Hi - apologies for the long post but bear with me...

I bought my 2019 1.5 TSI auto in April 25 with 42k on the clock. Its mint and I love it. I took out the All in One cover immediately.

In late June I did a long drive of 180 miles and all was fine until I stopped on the driveway at home and the dreaded gearbox error message of 'Gearbox in Emergency Mode - no reverse gear' appeared. On checking, there was indeed no reverse.  I turned the car off and back on and the message went away and I had reverse gear again. 

I immediately contacted Skoda who booked me in for a diagnostic in early August!!!  They would not see me any earlier despite telling them I had All in One cover.

I booked it in and carried on using the car. It appeared to be 100% again and I used it daily, including long distances, without issue. 

Just before my booked appointment I was contacted by Skoda to ask if I still wanted the booking. They reminded me I would be charged around £180.00 if no fault was found. I asked them if the fault code triggered by the gearbox would have been held in the cars memory for the approx 8 weeks I had waited - After the receptionist checked with a technician I got the response "Maybe, maybe not - it depends on the car - it could have just been an odd blip with a sensor" 

It was then suggested to me that it might be worth cancelling the appointment and waiting to see if the fault re-occurred. I was also advised to photograph or video record the error message as proof should it happen again.

All was great until today - the error message occurred again - this time whilst driving in heavy traffic on the M40. It was evident the gearbox had lost the even gears as so frequently described. Gear changes were very jolty and occasionally a false neutral would occur and the engine would rev its nuts off for a second or two followed by a massive jolt as it found a gear..

My passenger took photos and video of the dashboard showing the gears skipping the even gears and also photographed the vehicle status screen on the infotainment  - so I certainly have the proof this time that there was a fault. 

Glad I got the evidence as when I turned the car off and on again, the fault cleared again and the car drives ok once again. 

Now....I don't want to risk a repeat because it was not safe to be on the motorway like this and I know from reading up on these 'boxes that it is only going to get worse -  so my question to you knowledgeable folks is.....

How on earth can I get Skoda to act on this in a prompt manner - I simply cannot wait another 2 months for a booking for a diagnostic check!!

Do I simply get the vehicle recovered under the All in One and get towed to my local dealership?  I'm concerned that the recovery folks wont do this without an active fault code as they will be called out to a car that appears to be running absolutely fine.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Get the car in. The £180 diagnostic is a small expense compared to failure.

Nit that you should be needing to pay that?

Is your Kodiak FWD only, no Haldex (AWD)

Hi - Yes FWD.

I'm looking for advice on getting Skoda to look at it quicker than in 2 months time - sorry I didnt make this clear 🙃..

I've got recovery under the All in One - but will the Skoda recovery folks recover a vehicle that isnt showing a fault code any longer, and appears to run and drive normally, given I have evidence of a fault?

Edited 5 September, 20255 Sep by JezHarris

You are looking at an Approved Repairer to look at it. They might be a Skoda Dealership But they are not Skoda.

Get onto the Warranty Provider. Have you only one Skoda Dealership near you?

I've got 4 within about an hour.

My preferred one is Johnsons near Redditch as its 10 mins away. Its listed as an approved repairer..

I would pick a convenient place for you and just invoke the warranty and explain the faults exactly as they were were last time happened. There will be plenty of codes in the controller for the auto box recorded and saved. What appears on your dash is irrelevant to them other than a basic start. It is quite normal for dash warnings to disappear on a switch off/restart so whether it is there at the time or not is not a big thing. The Skoda recovery guy will probably already know about your problem if it is common and he is a clued up guy even if he isn't at liberty to tell you much about it.

This tiny white lie pales into insignificance against the car losing power/selecting neutral or anything else you don't want to happen on a motorway.

Edited 5 September, 20255 Sep by Rheumy

This is worth a try, but aren't the DTCs date-stamped?

Clearly the vehicle is not fit to be in continued use as it stands.

As far as I can make out not all controllers 'know' the time and date and even if they do they will record the time, date and mileage of the first event of that code and simply add 1 each time to the frequency counter thereafter rather than update the time/date mileage.

I think Jez has a genuine case and he should be clear with the warranty company on the phone that he no longer feels safe driving the car. When the recovery guy arrives ask him for a copy of any codes. He can only say no but usually the dedicated VW/Skoda guys are quite knowledgeable and helpful.

Well - -

I had the car recovered to Johnson's Skoda in Redditch - an authorized repairer.

The car was recovered by the AA via the warranty provider. The technician was really helpful and confirmed there is a failed clutch pack shown as a fault in the OBD system. - took him about 5 mins.

I've just had a call from Johnson's Skoda - they will not even look at it until 24th September as it requires investigation by a Master Technician...This will just be plugging in a diagnostic tool as they have warned it will be around £160.00 if nothing is found - Is this something only a Master Tech is able to do? Am I again at risk of the code disappearing as I was warned last time I had it booked in?

Seems a bit poor in my opinion!!

Here's hoping a cancellation moves me up the list a little bit...

15 minutes ago, JezHarris said:

Well - -

I had the car recovered to Johnson's Skoda in Redditch - an authorized repairer.

The car was recovered by the AA via the warranty provider. The technician was really helpful and confirmed there is a failed clutch pack shown as a fault in the OBD system. - took him about 5 mins.

I've just had a call from Johnson's Skoda - they will not even look at it until 24th September as it requires investigation by a Master Technician...This will just be plugging in a diagnostic tool as they have warned it will be around £160.00 if nothing is found - Is this something only a Master Tech is able to do? Am I again at risk of the code disappearing as I was warned last time I had it booked in?

Seems a bit poor in my opinion!!

Here's hoping a cancellation moves me up the list a little bit...

Have they arranged or offered a loan vehicle?

I would not have thought that it required a master tech to read the DTC! - The recovery Tech clearly could.

Courtesy car is only provided for 2 days maximum under the warranty.

The really annoying part of all of this is that I followed Skoda's advice to the 'T'. The last time the warning happened and the car was booked in they advised me the codes might not have remained and I could be wasting £160/£180 - and the best course of action was to cancel the appointment, continue using the car until the fault re-appeared, and then have the car recovered whereupon it would be seen rather than booking it in again as a diagnostic.

I've done this and I'm still left with a booking for a diagnostic and I'm still left wondering if the codes will remain because I was told retention of codes was not guaranteed.

Given that the dealer cannot address what is a serious fault within a reasonable time, is there a provision for reimbursement for the cost of a hire car?

?

Is that it. ALL IN ONE WARRANTY & only 2 days Courtesy car?

Rather crap compared to past Skoda / VW Approved warranties.

Edited 8 September, 20258 Sep by Ootohere

?

Who said only 2 days? Was it a Dealership Employee?

skoda-allin-warranty-terms-and-conditions.pdf

If it had codes for a failed clutch pack they will still be there until someone clears them even if they are marked 'Intermittent'. I understand that they can't work for nothing but a diagnostic fee of say, £75 would be plenty for what is a few minutes work. You can bet that a Skoda salesperson isn't going tell you any of this could happen!

I've only ever bought two new cars. A Nissan in 1984 which I kept going for 25 years (almost every part was original) and a VW Transporter I bought in 2004 which is still going at 22 years old. It's still capable of towing a 1 ton caravan 4000 miles over the Pyrenees to Spain and back in 37 degree heat. I thought the dealers (for both new cars) were pretty useless at the time but it seems they have got worse! I do all my own work so I don't really care but if I am forced to part with my (Euro 4) diesel van I won't be buying a new car/van especially now the manufacturers are gradually 'sowing up' the repairs by using component protection on many parts which has to be removed via a live connection to Skoda HQ. All in the interests of 'security' of course. I understand the need sowing up key programming but the crooks don't seem to have much bother getting around it!

It might be worth having a moan to Skoda UK Customer Services. They can sometimes speak to the dealer and get you moved up the queue.

It sounds more like an aftermarket warranty to me.

Edited 8 September, 20258 Sep by Rheumy

37 minutes ago, Rheumy said:

It might be worth having a moan to Skoda UK Customer Services. They can sometimes speak to the dealer and get you moved up the queue.

It sounds more like an aftermarket warranty to me.

Its the Skoda

1 hour ago, Ootohere said:

?

Who said only 2 days? Was it a Dealership Employee?

skoda-allin-warranty-terms-and-conditions.pdf

Thank you for the info on the Hire Car - I read my Roadside Recovery document which states 2 days - clearly the document you have provided doesn't state a limit as it relates to the repair element?.

I spoke to the receptionist on the service desk who originally called me and I got told this...

"Yes- you could have had a car and its not limited to our knowledge - but because you said 'no' originally we cannot change this." I pointed out that when I was offered the courtesy car I stated that it was pointless if it was only for 2 days - I suggested to them that they should have pointed error my error and clarified the position.

I was then told it was irrelevant as I would have needed to book a courtesy car as they are limited...Err - how are you supposed to know when you are going to suffer a breakdown????

I was simply told "there is an Enterprise rental site over the road from the dealership - contact them yourselves.

I asked to speak to the Service Manger - apparently he is on holiday this week so I was offered the Garage Manager instead but I was told by the receptionist he wouldn't be able to offer me either resolution about a courtesy car nor an earlier appointment for the gearbox investigation - seemed a bit pointless!

I have therefore opened a case with the Customer Service Dept at Skoda UK - who incidentally couldn't find my vehicle on any computer system despite me having had the car serviced by them and despite Skoda Uk sending me emails, letters, service reminders, offers on new cars etc..

It seems its never been updated by the dealership despite 2 changes of ownership who have all had the servicing carried out by the same place (I have the paperwork)

It was clear that Customer Sevices couldnt quite believe the poor service - lets see where this goes..Fingers crossed.

9 minutes ago, JezHarris said:

Its the Skoda

Thank you for the info on the Hire Car - I read my Roadside Recovery document which states 2 days - clearly the document you have provided doesn't state a limit as it relates to the repair element?.

I spoke to the receptionist on the service desk who originally called me and I got told this...

"Yes- you could have had a car and its not limited to our knowledge - but because you said 'no' originally we cannot change this." I pointed out that when I was offered the courtesy car I stated that it was pointless if it was only for 2 days - I suggested to them that they should have pointed error my error and clarified the position.

I was then told it was irrelevant as I would have needed to book a courtesy car as they are limited...Err - how are you supposed to know when you are going to suffer a breakdown????

I was simply told "there is an Enterprise rental site over the road from the dealership - contact them yourselves.

I asked to speak to the Service Manger - apparently he is on holiday this week so I was offered the Garage Manager instead but I was told by the receptionist he wouldn't be able to offer me either resolution about a courtesy car nor an earlier appointment for the gearbox investigation - seemed a bit pointless!

I have therefore opened a case with the Customer Service Dept at Skoda UK - who incidentally couldn't find my vehicle on any computer system despite me having had the car serviced by them and despite Skoda Uk sending me emails, letters, service reminders, offers on new cars etc..

It seems its never been updated by the dealership despite 2 changes of ownership who have all had the servicing carried out by the same place (I have the paperwork)

It was clear that Customer Sevices couldnt quite believe the poor service - lets see where this goes..Fingers crossed.

Jeez, what a pile of manure!

Here's hoping that Skoda UK get on the case and get this sorted ASAP.

Skoda UK / Skoda Assist can arrange the Hire Car. As should the Dealership.

They get to be an Approved Franchised dealership because of this ability.

Skoda UK own Pre Reg Demonstrators sitting actually being used by Staff to get them to 3,000 miles / 3 months old for the tax breaks.

They are taking the pith totally.

Forget SERVICE MANAGERS, they train the Service Staff. Talk to the DEALER PRINCIPAL.

The Organ Grinder not the monkeys.

Receptionists are Gate Keepers, doing a job. Tell the Dealer Principal the good job the did for Him / Her,

but not for you.

???

Are you talking with Skoda Customer Services & part of the Executive team, or are you not past this crowd?

Edited 8 September, 20258 Sep by Ootohere

Just to update this -

Johnson's Skoda Redditch have now looked at fault and have unsurprisingly diagnosed a fault with the Mechatronics unit in the gearbox - it needs replacing.

However I have just received an email which contains this -

"After investigating the issue, they’ve determined that your vehicle needs a mechatronic unit. It’s still unclear whether this part is covered under your warranty, and they are waiting for confirmation."

Surely given all of the mechatronic failures replaced under the All In warranty this is a given??? The gearbox oil was replaced at 37,000 3 years ago by Skoda - its only done 12,000 miles since then. Its up to date with all servicing with everything carried out by Skoda.

They have confirmed they are also going to offer a courtesy car - I am awaiting contact from them in the next 48hrs..

Weirdly though, this has thrown up a real issue because of the car having changed hands in its 6 years on the planet..

Skoda Servicing recognise the vehicle as belonging to me because I have had it serviced there - its in my name and is on the new private reg plate I purchased. BUT -

Skoda UK Customer services have been reluctant to deal with me and open a complaint because according to their computer systems, the vehicle is still owned by a former owner..

Skoda Customer Services wont update their records on my say so.

Skoda Servicing use their own computer system and they cannot change it.

The All In warranty system and the Roadside Assist recognise my ownership...

So, in other words - everyone at Skoda recognises I own the vehicle apart from Skoda's Customer Services who wont and who wont accept either me telling them or one of their dealership's telling them.. Its all so farcical.

Has anyone experienced NOT having the mechatronic unit covered by the All In warranty provided via Skoda?

Edited 10 September, 202510 Sep by JezHarris

1 hour ago, JezHarris said:

Just to update this -

Johnson's Skoda Redditch have now looked at fault and have unsurprisingly diagnosed a fault with the Mechatronics unit in the gearbox - it needs replacing.

However I have just received an email which contains this -

"After investigating the issue, they’ve determined that your vehicle needs a mechatronic unit. It’s still unclear whether this part is covered under your warranty, and they are waiting for confirmation."

Surely given all of the mechatronic failures replaced under the All In warranty this is a given??? The gearbox oil was replaced at 37,000 3 years ago by Skoda - its only done 12,000 miles since then. Its up to date with all servicing with everything carried out by Skoda.

They have confirmed they are also going to offer a courtesy car - I am awaiting contact from them in the next 48hrs..

Weirdly though, this has thrown up a real issue because of the car having changed hands in its 6 years on the planet..

Skoda Servicing recognise the vehicle as belonging to me because I have had it serviced there - its in my name and is on the new private reg plate I purchased. BUT -

Skoda UK Customer services have been reluctant to deal with me and open a complaint because according to their computer systems, the vehicle is still owned by a former owner..

Skoda Customer Services wont update their records on my say so.

Skoda Servicing use their own computer system and they cannot change it.

The All In warranty system and the Roadside Assist recognise my ownership...

So, in other words - everyone at Skoda recognises I own the vehicle apart from Skoda's Customer Services who wont and who wont accept either me telling them or one of their dealership's telling them.. Its all so farcical.

Has anyone experienced NOT having the mechatronic unit covered by the All In warranty provided via Skoda?

At least there's some progress. I cannot see any way the mechatronic unit would be excluded from a comprehensive warranty.

Glad they are going to sort the courtesy car.

It sounds as if there's been a snafu in Skoda's records, hopefully that will be quickly sorted out.

?

Was there some issue at 37,000 miles that had a Main Dealer replace the oil?

It was a dealership that it was done at was it not, not SKODA. Just a franchised establishment.

skoda-allin-warranty-terms-and-conditions (1).pdf

Edited 10 September, 202510 Sep by Ootohere

13 hours ago, Ootohere said:

?

Was there some issue at 37,000 miles that had a Main Dealer replace the oil?

It was a dealership that it was done at was it not, not SKODA. Just a franchised establishment.

skoda-allin-warranty-terms-and-conditions (1).pdf

Hi - The previous owner had it done because he wanted it doing - he was an older gent who was clearly used to old school ways -

Every service, every extra oil/air/pollen/brake fluid/air con/gearbox oil change all carried out at franchise approved dealer..

@JezHarris Has the Dealership got their or their Dealership Groups Area Warranty Manager onto the case of your Warranty?

Has the Warranty Underwriter / providers Communications Manager or person that approves claims shown you where a Mechatronic Control Unit failure is in Exclusions with the warranty?