Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

At the end of September, we purchased a brand new Skoda Karoq with the 1.5L petrol engine and manual gearbox. Since then we have experienced ‘kangarooing’ when setting off in first gear, and occasionally the engine dying at junctions – potentially very dangerous; many other owners are also reporting this. Skoda is calling this a ‘characteristic’ of the engine – which is also used in other models from the VW Group range. Although this is a known fault, dealers are not informing potential customers. As this engine is a relatively recent introduction, I suspect that many new owners are still thinking that they are causing the problems rather than the car.

This has the makings of another major scandal for the VW Group and I wonder if anyone else in the Back Room has experienced it.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Senexdriver
My wife has an Audi A3 with the 1.5 litre petrol engine. She has covered 7,000 miles with not so much as a hint of trouble. It is a beautifully smooth unit and I enjoy driving it.

I presume Skoda wouldn’t do anything to the engine before installing it in their vehicles other than to stick a Skoda badge on it.
Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

"My wife has an Audi A3 with the 1.5 litre petrol engine......."

Is that a manual or an automatic gearbox, please?

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

Check out an HJ site review of a VAG car with this engine, e.g.

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/golf-vii-.../

See 3/4 the way down (05/12/2018) on Good & Bad. A reasonable number where that came from, and HJ himself addressing this issue in one (I can't remember which - probably about the same time in the last few months) in his weekly 'agony' column at least once, and I suspect more so.

I do recall him saying that the press 'test car' was revealed to have been tweaked by VW engineers to nullify the problem on a temporary basis, and that (as the entry in the Golf Good & Bad section says) VAG were hoping to resolve the problem via some kind of mod/update (not a recall) in the first few months of 2019. Not exactly a load of publicity for this either.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

"Check out an HJ site review of a VAG car with this engine..............."

Yes - that sounds like the same issue; Skoda are calling it a 'characteristic' and not admitting that there is a fault. HJ reports the same problem on T-rocs and Seat Aronas - I fully expect Skoda to get an honourable mention shortly. Of course there is a 'fault' otherwise, why would VW be looking for a 'fix'?

Biggest problems seem to be on the manual versions - I guess that dsg is able to smooth things out somewhat.

VWG appear to be trying to cover this one up.

Edited by Waino on 02/01/2019 at 19:50

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - daveyjp
Tell the local dealer you want to drive another to see if it really is a characterisitc, if it is they will all be the same.

VAG have always had 'characteristics' with their TSi engines, valves burning out, failing belts, failing chains so I suppose this 1.5 has to have one too.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - simm228

"Check out an HJ site review of a VAG car with this engine..............."

Yes - that sounds like the same issue; Skoda are calling it a 'characteristic' and not admitting that there is a fault. HJ reports the same problem on T-rocs and Seat Aronas - I fully expect Skoda to get an honourable mention shortly. Of course there is a 'fault' otherwise, why would VW be looking for a 'fix'?

Biggest problems seem to be on the manual versions - I guess that dsg is able to smooth things out somewhat.

VWG appear to be trying to cover this one up.

See T Roc Forum major problem VW Skoda Seat and possible Audi now using same 1.5 tsi engine Vw acknowledge fault, but no fix at this time, and been on going for 11 months.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Senexdriver
It’s an automatic. The difference did cross my mind, but the s-tronic can also be jerky so I figured it wouldn’t be relevant. As far as you can tell, the odd jerk is down to the gearbox rather than the engine. I have an s-tronic A4 with the 2 litre tfsi; my car is more jerky than my wife’s and it’s definitely gearbox rather than engine. There was a long running thread about it on audi-sport.com.
Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

"It’s an automatic."

Thanks. The issue with the 1.5 engine seems to be very largely (but not exclusively) associated with manual gearboxes. I should add that I know that it affects Skoda (personal experience!), VW and Seat models; I haven't seen any reports relating to Audi - but then, I haven't been digging there.

This is all getting smellier and smellier as Skoda/VWG try to cover it up. Oh for the days of investigative journalism and now, of course, the media are too scared about the potential loss of advertising revenue.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - groaver

HJ has known about issues with the 1.5 for a while now. I asked him why I couldn't get an Ibiza with the engine last year and he advised me that there was an issue then.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

HJ has known about issues with the 1.5 for a while now. I asked him why I couldn't get an Ibiza with the engine last year and he advised me that there was an issue then.

I wouldn't be at all surprised that their complex engine and trim lineup has meant there has been delays casued by the new emissions testing regime, which may have meant the fix for this problem has not come quicker, due to engineers being temporarily seconded to getting cars passed first.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Miniman777

Suggesting the fault is a characteristic is a cop out by the dealer. Perhaps try another one?

The way VW treats its customers is awful, given their past litany of engine/gearbox problems. I nearly bought a 6 month old Golf R (manual, £22,000) but when the dealer wanted an extra £600 to add the sat nav SD card option, told them to stick it.

I also find it incredible that a manufacturer can design a new engine which shows up potential faults with customer, so surely these manifested themselves during testing and endurance processes? Just suggest a CFC attitude to me.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - catsdad

Incredible in this day and age.

It reminds me of a three wheeled motor bike (Aerial?) from years ago. As I recall it, Joe Public tipped these over at low speeds. The story was that before launch the skilled manufacturer test riders had ridden them (and approved them) at higher speeds.. Counter-intuitively the handling was OK at high speed but poor at lower speeds and this was only identified by real users.. Are any bikers on here able to remember if this was true or an urban myth?

Maybe VW 1.5 is a 21st century example of this phenomenon but you would hope that modern testing would include real user driving

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Brit_in_Germany

The reason for the dealer labelling the fault as a "characteristic" is that they hope it will exclude them from liability as the car is functioning as designed.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

It was Skoda UK who called the fault a 'characteristic', not the dealer. To be a characteristic and not a fault implies that the kangarooing and dying at junctions was all part of the initial design. Anyway, the fact that they are looking for a solution implies that it is, indeed, a fault.

Whilst Skoda like to play with semantics, I'm sure that a half-decent lawyer waving the Consumer Rights Act 2015 would mangle them if ever a case came to court.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Brit_in_Germany

A classic example if the 'characteristic' argument is the Mercedes GLC crabbing problem, with the dealers requiring customers to sign a waiver, see

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz/glc-cl.../

My Alfa Giulia does the same but there appears to be little concern in the owner forums.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Glaikit Wee Scunner {P}

It was a cheap three wheeled moped from the early 1970s. Very few were sold, which says a lot. As for the Sinclair C5 three wheeler.

Reliant three wheelers tipped over as well. Whereas expensive Morgan 3 wheelers and the current very expensive Ariel Atom are not renowned for inversion.

I don't think there was any conspiracy, just a strange product that no one wanted.

See www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0510.htm

for chapter and verse.

Edited by Glaikit Wee Scunner {P} on 08/01/2019 at 14:12

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - weirdcat

We also bought Škoda Karoq 1.5Tsi with manual gear box and it did suffer with the kangarooing. It also suffered from loss of power in second gear at low speed. We were given the chance by the dealer to trade it in at a loss of nearly three grand to a different car marque. We realised quickly, although we can't prove it, that the dealer must have been aware of this "characteristic" as Škoda calls it. Apparently, if they won't get more than five percent of faults it is not financially viable for them to move a finger. Check out www.briskoda.net/forums

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - malcolm mcnab

I have the same problem on Octavia with this engine and have complained about it for months and the dealer has been fantastic. Skoda came up with idea that dealer should buy an ex management Octavia to compare mine. They did this at great expense and compared the two vehicles and found mine to be different from the purchased one. results sent back to Skoda Technical and silence. Answer eventually was wait an upgrade software. Have learned this week from dealer that no update is going to happen.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

I have the same problem on Octavia with this engine and have complained about it for months and the dealer has been fantastic. Skoda came up with idea that dealer should buy an ex management Octavia to compare mine. They did this at great expense and compared the two vehicles and found mine to be different from the purchased one. results sent back to Skoda Technical and silence. Answer eventually was wait an upgrade software. Have learned this week from dealer that no update is going to happen.

VAG probably have found that it's a mechanical issue that can only be remedied by changing out components and perhaps the design layout of some of them in the engine bay, meaning unless it was a safety problem and a recall (which it isn't), then they will only fix it via changing the design of updated or new models yet to be produced.

Rather like the 'crabbing' Mercs or the Range Rovers that can't physically passively regen their DPFs because of its location, but not like the Ford engine degas pipe issue, which could be fixed without taking cars away for months to rebuild whole swathes of the engine bay, etc.

Rather says a lot about their R&D depts to me (perhaps more about their lack of power compared to the bean-counters), if they can't find what seem to be blindingly obvious design flaws that would manifest themselves on day one, even if drive as you are supposed to.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Big John

VAG probably have found that it's a mechanical issue that can only be remedied by changing out components and perhaps the design layout of some of them in the engine bay, meaning unless it was a safety problem and a recall (which it isn't), then they will only fix it via changing the design of updated or new models yet to be produced.

I agree - I think this is to do with the 1.5tsi being VAG's first Miller cycle engine where cam profiles will be part of this and to modify would require major mechanical surgery. Just my theory though..........

Edited by Big John on 10/01/2019 at 22:54

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - skidpan

Reliant three wheelers tipped over as well. Whereas expensive Morgan 3 wheelers and the current very expensive Ariel Atom are not renowned for inversion.

Big difference. The Morgan 3 wheeler has always had the single wheel at the rear which is much more stable but they can invert at speeds much lower than a 4 wheel car when things go wrong, saw it happen to one least summer. Passenger fell out but the driver stayed in, both OK.

The current Ariel Attom has 4 wheels and has since the company reappeared.

I haven't seen any reports relating to Audi - but then, I haven't been digging there.

Had an e-mail today from our local Audi emporium with info about the revised A4 Avant, a car I looked at when we bought the Superb. Seems that in the A4 (no idea about other models) the 1.5 TSi 150 PS version has been replaced by a 2 litre 150 PS version. Has another 15 torques over a wider rev band so could well be nicer to drive but I do wonder if the main reason for the change is its Audi's way around the 1.5 TSi issues.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - focussed

Reliant three wheelers tipped over as well. Whereas expensive Morgan 3 wheelers and the current very expensive Ariel Atom are not renowned for inversion.

Big difference. The Morgan 3 wheeler has always had the single wheel at the rear which is much more stable but they can invert at speeds much lower than a 4 wheel car when things go wrong, saw it happen to one least summer. Passenger fell out but the driver stayed in, both OK.

The current Ariel Attom has 4 wheels and has since the company reappeared.

I haven't seen any reports relating to Audi - but then, I haven't been digging there.

Had an e-mail today from our local Audi emporium with info about the revised A4 Avant, a car I looked at when we bought the Superb. Seems that in the A4 (no idea about other models) the 1.5 TSi 150 PS version has been replaced by a 2 litre 150 PS version. Has another 15 torques over a wider rev band so could well be nicer to drive but I do wonder if the main reason for the change is its Audi's way around the 1.5 TSi issues.

Chris Harris enjoying a Morgan 3 wheeler - sideways!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=htI3weS49cc&ab_channel...E

Second part of the vid is CH in a Caterham 7 - also sideways!

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - lucklesspedestrian

That's rather annoying! We have a 2014 MK7 Golf with the 122 bhp 1.4 TSi engine and absolutely love it. We had earmarked the facefilfted (mk 7.5?) Golf with the 1.5 TSi as the logical replacement. Maybe not now though. Shame if VAG have b*****ed up a really good unit.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - sammy1

I wonder if AUDI saw this coming. The dealers advertise the car as 35 150bhp which is the 1.5 along with all their other engines given obscure numbers to confuse the mix. Bonkers!

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - skidpan

I wonder if AUDI saw this coming. The dealers advertise the car as 35 150bhp which is the 1.5 along with all their other engines given obscure numbers to confuse the mix. Bonkers!

From my understanding the 35 designation does cover the 150 PS but not just the 1.5 TSi. It also covers the 150 PS diesel and as I stated above the revised A4 35 is a 150 PS 2.0 TSi

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - simm228

Problem is Audi VW are now putting the 1.5 TSI in the Q2 and Q3 ohhh dear big problem coming one thinks.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - simm228

Andy See T Roc Forum its a hum dinger, VW HQ and Dealer saying all sorts, this has been going on for almost a year no new fix at this time. As for software FIX yeahh really VW.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Philip Oldknow
I bought my VW with this engine on March 1st 2018. Within a week it was
back at the dealer. Faltering. Slow start . First Gear but not exclusively.
I was told the vehicle could not be faulted. Now after 10 months I’m beginning to realise
that this isn’t my fault and this is not just me.
Am currently in conversation with dealer. My perception is that I have been fobbed off. Cannot believe that VW don’t know about this. Though I have been told that people do put anything on the internet!

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

" My perception is that I have been fobbed off. Cannot believe that VW don’t know about this."

Yes you, along with the rest of us, are being fobbed off and yes, VW group knows all about the problem. See www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/446820-15-sel-first-...4 which now runs to 44 pages about the 1.5 engine.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - daveyK_UK

Have I missed it or has honest john avoided the issue on his news part of the website and the ask HJ section?

HJ website in general seems to have followed autoexpress in becoming a VAG fan boy, this is the kind of issue a website like HJ should be leading with and fighting on behalf of consumers

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

No - he's covered the issue several times in his weekly 'agony' column.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

"No - he's covered the issue several times in his weekly 'agony' column."

I can't find those references, Andy, is there any chance that you could add some links, please? That would be very much appreciated.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

Just go to the News Section and type in 'Agony' in the 'Search news' box, and you'll get a list of all his collumns. Go through those since about a year ago and you'll find many references to people with issues with this engine and his report about the test car being 'set up' to drive differently in Spain to the production models.

As it happens, the site has just produced a News item addressing this very issue:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/owning-1/2019-01/volkswa.../

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

Thanks, Andy. I received a reply from Skoda UK yesterday in which they were still referring to the 'kangarooing' as a 'characteristic' of the engine. At last, VW are acknowledging that there is a problem - hopefully this is a precursor to the revelation of a solution.

I say again, apart from the dodgy engine 'characteristics', the car is terrific and suits my needs perfectly.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

Thanks, Andy. I received a reply from Skoda UK yesterday in which they were still referring to the 'kangarooing' as a 'characteristic' of the engine. At last, VW are acknowledging that there is a problem - hopefully this is a precursor to the revelation of a solution.

I say again, apart from the dodgy engine 'characteristics', the car is terrific and suits my needs perfectly.

Mercedes, as far as I know, say roughly the same as regards the crabbing on one of their models (different issue), that it's a 'characteristic' of the car. I'd personally call them 'inherant design faults'.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 23/01/2019 at 15:21

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - sammy1

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/owning-1/2019-01/volkswagen-acknowledges-problem-with-15-tsi-evo-engine/

Reviewing this and wonder why this appears to have been missed!

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/owning-1/2019-01/volkswagen-acknowledges-problem-with-15-tsi-evo-engine/

Reviewing this and wonder why this appears to have been missed!

It wasn't: I referred to it 3 posts above...noting it was only uploaded to the website News section a couple of days ago.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 25/01/2019 at 15:09

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - nichewidgets

How did you get on with this? I'm aware (and you can find references to) people on the VW forum who have been able to return their cars up to a year later - as covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Technically you're covered for 6 months but it seems VW are "doing the right thing" for some.

For transparency I returned by T-ROC after 3 months for a full refund as have several others. Hard to see how many people have done this - but several have.

Don't be fobbed off! Hopefully there will be a fix but people have been hoping for many months now..

Good luck

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - simm228

See T Roc forum you may still be able to reject car, give notice if you are unhappy. There many with the same complaint, many have had a refund no questions asked.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Dmu7phy

I have had nothing but trouble with the kangarooing in 1st. I live on a small drive and am having to drive quickly out of it to avoid the problem. during this weather im constantly wheel spinning. I've tried to pull of in 2nd and due to the very very slight incline of the road it stalls unless I ride the clutch which is certainly not good enough. im currently having trouble with the dealership as my wish is to reject the vehicle. I highlighted this fault to them 3weeks after purchasing the car in November. they've had the chance to rectify the fault and they are unable too until they have a software update which they do not have a timeframe for.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - SteveLee

Kangarooing and exploding engines - hundreds of thousands of failing gearboxes, a seat belt "fix" that involves pretending your 5 seat car is only a 4 seat car - and you pay a premium for this rubbish - VAG cars have been patchy (to say the least) for well over a decade - and still people will queue up to buy (lease) this tat in an attempt to impress the neighbours.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Chris M

And the sub standard timing chains...

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - daveyK_UK

Avoid VAG products

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - skidpan

Kangarooing and exploding engines - hundreds of thousands of failing gearboxes, a seat belt "fix" that involves pretending your 5 seat car is only a 4 seat car - and you pay a premium for this rubbish - VAG cars have been patchy (to say the least) for well over a decade - and still people will queue up to buy (lease) this tat in an attempt to impress the neighbours.

Taking the opposite view since 1986 we have had 7 VAG cars (4 VW's, 1 Seat and 2 Skodas) in which we have covered over 320,000 miles. In the 27 years they have been on the drive we have very few expenses other than the usual and expected items. Been totally happy which is why we keep buying them (with our own money).

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Big John

Taking the opposite view since 1986 we have had 7 VAG cars (4 VW's, 1 Seat and 2 Skodas) in which we have covered over 320,000 miles. In the 27 years they have been on the drive we have very few expenses other than the usual and expected items. Been totally happy which is why we keep buying them (with our own money).

Likewise I've owned VW and Skoda cars for many years and they have generally been bullet proof:-

1984 VW Polo owned for 19 years from new - other than servicing and a clutch at 120k miles just about faultless

1990 VW Passat - owned from 1996 for 5 years high mileage to start with and put another 70k miles on it. Sold with well over 200k miles on it. Had an inner CV joint issue near the end of ownership.

2001 Skoda Octavia 1.416v owned from new - Now 130k miles and still going strong (with my son now)

2003 Skoda Superb 1.9pd owned from 18months old and run for a further 10 years doing 15k miles a year. Still going strong with its new owner on original battery, exhaust and clutch and over 215k miles on it

2014 Skoda Superb 1.4tsi owned from 14months old - thus far faultless at 68k miles.

One thing to note - I have never believed in long life servicing and have always asked for the car to be on fixed servicing (currently 10k miles/1 yr)

The main thing for me though is I fit comfortably in most VAG cars where in many others I don't - although I was rather taken with a newish Volvo S90 I was in this weekend.

Edited by Big John on 07/02/2019 at 20:33

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Chris M

Other than your latest model Big John, those are all old school cars. The timing chain and gearbox problems are more recent and tend to bite the second owners on the bottom i.e. not an issue if the car is under warranty.

The thing with VAG for me is Dieselgate and the way they felt it ok to pull the wool over customers eyes. I just wouldn't want to give them my money.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Big John

I agree re DSG gearbox - I've avoided thus far, however I myself would avoid anything with auto clutches. Understanding mechanical sympathy - relying on an automatically operated clutch sitting/slipping for ages at a set of traffic lights or stuck in a jam - what could possibly go wrong!

I was responding to the don't buy VAG comments, on this very site the engine in my (er my sons) old Octavia was reported to be made of putty and they burnt oil/ fell to bits/pistons failed at 30,000 miles. Mine has 130,000 miles on it (18 years) and is still being driven from Yorkshire to Gloucestershire on a regular basis.

Clearly there have been issues with some VAG cars - but there have been issues with many other cars. BMW chains, Nissan chains, Mazda diesels(love the petrols but rust in Mazda is an issue) , Vauxhall diesels, Ford 1.0 petrol (just a sample).

Having rebuilt/restored many a car and seen what neglect does - my view is servicing is all (sorry John F) . I've seen the effects of bad oil, coolant, brake fluid etc... Longlife servicing is a fleet buyer generated problem.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - John F

Likewise I've owned VW and Skoda cars for many years and they have generally been bullet proof:-

For twenty years of high mileage family travel (school runs, week-end sports fixtures all over the country, European holidays), my records show we got 417,000 miles out of two second hand VW Passat estates. Can't remember any expensive failures apart from the odd CV boot and clutch cable on the GL5 (snapped every 30-40 thousand miles as it went round a pulley for the right hand drive set-up). Serviced them myself. They cost £18,500 - (one was nearly new) - stark contrast to some professional colleagues who appeared content to spend zillions on other brands over the same period - sometimes with hugely expensive problems and servicing bills.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - simm228

See T Roc forum be very careful VW confirm defect with 1.5 TSI engine and no fix at this time.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

My 1.5tsi Karoq is now back with the dealer - Skoda has acknowledged that there is a problem with the engine. For this week, I have a Skoda Rapid while they sort out a 2L Karoq with a tow-bar until a fix is sorted. I have it on record that if the fix takes too long or doesn't work, then I can have my money back.

It is shameful that cars with this engine are still being sold to an unsuspecting public; goodness only knows why the MSM haven't picked up on this story.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

One thing I've seen that is of note - whilst it could, in part at least, be due to the model possibly being replaced soon, the 'Cars for Sale' ads on HJ now regularly show SEAT Leon 1.5TSi EVO (presumably the 130 version) SEs with a whopping 30%+ off the list price. When I was looking for cars of that size a couple of years ago, discounts at that level certainly were not to be had, more like low to mid 20s in percentage terms (still very good, given the lower RRP to start with) on the previous 1.4TSi.

I wonder how much of this increased discount is due to the fallout on sales because of the 1.5TSi's problems, even if (not confirmed) those now being sold as new are already fixed by a change at the factory, rather than (as those explaining here) at the dealership for those buying such cars earlier last year. I just hope VAG aren't selling new cars still with the problem and waiting until owners complain before fixing them.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

"I just hope VAG aren't selling new cars still with the problem and waiting until owners complain before fixing them."

That is apparently the case; I spoke to Skoda UK last week and that is what I was told - I said that I was appalled.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

"I just hope VAG aren't selling new cars still with the problem and waiting until owners complain before fixing them."

That is apparently the case; I spoke to Skoda UK last week and that is what I was told - I said that I was appalled.

You would've thought that, after Dieselgate and God-knows-how-many-$Bn lost in fines in the US and elsewhere that VAG would've learned to be honest. Maybe their sales figures lead them to believe they can get away with almost anything without unduly damaging their brand and sales (at least when compared with other makes not caught up in the scandal) - just my opinion.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - galileo

My 1.5tsi Karoq is now back with the dealer - Skoda has acknowledged that there is a problem with the engine. For this week, I have a Skoda Rapid while they sort out a 2L Karoq with a tow-bar until a fix is sorted. I have it on record that if the fix takes too long or doesn't work, then I can have my money back.

It is shameful that cars with this engine are still being sold to an unsuspecting public; goodness only knows why the MSM haven't picked up on this story.

Parts of the MSM carry VAG advertising material which may be significant to their profits.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

An update on all this .......

After returning the Karoq to the dealer, I first had a Rapid courtesy car for about 10 days, then moved on to a very nice 2l diesel Karoq Scout for the next 5 or 6 weeks. Last week, I received a call to say that 'the software fix' had been applied to my car and that, after testing, it was driving as it should.

We picked the car up and, after limited mileage, it's 'so far, so good'. However, as the major stumbling block previously was the car's tendency to die at dodgy junctions, I won't be confident until 2 or 3 months have passed. Others also seem to be using the term 'so far, so good' which I take as a sign of a loss of confidence in VAG.

I understand that, currently, the fix being applied depends on vin number and model year.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Avant

Many thanks for coming back to us, Waino. Let's hope that unlike the post-Dieselgate fix, ths one works.

So far SWMBO's new A3 1.5 TFSI convertible is fine - but for some reason we haven't so far heard of the kangaroo-hopping happening with Audis. Maybe the difference is the F in TFSI, which I'd thought bore the same relation to TSI as RTFM does to Read the Manual.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Icru96
Hii

Just looking to buy a used karoq, has the issue been resolved?

Do you guys think I should avoid any specific year models?

Cheers
Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Lloyd2936

Our versatile Skoda Karoq SUV has starred with all-round. No complaints about the driving position, either, except the kids xxxx

Link deleted.

Edited by Avant on 08/05/2019 at 23:55

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - KB.

Firstly, I have no idea what is mean't by "Our versatile Skoda Karoq SUV has starred with all-round".

And secondly I don't intend clicking on a link to "bluestacks" .... whatever that may or may not be.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

Its' almost certainly spam.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Big John

Suspect this is a dodgy link - don't click on it!

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - stan g

At the end of September, we purchased a brand new Skoda Karoq with the 1.5L petrol engine and manual gearbox. Since then we have experienced ‘kangarooing’ when setting off in first gear, and occasionally the engine dying at junctions – potentially very dangerous; many other owners are also reporting this. Skoda is calling this a ‘characteristic’ of the engine – which is also used in other models from the VW Group range. Although this is a known fault, dealers are not informing potential customers. As this engine is a relatively recent introduction, I suspect that many new owners are still thinking that they are causing the problems rather than the car.

This has the makings of another major scandal for the VW Group and I wonder if anyone else in the Back Room has experienced it.

Hi

YES! I bought a 4 month old Skoda Superb 1.5, I reported there was some kangarooing on the test drive and asked them to resolve it before purchase. But later was to learn nothing was done, (because nothing could be done!). But I believed all was fine and they had sorted it before collection. The kangarooing was evident the following morning. It got worse. I reported it and took it back. The issue was confirmed by a technician who took it home to test it. They tried a recent, un-official, software update and it actually made a difference and I was feeling hopeful. It was still there in 1st but quite mild and I thought I could live with it until maybe a new update would finally resolve it. I had actually experienced the kangarooing in 1st and 2nd and loss of power in 2nd with engine cut-out. Anyway, I took the car after the update and drove it for a couple of days. It issue came back! Even had jolting in 3rd and 4th. Totally gutted! I even had odd experiences with the main handbrake releasing when releasing the clutch in neutral!

Now, I read others are saying Skoda are not taking responsibility, but, in my case they have been incredibly fair and understanding and have now offered to exchange the car due to the fact I had reported it prior to purchase and because I am within the 30 days exchange warranty. They are going the extra mile to help replace it, so I will sing their praises for that. I am now probably having to switch for diesel to avoid similar issues. Big shame, its an awesome car (potentially). You get it warmed up and run for 2 or 3 miles and all seems fine. Leave it standing an hour and :-(

Edited by stan g on 09/05/2019 at 15:59

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - CHarkin

I will bet a £ to a penny this is an emissions problem. Early 1.5s were ok, its only since the latest WLTP testing came in that these problems started. DSG cars don't suffer so badly because the ECU has control of the revs and gear changes not the driver and can work within defined limits. The latest emissions testing now includes cold starts while the older test did not. In the past VAG would likely have just produced a cheat but will be too scared to do that now.

If Im right I don't think a fix will be that easily done

Edited by CHarkin on 09/05/2019 at 19:26

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

Yes - it is related to the WLTP test and, reading on the T-roc forum, it is further complicated by built date and phasing in of the WLTP rules. This would explain why some have the problem and others don't.

I picked up my Karoq on 10th April after the software update had been applied. Initially, I was quite optimistic and, after just over 900 miles, there has been no repeat of the 'dying at junctions' - but the kangarooing is as pronounced as ever. I had agreed to keep the car and await the software fix with the proviso that if it wasn't fixed by the end of the second quarter, then the car would be rejected. The end of the second quarter is rapidly approaching. I have heard (from Skoda) that there is to be a second stage to the fix - it had better hurry up.

It will be a sad day if I have to reject the Karoq because, in every other respect, it is an excellent car.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Avant

What Car have a long-term A3 with this engine. If your car has variable driving modes (I know that not all do) they suggest selecting Dynamic for the engine setting which seems to avoid the problem.

SWMBO's A3 convertible is a 1.5 - again no problems, as I set it up fom thr beginning with steering in Comfort and engine in Dynamic. We mostly run it on super-unleaded, which may or may not make a difference.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - sammy1

Running in dynamic mode means that you have increased the engine revs over and above the base manufacturers settings from idle. It may solve your own individual problems but is the car as fuel efficient as it could be even though the car will obviously be more responsive all the time. There does appear to be a basic flaw in the software on this engine for some. I would be very annoyed if I had such a car with this problem considering the cost of the thing and the very poor driveability.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Paul-david

We purchased a Skoda Karoq 1.5 Petrol in July 2019. We have both experienced the loss of power and stalling in 1st and 2nd gear. As you have said potentially very dangerous.

My wife was driving the car on an open country road with no traffic in front or behind at between 30 and 40 mph when the emergency brake triggered bringing the car to an immediate halt.

The car is back at the main dealer being looked at.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy

We purchased a Skoda Karoq 1.5 Petrol in July 2019. We have both experienced the loss of power and stalling in 1st and 2nd gear. As you have said potentially very dangerous.

My wife was driving the car on an open country road with no traffic in front or behind at between 30 and 40 mph when the emergency brake triggered bringing the car to an immediate halt.

The car is back at the main dealer being looked at.

Report this to HJ himself so it can go in the Good & Bad section for your model of car and for more general reference on this issue across VAG.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - catsdad
This week's HJ Agony column (part2) is saying that there is now fix for the 1.5 kangaroo problem. Well we'll see as VAG have offered fixes previously without success.

Looking on Autotrader old 1.4 Octavias are holding their values well against newer 1.5s.

As for the emergency braking it sounds like the problem that HJ has mentioned in the past with a flying crisp packet setting it off in a Golf.
Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Engineer Andy
This week's HJ Agony column (part2) is saying that there is now fix for the 1.5 kangaroo problem. Well we'll see as VAG have offered fixes previously without success. Looking on Autotrader old 1.4 Octavias are holding their values well against newer 1.5s. As for the emergency braking it sounds like the problem that HJ has mentioned in the past with a flying crisp packet setting it off in a Golf.

Note quite, as I understand it:

A previous 'software update' for existing cars with the 1.5 TSI engine did not appear to work, by the accounts of Backroomers and people writing to HJ for his collumn;

Th 'fix' that I believe many people are now speaking of is actually for recent new cars by changing the design of the engine to add a mild hybrid system that appears (I'll wait and see for owners of these new cars to say whether they have any problems or not - none reported yet, but these cars have only been on sale for a month at most) to 'absorb' some of the torque/power and supposedly smooth out the negative effects of the engine itself when pulling away from a standstill/low speed.

Note that the updated engine design CANNOT be retrofitted to the '1st generation' 1.5TSIs, so we'll need an update as to whether VAG are going to attempt another software update if it proves that the first did not work on existing non-hybrid versions of the engine.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

Apologies - I had forgotten to keep this thread updated; I see that my last contribution was back in May and I guess that I've been observing things before reporting back. Remember, my Karoq is a MY19 model i.e. made after the Skoda factory summer shutdown in 2018 (or so I'm led to believe) and also that there were two issues - pulling out, say ,of a junction and the engine dying and secondly, the kangarooing when starting off in first gear. The first update in April appeared to cure the (rather terrifying) tendency to die after pulling out, and a second update was applied in September to cure the kangarooing.

During the first couple of weeks after the second update, the car did its 'dying at junctions' trick again, but then it seemed to improve. It now seems to be going pretty well with only a slight hiccup when starting off from cold that is little different from my wife's 1L petrol B-max. I sometimes wonder if the issue has fully diminished, or whether it's just me anticipating the hiccup and applying/timing just the right amount of throttle.

Engineer Andy is right in that the fix(es) don't apply to all models; I believe that those with MY18 cars are still waiting. I understand that the problems don't only involve software, but the type of alternator has also been implicated.

Whenever the Karoq has been back for warranty work, the dealer has offered me the option of a courtesy car. I have had Fabias, a Rapid and a couple of Octavias, but nothing was anything near the driving position, the comfort, or the ambience of the Karoq. What a pity Skoda VWG have fouled up such a good car, but what an effective PR department they must have in order to have kept this fiasco largely out of the press.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Eyan1
I suspect it might be to do with VAG being one of the biggest advertisers in the motoring press. HonestJohn is one of the few places that criticise them and deservedly so.

They make decent products but treat their customers with contempt.
Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - focussed

I have been working with one of my motorbikes this year that started to show a similar problem for no particular reason. Bogging just off idle and a massive surging on/off throttle effect on a constant throttle at 3 - 3.5 k rpm in long corners - not at what you need with a 1300 cc 145 hp four cylinder bike with massive torque! The FI system is a lot simpler than a car- throttle position sender operated from cable operated throttle bodies, manifold pressure sensor, coolant and inlet air temperature senders, fuel pump in the tank supplying fuel rail to four injectors in four throttle bodies, plus an oxygen sensor before the very small cat, and the ecu of course.

Before getting too involved I pumped the fuel tank dry and refilled with fresh UL98 - which unfortunately has 5% ethanol in it.

Not a mechanical problem - only 12k miles on it, no noises, compression fine, doesn't burn any oil, standard exhaust and air filter.

A very similar engine architecture to a car engine, all alloy Yamaha design, 16 valve, chain cam etc.

I checked everything, earths, all the senders, live outputs, resistances. Fuel rail pressure, Throttle body sync done recently but checked again, replaced plugs, coils and coil leads and connectors checked, coil primary and HT plug voltages and currents checked with an Ignitionmate. Nothing deviated from the makers figures in the manual hot or cold. Pulled the oxygen sensor, to read the colour, nice brown/tan colour but with a red blotch on the end. Looked up what the red blotch can mean - Possible metallic contamination. No fault codes recorded, this system is pre- OBD and displays any fault codes in dash diagnostic mode. Test rode it with the O2 sensor unplugged, got rid of the surging but still bogs down off idle. Now, do I drop £200 on a new O2 sensor and risk that's the problem? So for a similar cost I fitted a Dynojet fuel controller (not an advert Avant!) which is loaded with their map to improve driveability on this model year bike, also gets rid of the ratty over-weak idle mixture and gives a limited amount of manual mixture adjustment in the low middle and high rpm ranges.It just plugs in on the injector loom and runs with the O2 sensor disconnected. Result? Near perfect, had to adjust it to give it a bit more fuel at the idle range, now it's like a new bike.

No problem over here with emissions on a bike - there is no mot for bikes in France.

Why? The only conclusion I can come to is some sort of fuel contamination but what from is a mystery. Ethanol? Don't know, we can't get ethanol free petrol over here in France so I can't run a check on that.

Edited by focussed on 24/11/2019 at 22:35

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - brum

Pulled the oxygen sensor, to read the colour, nice brown/tan colour but with a red blotch on the end. Looked up what the red blotch can mean - Possible metallic contamination.

Why? The only conclusion I can come to is some sort of fuel contamination but what from is a mystery. Ethanol? Don't know, we can't get ethanol free petrol over here in France so I can't run a check on that.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylcyclopentadienyl_man...l

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - focussed

Hmm - Thanks for that link - yet another unknown unknown!

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Bromptonaut

@Waino,

Is this sorted now?

Relevance for me now as daughter/husband are at end of PCN on current 2017 1.4 Octavia and one option they're looking at is a pre reg 69 Octavia 1.5.

My advice is to pay the balloon sum and run current Octavia if not into ground then to at least eight years but siren voices are saying 'get a new one'.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Waino

After 2 software updates, I believe the Karoq is now sorted though there is still a slight roughness when taking off from cold ....... but, having said that, the same thing can be sensed in my wife's Ford B-max.

Last autumn, while my car was in for something or other, I was loaned a 1.5 Octavia for the day and it drove very well indeed. The only thing that I couldn't stand was the awkwardness of the handbrake position in relation to the centre console. I don't know if this is a Skoda 'thing', but it was even worse in a 'Rapid' that we were loaned previously.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - Bromptonaut

Thanks for that.

Turns out daughter's PCP was 40 months rather than 3 years so not issue until summer. That didn't stop the dealer offering the pre reg for immediate delivery and a sum to settle existing PCP at some £2500 more than the balloon payment.

Still I suppose they've got to pay rent and business rates on their glass palace.

Skoda Karoq - Problems with the VW Group 1.5 tsi engine..... - swansea_karl

I test drove 2 Scalas with the 1.5 engine, smooth and poweful. But i decided on the 1.0 TSI instead, its a great little engine.