andypollard

Such a basic requirement; simply stupid!

I have suffered the non starting issue with my October 2024 Škoda Octavia SE L mhev 1.5 for almost 12 months. For most of this time I have been dealing with Customer Support and today I picked up a brand new replacement vehicle from my dealer. I was not charged for use of the existing car which has done 8500 miles, nor did I have pay road tax. In the end I am happy with this, although I would have preferred not to have argued for so long to get this done. Just hope the new car doesn’t have the same issue!

Well I’ve had the new car for nearly a year and I’m still getting the non starting issue. Anyone else still having trouble with this issue?

It seems to me that the weather conditions are irrelevant. I’m told it’s a software issue where some of the “modules” don’t shut down properly and so when you go to start the engine the “computer says no”! As with all IT issues, switch it off, lock it and start again!! They have no fix for it so basically they are selling brand new cars with a known issue without telling the customer. They are relying on customers just putting up with it as a minor irritation. If it happens when you really need a quick exit it really isn’t a minor irritation. I have been in discussion with Škoda Customer service and my dealer for the last 6 months and I’m now moving to a refusal of the car as it’s not fit for purpose. A great shame because apart from this issue I think the car’s great!

Thanks for this, very helpful!

TMBKR8NX4SY033994 Thanks!

I’m surprised to find that my 2025 Octavia SEL estate does not warn me when the washer level is low. This certainly was the case on my previous Octavias. Is this a fault or is Škoda not as “simply clever” as they used to be?

I have been dealing with Škoda Customer Support since January trying to get some help. They regularly contact my retailer who tells them that no update to fix the issue is available at the moment. I have emailed the CEO of Skoda Uk and I am now dealing with their executive support team who seem to be taking the issue more seriously. I have told them I just want a car that works! It still seems to be the retailer who has to sort the problem out but I think the blame lies with the manufacturer, Škoda, who are making and selling cars that don’t work properly! I’m expecting a result next week. Will keep posting!

Still no fix for me either, regularly in touch with Skoda but they can only tell me they don’t have a solution yet. Strangely I’ve had no issues since I took it back to dealer to have it checked in January. Still doesn’t get away from the fact that they are still selling cars with a known fault! Surprised they can get away with that without it getting known by the buying public!

I am now receiving weekly phone calls from Skoda Customer Support telling me that the software update is not yet available. The lack of urgency is staggering unless, of course, they can’t actually find a solution. I’ll bet they are still selling these cars to unsuspecting customers!

Couldn’t agree with you more. I am struggling to extract any response from the so called Skoda Customer Support. If I had bought a washing machine with a known fault I would have quickly received either my money back or a fully functioning replacement. Not so when you spend thousands on a new car!!

I have the latest facelifted Octavia Estate. My fitters, Chester Towbars had to order in a different panel, rather than cutting the existing one. They gave me the original panel just in case I wanted to transfer the tow bar at a later stage. Works perfectly, it’s a Westfalia detachable. The only issue is that the Infotainment system couldn’t be programmed to show up when reversing. Instead I get a small speaker logo coming up.

It’s good to know that I am not alone with this problem. What is more surprising is that there are no other reports. You would imagine that this must be a problem for all facelift MY2024 Octavia 4 cars. I have contacted Skoda Customer Services for a solution to the problem. This has up to now proved to be a complete waste of time.

Thanks for the update. I have raised a case with Skoda Customer support, as suggested by my dealer. Hopefully the matter can resolved quickly. Really not happy with buying a brand new car, with a known starting issue. What’s worse is that Skoda know about the problem but have not told owners about it.

Had my car in for diagnostic testing of start failure. Told that it’s a known software issue with the alternator and Skoda expect to provide a fix in the first quarter 2025. Not happy with this. If they knew there was an existing issue they should have notified me. Basically left with a new car that might or might not start!

I must video the issue when it happens again. At least there would be some evidence of something not being right. Shouldn’t be happening to a brand new car.

Certainly happened when in damp conditions but there have been many occasions when it started also in damp conditions. It is a July build facelift Octavia SEL mhev estate.

I have a new September Octavia 1.5 mhev. It has failed to start on four occasions. Eventually it does start after leaving for a while. I’m booked in for a diagnostic check on Monday. I doubt they’ll find anything wrong unfortunately. Extremely irritating though and could be real pain in some situations!

No idea where they sourced it but arrived next day. I paid £825 for the complete job, expensive I know but I’ve used them before and with a brand new car I didn’t want anything but a good job done. I have kept the original panel in case when I sell, the Towbar not wanted.

I had a Westfalia detachable Towbar fitted to my 2024 September SEL estate by Chester Towbars. They did have to order a new panel to replace the existing one but have fitted it perfectly. They did struggle with the coding which does not show the rear image when attached to bike rack. All the sensors still work including to my surprise the boot opening foot under the bumper trick!

Yes I do drive a right hand car and key in right pocket! Thanks for this. I’ll move the key to the centre console and see if it solves the issue.

I have a new Octavia SEL mhev 1.5. On two occasions I have unlocked the car with Kessy and failed to start the engine on pressing the start button. Isn’t it the case that as the system has recognised the key to unlock the car that it should also be able to start the car?