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very premature clutch failure

Clutch Failure at 40,000 Miles – Škoda Refuses Help Despite 25 Years of Loyalty

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I want to share my experience to help others make informed decisions before buying or leasing a Škoda.

I leased a Škoda Octavia 1.0 TSI in August 2020. Just before the end of the 4-year lease — at only 40,000 miles — the clutch suddenly failed on the M6 motorway while driving with my wife and three children. There were no warning signs, no fault codes, and the car had full service history.

The repair cost me £2,700. I also paid £40/day for a hire car, as I waited for parts. The dealership (Simpsons Škoda Preston) claimed "driver error" without giving measurable evidence — just a technician’s opinion. Škoda UK fully sided with them, refusing any goodwill support, even though I’ve been a Škoda customer since 1999, owning six models including the Favorit, Felicia, Fabia, and three Octavias.

I have now submitted a formal complaint to The Motor Ombudsman and am urging Škoda to reconsider. Until then, I cannot recommend Škoda to any new customers, especially those expecting accountability or support with major failures.

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