I have a 2024 Mk IV Superb L&K and have also experienced the random Proactive Occupant Protection System activations when towing only. The frequent tightening of the seatbelts is almost making the car unfit for towing.

I have tried deactivating various and all safety system but the problem persists. I have found driving in Sports mode helps somewhat (the manual says the car is expecting more vigorous driving) but it's not a cure.

The company who fitted the towbar 12 months ago was recommended by my Skoda dealer but they say they have not been able to obtain the necessary software update from Skoda to properly code the vehicle to recognise the towbar. This was not a problem with my MkIII superb.

I have this week contacted Skoda UK Customer Services to complain before reluctantly having to change to a non- Skoda towing vehicle. They have booked an appointment with my dealer to try and fix it but I'm not holding out much hope. However I am intrigued by John517's comment that he has recently had an aftermarket towbar fitted by his Skoda dealer and had a successful coding change to recognise the towbar. This is the first time I have heard that such a software update has been released by Skoda, so we will see if my dealer can apply it and if that solves the problem?

The Proactive Occupant Protection System seems to activate more frequently after driving for an hour or so and even when driving on a flat, straight road at moderate speed. This makes me suspect the issue is a software bug which Skoda haven't been able to fix rather the car genuinely responding to a dangerous driving condition.

8 hours ago, John_Bolton said:

I have a 2024 Mk IV Superb L&K and have also experienced the random Proactive Occupant Protection System activations when towing only. The frequent tightening of the seatbelts is almost making the car unfit for towing.

I have tried deactivating various and all safety system but the problem persists. I have found driving in Sports mode helps somewhat (the manual says the car is expecting more vigorous driving) but it's not a cure.

The company who fitted the towbar 12 months ago was recommended by my Skoda dealer but they say they have not been able to obtain the necessary software update from Skoda to properly code the vehicle to recognise the towbar. This was not a problem with my MkIII superb.

I have this week contacted Skoda UK Customer Services to complain before reluctantly having to change to a non- Skoda towing vehicle. They have booked an appointment with my dealer to try and fix it but I'm not holding out much hope. However I am intrigued by John517's comment that he has recently had an aftermarket towbar fitted by his Skoda dealer and had a successful coding change to recognise the towbar. This is the first time I have heard that such a software update has been released by Skoda, so we will see if my dealer can apply it and if that solves the problem?

The Proactive Occupant Protection System seems to activate more frequently after driving for an hour or so and even when driving on a flat, straight road at moderate speed. This makes me suspect the issue is a software bug which Skoda haven't been able to fix rather the car genuinely responding to a dangerous driving condition.

I agree with you, while it doesn't seem possible to predict when this kicks in, it certainly doesn't always seem to be when you are in "risky" situations, sometimes happening when you are driving straight, level, nothing near you.

I worked in IT for close to 40 years in various roles, and I know how tricky it can be to locate some bugs, particularly with software involving modules from various sources. You would have hoped however that given the resources the VW group must have at their disposal they should have been able to provide a better solution, although look at the number of software "enhancements" your iPhone gets and you can see VW aren't alone!!

On 22/03/2026 at 11:03, John_Bolton said:

I have a 2024 Mk IV Superb L&K and have also experienced the random Proactive Occupant Protection System activations when towing only. The frequent tightening of the seatbelts is almost making the car unfit for towing.

I have tried deactivating various and all safety system but the problem persists. I have found driving in Sports mode helps somewhat (the manual says the car is expecting more vigorous driving) but it's not a cure.

The company who fitted the towbar 12 months ago was recommended by my Skoda dealer but they say they have not been able to obtain the necessary software update from Skoda to properly code the vehicle to recognise the towbar. This was not a problem with my MkIII superb.

I have this week contacted Skoda UK Customer Services to complain before reluctantly having to change to a non- Skoda towing vehicle. They have booked an appointment with my dealer to try and fix it but I'm not holding out much hope. However I am intrigued by John517's comment that he has recently had an aftermarket towbar fitted by his Skoda dealer and had a successful coding change to recognise the towbar. This is the first time I have heard that such a software update has been released by Skoda, so we will see if my dealer can apply it and if that solves the problem?

The Proactive Occupant Protection System seems to activate more frequently after driving for an hour or so and even when driving on a flat, straight road at moderate speed. This makes me suspect the issue is a software bug which Skoda haven't been able to fix rather the car genuinely responding to a dangerous driving condition.

I have also contacted Skoda who sent instructions to the dealer..

Now home from the dealer who said the coding didn't work , car wouldn't accept it but to try switching off the lane assist.. and trying the caravan ... done that and the problem has not been resolved..

you may get used to seat belt tightening , but it's very uncomfortable . but having the four way flashers also switching on must be disconcerting, and maybe even dangerous for a following car ..

I have informed the dealer who said will contact Skoda customer care again.. and I have also emailed them ...

I don't hold out much hope..

Well done you for doing all this. The issues you describe are exactly the same as what I experience when I'm towing. Please keep posting any updates you have on pursuance of obtaining the necessary coding and rectifying the situation. And thanks. Stuartie.

Latest replay from Skoda Customer care .. we shall see what transpires >>>

Dear James

Thank you for your response and for clearly outlining your ongoing concerns. I do understand your position and appreciate that the matter cannot be considered resolved while you remain unable to tow without the Proactive Passenger Protection System activating, and I acknowledge your comments regarding the vehicle being unfit for purpose until this is addressed.

I would like to confirm that I have since contacted Chris at Bristo's Škoda Ipswich, as advised. Chris has confirmed that he is in direct contact with yourself regarding this matter. At present, he has advised that the vehicle has not yet been booked in for full diagnostics to investigate the towing concern.

Chris has also made me aware that he is currently liaising with his Parts Department for further assistance and guidance. Once the necessary arrangements have been made on their side, he has confirmed that he will be in touch with you directly to arrange a booking for the vehicle to be fully diagnosed.

At this stage, as the vehicle has not yet been booked in, there is unfortunately very little further assistance I am able to provide until diagnostic work has been carried out. However, once the vehicle has been seen by the retailer and further information is available, I will of course be in a position to review and support the matter further as needed.

Please rest assured I will remain available should you require any additional support once the next steps are confirmed.

Kind regards

 

Samantha Joseph Customer Relations Manager

T: 03330 037 504 E: [email protected]   Škoda UK Yeomans Drive Blakelands Milton Keynes

when I bought the car I asked about having a Skoda bar fitted but dealer didn't fit them and advised to go to an independent towbar company, which I did ..

now being told by Skoda that is the issue ..

in my view this is passing the buck and not addressing or acknowledging it's a Skoda software problem...

this is their latest email.. I have replied saying tell me where to go to have the electrics re done by Skoda..

If not resolved I will be seeking legal advice and speaking to the Motor Trade Ombudsman

Following your response, I have been in contact with the Service Department at Bristos Škoda Ipswich and spoke directly with Chris to establish what actions have been taken on their side. I was advised that the retailer has carried out the relevant instructions provided for coding Škoda-supplied tow bars; however, these instructions were not compatible with the aftermarket tow bar fitted to your vehicle.

Unfortunately, I was also informed that Škoda Technical Support is unable to provide further assistance in this instance, as the tow bar fitted is not a genuine approved Škoda part. As a result, the retailer is currently unable to progress repairs further at dealership level.

Given the above information and the ongoing nature of the concern, I would like to confirm that your case has now been escalated to our dedicated Customer Relations Management (CRM) Team for further review.

Update

According to my Skoda dealer, towbar kits and coding have been release by Skoda.

After a long discussion and wrangling, my car is going into the Skoda dealer's workshop for coding and if necessary, a Skoda wiring kit .

.

Do not have a price yet, I am trying to have it done FOC .. but whether it is free or not I must have it done ..

.-------------------------------

If anyones interested .. a Skoda towbar , mechanically folding one (that would be where you’d release it by hand to fold away and out), fully supplied and fitted, you are looking at £1879.62.

---

More bad news ...

Skoda will not , I repeat.. NOT supply just the wiring kit or the coding .. you MUST buy the complete towbar kit and have it fitted by the dealer.. thick end of £2k

Hi Scotjimland I've just recently discovered this. Infact, Skoda Customer Service said that they couldn't help me, because it was an aftermarket towbar.

I have also been informed that my only legal recourse, is against the aftermarket towbar installers. I could reject the towbar as not fit for purpose - Consumer Rights Act, statutory rights no. 10

I am still considering my next move.

42 minutes ago, JP39 said:

Hi Scotjimland I've just recently discovered this. Infact, Skoda Customer Service said that they couldn't help me, because it was an aftermarket towbar.

I have also been informed that my only legal recourse, is against the aftermarket towbar installers. I could reject the towbar as not fit for purpose - Consumer Rights Act, statutory rights no. 10

I am still considering my next move.

thats what I may have to do ...

only option now is to fork out for a Skoda bar.. I hope I can negotiate a reduction as it was the dealer who told me to have it fitted by Indespension

Interesting updates.

I'm about to enter into dialogue with my dealer over this and haven't given up on pinning responsibility on Skoda yet. It is clearly a fault with the car's software, not a problem with the 3rd party towbar itself or associated wiring. The car doesn't actually know which make of towbar is fitted and all trailer wiring sockets have a standard configuration. It's just Skoda not wanting to provide updated software free of charge!

Like others, I followed the advice of my Skoda dealer when using a 3rd party installer (being the only option available at the time) so Skoda can't deny any responsibility.

Does anyone know if the Skoda towbar and associated coding change actually SOLVES the Proactive Passenger Protection System problem we have all been encountering?? It's entirely possible the problem remains with Skoda's towbar.

I'm wondering what the motoring press will make of all this after showering tow car awards on Skoda for many years?

Shocking, but not surprising. When I was buying my L&K estate it had towbar preparation fitted and as skoda could not initially supply a skoda towbar, my skoda dealer was actively recommending a nearby independent towbar fitting service. I hung out for the genuine skoda towbar to be released (9 months i waited) but it wasn't forthcoming and in the end I was forced to have an independent, fit a quality detachable towbar. Perhaps it's time skoda took responsibility for this fiasco before someone's vehicle comes to a dead stop on a live carriageway for no reason. Not impressed with skoda right now.

Update

after some discussion and wrangling with the dealer , I have come to the end of the line.. and the only way forward was to have my Indespension bar removed and a Skoda bar and associated electrics and coding fitted by the them ..they were not able to do coding for a third party system .

dealer email ....

Quote:

to supply and fit the Skoda Approved towbar , which has become available to order in the last few weeks.

 The cost of the supply and fit is £1990 inc VAT .

 We would do this for you at £1600 Inc VAT

 Unquote

I could have gone down the legal route as I think they should have done more, but this could have ended up a long drawn out and perhaps expensive battle with no guarantee of winning against VAG ..

we are the small guys trying to beat a giant ,,

Edited 17 April17 Apr by Scotjimland

At last, a n offer from Skoda customer services that I've accepted ..

21 April 2026

Skoda Customer Services have a applied a "goodwill gesture' offering me £600 off the cost of a Skoda fitted towbar, coding and electrics.. .. the balance to pay is now £1390 ..

which in effect refunds me the cost of my third party towbar that will be removed ..

Thanks for that Scotjimland, Skoda Customer Service are in so much trouble.

Nice one scotjimland. It pays to be persistent. Well done you. SW

On 21/04/2026 at 13:47, Scotjimland said:

At last, a n offer from Skoda customer services that I've accepted ..

21 April 2026

Skoda Customer Services have a applied a "goodwill gesture' offering me £600 off the cost of a Skoda fitted towbar, coding and electrics.. .. the balance to pay is now £1390 ..

which in effect refunds me the cost of my third party towbar that will be removed ..

I am in the same boat. Aftermarket Tow bar fitted to a Mk4 with tow bar prep which isn't (and can't be coded). Seems pointless having a fancy car that becomes silly when towing a caravan. I'd be interested if your Skoda fitted tow bar solves all problems when towing your rig. Let us know and I might have to reluctantly get another tow fitted 😭

22 hours ago, FOSTER91 said:

I am in the same boat. Aftermarket Tow bar fitted to a Mk4 with tow bar prep which isn't (and can't be coded). Seems pointless having a fancy car that becomes silly when towing a caravan. I'd be interested if your Skoda fitted tow bar solves all problems when towing your rig. Let us know and I might have to reluctantly get another tow fitted 😭

will do.. still waiting for fitting date ..

Nowhere does it say in Skoda's literature that you must buy a Skoda towbar if you want to tow. I wouldn't have bought the car if that had been stated upfront. There wasn't a Skoda towbar available at the time anyway.

I'm not prepared to pay for the expensive Skoda towbar retrospectively, which hasn't in any case been proven to solve the problem to my knowledge? I would rather have the Protective Occupant Protection System deactivated altogether

Hi John.

I feel the same. Great towing reviews for the Superb. I find a second hand 2024 model with tow bar prep. Thinking I'll then get a Skoda tow bar fitted. Skoda say there isn't any tow bars available for about 12 months so I buy an aftermarket one for around £700. Great tow bar and electricals work fine but the fact it can't be coded to the car so I get all these warnings is frustrating. I was tempted to sell the car and buy a different one or an older model but I am reluctant as the car when not towing is great with loads of space inside.

It is a total joke but I can't see any way out of it. I'll have to contact Skoda and get a genuine one fitted for 2k. I was hoping to wait to see if Scotjimland confirms it actually fixes the issue but I might just have to take the plunge!

2 minutes ago, FOSTER91 said:

Hi John.

I feel the same. Great towing reviews for the Superb. I find a second hand 2024 model with tow bar prep. Thinking I'll then get a Skoda tow bar fitted. Skoda say there isn't any tow bars available for about 12 months so I buy an aftermarket one for around £700. Great tow bar and electricals work fine but the fact it can't be coded to the car so I get all these warnings is frustrating. I was tempted to sell the car and buy a different one or an older model but I am reluctant as the car when not towing is great with loads of space inside.

It is a total joke but I can't see any way out of it. I'll have to contact Skoda and get a genuine one fitted for 2k. I was hoping to wait to see if Scotjimland confirms it actually fixes the issue but I might just have to take the plunge!

having it fitted on this coming Monday , will report back as soon as I've road tested ..

Oh brilliant. From your last message I was thinking Skoda were going to take ages. If you can let you us how it goes with your caravan when you road test it that would be brilliant thank you 😊

12 minutes ago, FOSTER91 said:

Oh brilliant. From your last message I was thinking Skoda were going to take ages. If you can let you us how it goes with your caravan when you road test it that would be brilliant thank you 😊

I certainly will..

On 08/05/2026 at 07:22, FOSTER91 said:

Oh brilliant. From your last message I was thinking Skoda were going to take ages. If you can let you us how it goes with your caravan when you road test it that would be brilliant thank you 😊

I can now happily report that the Skoda OEM towbar works perfectly

I had a 15 mile drive this morning on local narrow twisting roads and it behaved immaculately ..

When you start the engine it alerts you that side lane assistance and rear protection has been switched off

It also corrects the speed limit alert down 10mph on 60mph roads ..

When you use the turn indicator it displays a small green light indicating that the caravan flasher is working ,.

It took the dealer four days to fit, why I don't know probably because there were very busy and it was a lot of work fitting .. and the coding took a long time

The reason the coding wont work with a third party module is it has to communicate with the Skoda towing module in the boot

It works by pressing a switch in the boot and it drops down, then a simply pull and it locks down .. same procedure when hiding it... flick the switch then a gently push up with your foot and it locks into place

To say we are highly delighted and also relived that we can now go on holiday in two weeks time ..

Final price , including the courtesy car was £1,300

Edited 15 May15 May by Scotjimland

Well done Scotjimland, and thanks for that summary on your new tow bars performance. Best of luck and I wish you many happy miles towing.