In response to a suggestion by @Oli3000 here's a list of the issues I have experienced with my early build (registers Sept 2020) Mk4 SE L First Edition estate. I have listed the ones that I am aware that others have also experienced, and I am aware that other early models had problems I haven't (mainly 'cos my car doesn't have some options/features). Many of these have been the subject of much debate in one of more threads of this forum, details will be found in there by using the search function.

I have NOT included the Infotainment Reboot issue as it is common to later build cars too, albeit fixed with software updates.

 

If you too have an early build SE L First Edition please add any recurrent/common SEL FE issues that I have missed.

 

KPH/MPH

Speedometer could not display KPH. Selection made in settings but no change to display and not saved.

SatNav could not display miles. Selection made in settings but no change to display and not saved.

 

Eventually a solution was developed, in my case a change of Virtual Cockpit (VC) hardware and software updates. To my knowledge not all cases need a VC change; the original in my car did not have a clock at top centre, the replacement does.

 

The speedometer being unable to display KPH is in contravention of UK regulations.

 

Adaptive Cruise Control

In general worked OK, except it would intermittently, yet often, prevent overtaking in stead of undertaking. Basically the car thought it was in driving on the right side of the road, not left; it worked absolutely fine in mainland Europe.

 

Fixed through software updates.

Note however, that the Owner Manual warns of occasions when the ACC can be confused, I’ve noticed it several times on long right hand bends - the car sees a vehicle in the nearside lane and prevents overtaking. Easily overcome by a tap go the accelerator pedal.

 

SOS errors and false calls

Several issues around this; in my case I’d get a loud ‘pop pop’ sound followed by a corruption of any [built in] SatNav directions active at the time and an alert to say an SOS call was placed - when it wasn’t!

 

After several diagnostics visits and software updates the SOS module was replaced and it’s been fine since.

 

‘Favourites’

Initially neither SatNav nor Radio favourites were saved.

 

Fixed through software updates.

 

Auto-reconnect CarPlay

For many months CarPlay would not automatically reconnect to my iPhone.

 

Fixed through one of the many software updates

 

Škoda Connect App

Early build Mk4 cars don’t have full functionality.

• Cannot create a route in the phone App and send it to the car
• Cannot remotely Lock & Unlock the car, but can see if it is locked and windows closed.

 

Fuel & Temperature Gauges Flickering

Intermittent flickering of both gauges regardless of whether headlights are on or not.

 

Fixed through software update.

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to compile this - I'm sure it will be very useful for other SEL First Edition owners.

Amazing! This is incredibly helpful! Thank you so much.

 

I have (and love) ACC on the Leon. Could not by a motorway car without it. It has always intermittently done similar things to what you describe, although perhaps not as frequently. I am very used to a bit of throttle blip to get it to behave as I want! Some of the other bits do sound like they have been very painful though. Pleased to have a guide to follow; thanks!

Edited 10 January, 20242 yr by Oli3000

Worth adding, with regards to the SOS unit and the pop pop noise.  Prior to them applying the SOS module Firmware update in my car (no hardware replacement) this happened virtually every journey.  Afterwards it was sorted and I hadn't heard the pop pop for something like 7 weeks of driving, including a couple 500 mile round trips.  Oddly, in the last 10 days had the pop pop twice, quick message regarding SOS unit flashes up on the virtual cockpit but then everything fine.  SOS module doesn't completely crash like before and stays online, no detrimental effects to user experience.

Couple of thoughts, one theory was that the SOS module "hiccupped" as it switched between 3G / 4G signal leading to the whole unit crashing.  There is possibly something in that as I did notice on my commute it would often happen around the same spot and, when speaking with the Master Technician as the Dealership he commented that they always drove cars on a certain road nearby to replicate the problem.  Second thought, why am I not worried?  It's only happened twice since updates and nothing untoward happened which makes me wonder if the firmware update was to ensure the unit didn't crash when it switched signals - basically gave it some stability when it interacted with the main Infotainment unit?  Also, 3G is basically being retired this year by most networks so possibly it will naturally become irrelevant?

Fingers crossed it all stays stable.

Edited 10 January, 20242 yr by spcdust

Climate Control SYNC feature

The climate control SYNC feature would only remain active while the car was running. If the car was switched off and on again, SYNC would no longer be displayed on the left temperature indicator. A workaround was to use the left climate control and it would also update the right side as well. However, if the right temperature control was used, then the sync was broken, and the controls would be working independently, and SYNC would need to be re-established from the settings screen.

 

I eventually managed to get an update to the climate control unit to fix the issue from the dealer, but I do not believe this has been pushed out OTA to other affected users. My dealer would also not provide me with further information on the fix to share on this forum.

 

Matrix Lights

I had two issues with the Matrix lights dazzling oncoming drivers. On my first visit to the dealer I was informed the matrix system was set-up for a left hand drive car, and they had changed it right-hand drive. However, the issue persisted. Re-calibration of the camera at a VW dealer was required to resolve fully.

 

Bluetooth

In addition to CarPlay not auto-connecting, I also had issues in general with Bluetooth not automatically re-connecting. Several times a week I had to manually select my phone in the Bluetooth settings screen. A software update resolved this issue.

 

I also had issues with Adaptive Cruise Control, SOS errors, Auto-reconnect CarPlay which were resolved. The Skoda Connect App is also not fully functional in the same manner mentioned by @SteveTheElder. I was told by the dealer the app would be fully functional if I had my identify 'verified' by a Skoda dealer, but even getting that done didn't change any functionality within the app.

 

Edited 10 January, 20242 yr by JamesK
Added additional issues

1 hour ago, JamesK said:

 I was told by the dealer the app would be fully functional if I had my identify 'verified' by a Skoda dealer, but even getting that done didn't change any functionality within the app.

 

My identity is fully verified but apparently my car is unable to be remotely locked via App - confirmed by Skoda.  Not the end of the World as I can check it's locked status but odd that I can Honk the Horn and Flash the lights remotely - a function everyone needs in their life.

Edited 10 January, 20242 yr by spcdust

Looks like people focus on software a lot, since all the issues listed above are software related.

Id' like to point out that hardware may very well fail, too. On my 11.2020 iV I have squeaking brake pads, both front left and back left shock absorbers died at around 40,000km, some guides in the trunk door were changed to resolve rattle issue. Issues with brakes with unidentified cause, but may be well related to ABS sensors. Electric motor whistles a lot sometimes, though Skoda doesn't want to admit it is an issue. Something rattles when the engine is cold and idling. Perhaps something else I already forgot about... anyway, my point is, better to have ok warranty if taking one of those early cars, and definitely it is a must to verify if all service campaigns were done and all firmwares were updated, too. Otherwise, you may get a bunch of other issues, like comms module failing, 12V battery draining during the night and stuff like that.

Hello fellow SEL First Edition owners.

Sorry for the late reply.

What infotainment software are you running? I’m on 1810 with no OTA updates available. Wondered if the First Edition is held back or if in missing something from dealer…

Thanks in advance.

I’m on 1941, but this had to be applied by the dealer. I understood that infotainment updates wouldn’t download OTA until you were at 1941. However, since being on 1941 I’ve not had 1969 or 1985 pushed OTA. I’ve only seen a couple of people on the forum with earlier cars report that their infotainment has done a larger update OTA.

There are instructions on the forum if you wanted to update the infotainment yourself to a later version. But it’s up to you whether you are confident doing it and accepting any risk.

I’ve not bothered as 1941 is stable and works well.

Thanks James, that’s really helpful to know that mine is likely capable of being updated at least.

I did some searching on the forum and found that you can update in stages, though a few members suggested the first one might be best done by the dealer. I’ll see what they say about it!

I’ve just purchased the car and I’m a little surprised it hasn’t seen any other updates dispute having various services under a care plan!

My experience is that most dealers are not proactive with software updates. I can’t remember if there’s a TPI out there which will force them to upgrade the infotainment. But if you can find one and show dealer the symptoms that will force their hand to do it.

11 hours ago, DanH123 said:

Thanks James, that’s really helpful to know that mine is likely capable of being updated at least.

I did some searching on the forum and found that you can update in stages, though a few members suggested the first one might be best done by the dealer. I’ll see what they say about it!

I’ve just purchased the car and I’m a little surprised it hasn’t seen any other updates dispute having various services under a care plan!

If you purchased it as an approved Skoda used car then all software updates should have been applied. Insist the dealer does this and point him to the Skoda used car advertising. I had to do this with my 2021 car to get an update to 1941. Since then it has updated to 1985 OTA.

Similarly mine is on 1941 which has proven stable so not pursuing an update. No OTA update other than individual apps, maps and manuals. Given that my early SEL FE can’t accept route information from the app to the car I’m guessing that later cars have more capable hardware and thus able to receive larger system updates such as 1969 & 1985.

@DanH123 if you bought your car from a Škoda dealer as an Approved Used vehicle that all available updates should have been applied.

1 hour ago, SteveTheElder said:

Similarly mine is on 1941 which has proven stable so not pursuing an update. No OTA update other than individual apps, maps and manuals. Given that my early SEL FE can’t accept route information from the app to the car I’m guessing that later cars have more capable hardware and thus able to receive larger system updates such as 1969 & 1985.

@DanH123 if you bought your car from a Škoda dealer as an Approved Used vehicle that all available updates should have been applied.

The dealers rarely do any updates even though it’s part of the Skoda Approved pledge. Also, even less likely they would do any module firmware updates that may be required as they are not proactive in that respect.

6 hours ago, spcdust said:

The dealers rarely do any updates even though it’s part of the Skoda Approved pledge. Also, even less likely they would do any module firmware updates that may be required as they are not proactive in that respect.

Then we, as the customer, must hold them to their pledge.

Hi all,

Back with an update... After two months of back and forth with Skoda Customer Services, they agreed to pay for the upgrade of the infotainment system as a gesture of goodwill.

However, after booking in with Marshalls (Oxford) I'm told that, whilst an update has come available for my vehicle (Octavia SEL First Edition), it's not necessary to get it (???). This is on the basis that there is a "50/50 chance that getting this update will effect the control unit and infotainment system".

At this stage, both Skoda and Marshalls will proceed but have pushed liability of infotainment replacement onto me, in the event damage occurs.

Anyone else had this issue? Seems like a cop-out to me... The service manager at Marshalls Oxford has been entirely unhelpful and initially insisted that the vehicle didn't have an upgrade available, until I requested that they look into it... Skoda Customer Services have been even worse, insisting that they arent able to advise at all what the latest infotainment package should be!

Seems like a ridiculous scenario. Skoda release an update for my vehicle, but Marshalls wont apply it?

Any advice, should I just settle for the current software package?

Thanks in advance.

Edited 21 May, 20251 yr by DanH123

@DanH123 That is a complete cop-out on their part. I'm really not sure why Skoda and Marshall are trying to push the liability for bricking the infotainment onto you personally. The update to 1941/1969/1985 is absolutely required to fix many software issues in the infotainment system. The 50/50 comment is madness. It will 100% have an effect on the infotainment system as it will be upgrading the software and eliminating software faults.

I'd recommend giving Marshall Letchworth a call, and ask for their lead technician Mick to look at it. He was the person that sorted all of the issues with infotainment, climate control sync, SOS popping, etc etc on my car. The only thing they may have a concern about is the liability issue. I'm not sure why Skoda would be arguing over this.

I know Marshall have told me in the past that they cannot perform software upgrades unless authorised to do so by Skoda Technical. Apparently if they did an "unauthorised" update, and it failed, liability to fix/replace would be down to them.

If the Skoda system is now showing an update as being available for your car, then the liability if it goes wrong will be with Skoda.

Edited 21 May, 20251 yr by JamesK

Thanks James. Helpful to hear your comments, and that they align with my own thoughts!

If there's an update available for my vehicle, it's surely Skoda's responsibility too see that it is updated safely as per their software release.

I've pushed back on the liability issue and have sought to escalate the matter.

I'll report back when I hear. Customer Services usually takes around a week to respond to each email... 🙄

7 minutes ago, DanH123 said:

I'll report back when I hear. Customer Services usually takes around a week to respond to each email... 🙄

Customer Services and the "Executive Office" really don't do much. All they seem to do is call the dealer and hassle them for updates. So, if the dealer is being economical with the truth, they won't know that, as they don't have any deep understanding of the issues. There's no internal discussion at Skoda UK. The only benefit I, and the my dealer found through dealing with the Executive Office is that it got the dealer priority access to Skoda Technical.

I really don't understand why this is such an issue as I think most people on this forum were updated by their dealers to 1941 without all this hassle. Have you got another dealer you can try? Citygate Skoda are my next closest dealer and they were pretty good too.

1 minute ago, DanH123 said:

Thanks James. Helpful to hear your comments, and that they align with my own thoughts!

If there's an update available for my vehicle, it's surely Skoda's responsibility too see that it is updated safely as per their software release.

I've pushed back on the liability issue and have sought to escalate the matter.

I'll report back when I hear. Customer Services usually takes around a week to respond to each email... 🙄

When I had “discussions” with Skoda, I escalated it to the UK CEO / Executive Office. That way, an individual, further up the food chain, takes sole responsibility for your issue and has more authority, although you still have to push hard, and they still seem to forget what you discussed previously.

As James said, what they are saying sounds like rubbish. However, I would add that just updating the infotainment system may not fix all issues - it often requires other individual modules to have firmware updates applied. This is where it gets trickier as Skoda does not proactively apply module updates to vehicles, in my experience, you have to report a specific issue and then more or less guide them to a specific solution - "you need to update X module with Y update"

I have a First Edition 1.5TSI Estate, and when I purchased it in 2023 had to get several module updates applied to resolve issues - the Telematics module is a prime example if you get SOS issues or the Sat Nav does weird stuff prior to the whole Infotainment system crashing. As far as Infotainment updates go, I have just downloaded and updated mine via USB for the last couple.

Edited 21 May, 20251 yr by spcdust

@JamesK You're right, the Executive Office is truly useless - that's who I'm dealing with currently. When I tried to get them to refer to their technical team, they came back and said that the Technical Team couldn't advise on the infotainment version for my vehicle and whether it was due an update!

I can explore another dealer, but as Skoda are paying for the update, I also need them to confirm that they will be liable for any issues with bricking etc.

Marshalls will apply the update, but have stated that they will not be liable for any bricking or issues associated with the update. Skoda Exec Office have mirrored Marshalls stance, which is idiotic as it's their infotainment update.

@spcdust Thanks for your note. I'm guessing that's why Marshalls doesn't want to apply it, because it may require investigation to understand whether any other modules need updating...

Just to add and to provide some hope, once you get all your ducks in a row in terms of module firmware updates and Infotainment updated, it all works very well.

Edited 21 May, 20251 yr by spcdust

45 minutes ago, DanH123 said:

@JamesK You're right, the Executive Office is truly useless - that's who I'm dealing with currently. When I tried to get them to refer to their technical team, they came back and said that the Technical Team couldn't advise on the infotainment version for my vehicle and whether it was due an update!

I can explore another dealer, but as Skoda are paying for the update, I also need them to confirm that they will be liable for any issues with bricking etc.

Marshalls will apply the update, but have stated that they will not be liable for any bricking or issues associated with the update. Skoda Exec Office have mirrored Marshalls stance, which is idiotic as it's their infotainment update.

@spcdust Thanks for your note. I'm guessing that's why Marshalls doesn't want to apply it, because it may require investigation to understand whether any other modules need updating...

@DanH123 I suspect the Executive Office are saying this because this is what the dealer has reported back to them. They have no internal line of communication with the Skoda UK technical department to validate what the dealer is reporting. Similar thing with regards to the liability - they are repeating what the dealer is telling them.

As @spcdust said you may have multiple modules that need to be updated in order to get the car 100% correct. Mine had infotainment, telematics, climate control, virtual cockpit. But it was a battle getting there. I was without the car for over 4 weeks as Skoda wanted it back to properly understand the issues with early vehicles. It's clear whatever they learned has not been proactively applied to other early cars. My infotainment is still on 1941 and has never downloaded any OTA updates, and I suspect it never will. However, for me 1941 is bug free (for my use) and I'm not inclined to push it with the dealer, or apply it myself!

If the Skoda "system" is now showing the updates for your car then there should be no issue around liability. My understanding of the liability concerns is if a Skoda dealer applied an update not mandated by the system or Skoda Technical, and it went wrong, it would be down to the dealer to sort out, and pay for.

I really would be inclined to try another dealer and hope they are more competent. I've had good experience with Marshall Letchworth and many of the Citygate dealers. A competent service department should've seen these issues many times and now how to resolve them.