EngineHigh
Timing chain tensioner wear on 1.2 and 1.4 TSI
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Cold start and listen for a rattle
- Typical repair
- Timing chain, tensioner & guides · £900–£2,400
Is the 2009–2017 Skoda Yeti reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.4/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Skoda Yeti rates 3.4 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 4 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and body. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 4
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 0
Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, body, suspension.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
TransmissionHigh
DSG mechatronic faults
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test for hesitation and jerky low speed shifts
- Typical repair
- DCT clutch pack / mechatronic work · £900–£3,200
Body and InteriorHigh
Water ingress into the cabin causing damp carpets and potential electrical module damage.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles or 5+ years
- What to inspect
- Press firmly into the front footwell carpets to feel for dampness and visually check the headlining around the A-pillars for water stains caused by blocked panoramic sunroof drains.
- Typical repair
- Electrical diagnosis & module repair · £120–£900
Engine and EmissionsHigh
Hesitation under load, limp mode activation, and flashing glow plug light due to clogged EGR valve.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the 1.6 or 2.0 TDI engine from cold, let it idle, and blip the throttle. Listen for a stutter returning to idle and check the dash for a flashing coil symbol.
- Typical repair
- EGR valve / cooler replacement · £300–£900
BodyMedium
Corrosion on the tailgate and arches
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Probe the arches and tailgate edge
- Typical repair
- Body & corrosion repair · £250–£1,800
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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