The fourth generation of the Skoda Octavia premiered in November 2019. The vehicle model, considered a popular alternative to the VW Passat, is available as a sedan or station wagon. The fourth Skoda Octavia has been continuously developed over the past few years but are teething problems and issues (as with its predecessor, the Octavia III) therefore out of the question? Sadly, no! Even in its early years, the Skoda Octavia IV did not leave a flawless impression. Car owners suffer from several weaknesses and faults that both estate cars and sedans bring with them. It does not matter whether the models have petrol or diesel engines or hybrids. Although this Skod is well known and Skoda drivers generally consider it a solid and reliable car, this model also has its weaknesses. On this page, some things car owners should definitely look out for.
Common complaints about the Skoda Octavia IV
Here is a brief list of common complaints about the Skoda Octavia IV:
- Numerous error messages & electronic problems
- Software updates required
- Dazzling chrome strips in the interior
- Forgotten transport locks
Conclusion: electronics are this car's weak point. With the Skoda Octavia IV, drivers get a solid vehicle that impresses with stable technology. It remains to be seen how the model will perform at periodic inspections in the coming years. However, it is clear that the electronics are one of the Skoda Octavia IV's biggest weaknesses.
Fan noise
It is not unusual for the cooling fan to continue running for a few minutes after the Skoda Octavia IV has been switched off. However, some motorists' concerns that there might be a problem are unfounded. The trailing edge was already a debated issue with the predecessor and nothing has changed in the fourth generation. If the car is switched off while the particulate filter is being cleaned, the fan continues to run for a while to complete the process. No reason to panic!
Oil sensor and oil level problems
Investigations have revealed that some Skoda owners also have problems with the oil sensor. An error message then appears on the screen advising drivers to go to the workshop. The fault is apparently known to Skoda and is not based on a faulty oil sensor, but on a software error. An update may help.
The oil sensor is needed to inform that an oil change is necessary. Also in this context, we heard about several error messages because the message did not go out after checking and topping up the engine oil. If this happens, the dipstick should be pulled out and reinserted to clear the message.
Noise pollution from forgotten transport locks
In fact, this "problem" is not unique. Several Skoda Octavia IV owners reported unusual driving noises while driving, such as rumbling or rattling of the chassis. As it turned out, the dealers had forgotten to remove the transport locks of the shock absorbers. The rubber buffers are often used to limit the suspension travel of new cars and increase the ride height to prevent damage during transport by train or ship. Buffers are usually recognisable at first glance by having a visible colour, such as yellow or blue.
Design and finishing
Sounds crazy, but many Octavia owners are bothered by the chrome strips on the inside of the doors. Why? Depending on the sunlight, the strips can become so shiny from the sun's rays that they work to dazzle and therefore pose a safety risk. Some owners have even already covered the trim strips with film to avoid the annoying glare. In some models, for example the "Ambition", the strips are black anyway.
In terms of quality, some motorists criticise the finish of the door and window mouldings. What is particularly annoying is the skewed alignment of the two chrome strips on the window, which is clearly visible on some vehicles between the front and rear doors. The use of hard plastic in the car can look slightly cheap but then the Skoda Octavia IV is considerably cheaper than the clearly better-finished VW Passat.
Various electronic problems and error messages
Numerous Skoda Octavia IV owners report various electronic problems and error messages appearing on the display. The front assistant, which warns the driver of approaching dangers, is often affected.
There are also complaints about error messages related to the cruise control, parking aid and emergency braking system, for example.
This also applies to the "eCall" emergency call system, airbags and navigation system. The car can still be driven as normal but drivers should be prepared for the annoying error messages and warnings. It is still unclear whether various software updates (sometimes through recalls) will help fix the errors.
Tip: it may help not to start the car immediately, but to turn on the ignition for a few seconds before starting the engine. Some owners have had good experiences with this and report that it has reduced the number of error messages (including Bluetooth or CarPlay problems).
Recall: software updates needed
Some Skoda owners were contacted by the manufacturer because an intervention on the vehicle was necessary. This was a "product optimisation" and, in most cases, the software was updated to version 1668 and, in some cases, the screw connection of the headlights was repaired.
User experiences Skoda Octavia IV
- I have an Octavia RS DSG TDI dated 01/2022 and actually want to return the car immediately. I have driven Skoda for a long time (previously Octavia III RS and Superb) and have always been satisfied. Even the finish of the Octavia 4 is a disgrace. The gaps between the doors, the trims and between the rear wing and the bumper are substandard. In long right turns with bumps, I always hear a grinding noise which cannot be the intention.
- The electronic problems that often occur while driving are sometimes clearly dangerous. I have started writing a logbook to show the extent in the garage. It is almost impossible to make three trips without an error message appearing.
- In the best of weather, several sensors suddenly fail on the highway. The speakers remain silent and with them the failure of the radio, SmartLink music, hands-free system, SOS emergency call and all sensors reporting through the speakers (rebooting the entertainment system does not help here).
- Parts of the touchscreen are often completely dead, making it impossible to control the air conditioning, for example. Google Maps navigation via SmartLink becomes completely grainy after 2-5 minutes and has to be restarted again and again. Although the system is online, it does not display any traffic jams or obstructions.
- If you have to start reversing immediately after starting, the image from the reversing camera is often not available until everything is ready.
- Dialing in to the user profile sometimes does not work and you drive as a guest (all radio station memories and other settings are gone). Manually switching to the main user often succeeds only after several attempts. The response and precision of the touchscreen is not fine and leads to numerous operating errors and incorrect entries and a lot of frustration.
- Besides the persistent faults mentioned, I have already had many other things fixed by the dealer, for example, a wrongly installed horn button/airbag cover, a wrongly installed sound generator or wiper water channels that caused a vibration in the whole windscreen/dashboard area and a loose 230V socket in the rear.
Conclusion
- Numerous error messages & electronic problems
- Software updates required
- Dazzling chrome strips in the interior
- Forgotten transport locks
Conclusion: electronics are this car's weak point. With the Skoda Octavia IV, drivers get a solid vehicle that impresses with stable technology. It remains to be seen how the model will perform at periodic inspections in the coming years. However, it is clear that the electronics are one of the Skoda Octavia IV's biggest weaknesses.
Many drivers report numerous error messages and problems with assistance systems no longer working. On the other hand, mild criticism of the workmanship is almost negligible. The good news is that there are now several updates to the software that seem to bring partial success. It is also useful to wait a few seconds between turning on the ignition and starting the engine to avoid error messages.
The Skoda Octavia IV has been available since 2020. Perhaps you have had your own experience with this car in recent years? Then tell us about your experiences via the comment function. Thank you very much!
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