Recalls: Skoda 5J Roomster
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Skoda 5J Roomster
2014 model year Skoda 5J Roomster: Takata driver’s airbag recall
In July 2018, a recall was issued for 2014 model year Skoda 5J Roomster vehicles. In these vehicles, the Takata-supplied driver’s airbag contained propellant wafers that could degrade over time due to the absorption of moisture. If the vehicle was in a collision that triggered the airbag, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal airbag inflator housing to explode/rupture, such that metal fragments would be projected through the airbag material and into the cabin – these metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury or fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16909.
2013-14 model year Skoda 5J Roomster DSG: pressure accumulator crack and loss of power
In October 2019, recall campaign 35E1 was issued for 2013-14 model year Skoda 5J Roomster vehicles. Due to a production fault, a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator (within the mechatronics housing) could occur. If the pressure accumulator cracked, oil and pressure would be lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox. If this occurred, the transmission of engine power would be interrupted, similar to depressing the clutch in a vehicle with a manual transmission – this increased the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17887. AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the recalled vehicles had seven-speed DQ200 DSG transmissions.
Problems and faults: Skoda 5J Roomster
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Skoda 5J Roomster with 7sp DQ200 DSG: electrolysis and short circuit
In 2014, Skoda UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Skoda 5J Roomster vehicles that had seven-speed DQ200 DSG transmissions and were manufactured from 1 January 2010 to 1 June 2013. For these Skoda Roomster vehicles, sulphur in the synthetic oil and an inorganic heat stabiliser in the plastic parts of the mechatronic unit could cause metallic surfaces to suffer from electrolytic corrosion, particularly in conditions with high temperatures and humidity. Conducting particles could then settle between the circuit paths of the control unit and cause a short circuit and blow the gearbox fuse. If the fuse were to blow, the clutch would open and freewheel, resulting in a sudden and total loss of power to the wheels. Although other vehicle systems such as steering and braking would continue to function, the loss of power may pose a hazard to occupants and other road users. For affected vehicles, the synthetic gearbox oil was to be replaced with mineral oil. Furthermore, the affected Skoda Roomster vehicles had VINs in the range TMBKF75L9A6029773 to TMBKF75L6D6072407 (NCA/2014/015).
In Australia, two separate recalls were issued for Skoda models with seven-speed DQ200 DSGs: one for vehicles manufactured between November 2008 and August 2011 (PRA 2013/13635) and one for ‘2013 model year’ vehicles (PRA 2014/14013). While the Skoda Roomster was offered in Australia with a seven-speed DQ200 DSG transmission in 2012 and 2013, however, it was not included in either recall.
