are additionally checked. For an RS it is advisable to establish any tuning history.

At Volkkarihuolto Espoo you can come for:

It is worth booking diagnostics if:

Need repair or technical maintenance of a Škoda Kodiaq? Contact Volkkarihuolto Espoo at Ruukinmestarintie 7, 02330 Espoo.

We can diagnose petrol TSI and diesel TDI, DSG, 4×4, DPF, EGR, AdBlue, turbocharging, timing drive, brakes, suspension, DCC, cooling system, multimedia and electronic assistants.

For the Kodiaq iV you can come for charging and related-system diagnostics; specific work directly on high-voltage components is carried out only with safety requirements and the necessary qualification in mind.

When servicing a Škoda Kodiaq it is especially important to take the generation and specific powertrain into account. A Kodiaq I 2.0 TDI 4×4 DSG, a petrol 1.5 TSI, a Kodiaq RS and a new Kodiaq iV differ technically and need different approaches to diagnostics and preventive maintenance.