Before you buy a used Skoda Superb I (3U).
Taken only from Testigo's sourced sheets. Use it to question the seller and on the test drive: it does not confirm that any particular car is affected.
The essentials.
- 2 documented, sourced faults across its 4 engines.
- That is not much data: if no other faults show up here, it does not mean it has none.
- 1 of them depends on the equipment or the production date: ask what this car has.
- 1 official recall on record: ask for the chassis number (VIN) and confirm it has been done.
- According to the data we have, the engines with the fewest documented faults are: 1.8 T / 2.0 (Petrol), 2.8 V6 (Petrol), 2.5 TDI V6 (Diesel).
Typical faults by engine
The period and mileage are those mentioned by each sheet's sources. They are not a maintenance interval and do not predict that any particular car will fail.
All versions
Sheets the catalogue links to all 4 of its engines.
- A/C not cooling: N280 valveClimate control
- Period mentioned
- 2006–2026
- Mileage mentioned
- The sheet does not mention a mileage.
Applies if: Only if fitted with the air conditioning system described.
1.8 T / 2.0 · 2.8 V6 · 2.5 TDI V6
1.8 T / 2.0 (Petrol) · 2.8 V6 (Petrol) · 2.5 TDI V6 (Diesel)
We have no faults specific to this engine, only those common to every version.
1.9 / 2.0 TDI
Diesel
- PD TDI camshaft, injectors and cylinder headInjection / cylinder head
- Period mentioned
- 2000–2010
- Mileage mentioned
- 120,000–200,000 km
Which engine has the fewest documented faults?
| Engine | Documented faults | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 T / 2.0PetrolFewest documented | 11 with conditions | 1 |
| 2.8 V6PetrolFewest documented | 11 with conditions | 1 |
| 1.9 / 2.0 TDIDiesel | 21 with conditions | 0 |
| 2.5 TDI V6DieselFewest documented | 11 with conditions | 1 |
According to the data we have, the engines with the fewest documented faults are: 1.8 T / 2.0 (Petrol), 2.8 V6 (Petrol), 2.5 TDI V6 (Diesel).
By fuel type, the one with the fewest documented faults is: Petrol.
We only count the sourced sheets we have. An engine with fewer is not guaranteed to be more reliable: it may have been studied less or sold in smaller numbers.
Official recalls: ask before you pay
A recall existing does not mean this car is affected or that it is still outstanding: it depends on the chassis number, the market and the production date.
- Ask the seller for the chassis number (VIN): it has 17 characters, appears in the car's documents and can usually also be seen at the base of the windscreen.
- Ask an official Skoda dealer, or the brand's official website if it lets you check by chassis number, whether each recall has been done or is still outstanding for that VIN.
- Manufacturer recalls are normally carried out free of charge by the official service network. If one is outstanding, ask for it to be done before you close the sale.
Airbag inflator deterioration due to moisturePassive safety
Engines: 1.8 T / 2.0 (Petrol) · 2.8 V6 (Petrol) · 2.5 TDI V6 (Diesel)
How to check it: Check VIN; replace the inflator or module specified by the recall.
View full entryOn the test drive: what to look and listen for
Taken from each sheet's symptoms and checks. You can tick off what you have already looked at: it is saved only in this browser.
0 of 2 checked
Injection / cylinder head
Look out for: Growing noise from the cylinder head, power loss and rough running (cams and lifters); unstable idle, smoke or hesitation (injectors); on the 16-valve 2.0 TDI, coolant loss with no visible leak from a cracked head.
Ask them to check: Check the oil history (VW 505.01), listen to the head, check injector balance rates with a diagnostic tool and, on the 16-valve 2.0 TDI, read the head part number (03G 103 351) and look for coolant loss.
Climate control
Look out for: The air does not cool or cools intermittently (for example only at motorway speed), and sometimes the compressor rattles with the A/C on. Codes 01232 (N280 valve), P2612 or 00898.
Ask them to check: Read the codes and N280 control current with VCDS or ODIS, measure its resistance (about 10 ohms) and check the connector and wiring before replacing parts. If the valve or compressor is replaced, the whole circuit must be flushed.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these Testigo sheets and their original sources. Sources are not checked in real time.
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