Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some technical insight regarding a hardware replacement and software update on my 2021 Octavia Mk4 (MQB-evo).

My car is currently on SW 1803 and the infotainment has the classic "ghost touch" issues. The dealer has agreed to replace the display/tablet unit itself under insurance. However, they’ve presented me with a very concerning condition.

They claim that:

1. The new display requires the car to be updated to the latest software version (1989).

2. Because it's a massive jump from 1803, there is a "real risk" that the update process could fail and brick other unrelated modules in the car—specifically the Engine ECU, the Comfort Module (BCM), or even the Steering Rack.

The catch: They want me to sign a liability waiver stating that if any other module dies during the update process, I have to assume all financial responsibility.

I understand that the MQB-evo architecture is highly integrated, but has anyone ever heard of a screen replacement and infotainment update causing terminal "collateral damage" to the Engine or Steering ECUs? This sounds like extreme dealer paranoia (or incompetence), but I wanted to check if there is any documented precedent for this on the Mk4.

I'm hesitant to sign away liability for a warranty-related hardware fix. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Had my screen replaced because it kept rebooting after OTA update. Running 1989 and all good but replaced under warranty on 2023 Mk4

Thanks! It is absurd to me that they want me to sign a waver.

I was curios if, you were also told that other modules might brick during update.

Thanks!

I call it a total BS and fraud.

But even if that somehow was the case, they have to do work. It is not your problem what risks or extra works are associated with what they must do. They have to figure it with manufacturer, not the customer.

I 100% agree. But apparently, from my reaserch and from asking this from different authorised Skoda service providers, this is common practice. Skoda doesn't cover potential damage unless it is has pre approved kulanz. They only cover you if you are in the producer waranty period.

Even at the OTA updates, the last line it says "Skoda AS and partners doesn't cover potential damage resulting from this".

So yeah... so much for customer service or for customer respect.

No I was told nothing but then like I said it is under warranty so if they had messed it up then they would have to sort it out but luckily it went ok and is now working properly

1 hour ago, Disconnect92 said:

Thanks! It is absurd to me that they want me to sign a waver.

I was curios if, you were also told that other modules might brick during update.

Thanks!

The dealer should know, or at least be able to speak to tech support who DEFINITELY should know, that the infotainment updates need to be done in certain stages. As a mere owner, who successfully updated my own software thanks to some fantastic guides on here, I know that, so how don't they?

When I bought my car, the infotainment was on version 1896. I spoke to another member here, who had a good reputation and apparently worked for VAG tech at some point, and he told me it was safe to go from 1896 straight to 1985, which I did.

But people with older versions were having to update to 1896 first. Tell your dealer to shove their waiver up their arse, then tell them to update your software from 1803 to 1896, then from 1896 to 1989