The 1.5 TSI engine is used in most of the smaller Volkswagen range of cars, including the Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, and Seat. It is also featured in the Skoda Kamiq, Karoq, Fabia, and Octavia. Nonetheless, what are the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI problems?
Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine issues include excessive oil usage, fuel pump failure, timing chain failure, and turbo failure. Furthermore, some users have also reported having juddering and active valve timing failure. It is important to have your car checked and repaired if you’re having any of these issues.
What are the common problems with Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine?
Fuel pump failure
A common problem with the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine is the fuel pump failure. While fuel pumps are not part of the regular issues that the Kamiq might face, you will have to replace them when it fails. The fuel pump starts to fail when it hits 100k miles. Some of the signs of a failing fuel pump include engine misfire, difficulty starting the car, and decreased power.
To fix this issue, you will have to visit the mechanic to fix any underlying issues and replace the bad fuel pump.
Excessive oil usage
Another common problem with the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine is excessive oil usage. Several owners have complained that their car has a low oil level after driving for some miles. This is a sign of high oil usage. In most cases, it is normally caused by piston rings, turbo seals, and valve guides.
So, if your Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI is using a lot of oil, you should have the mechanic inspect the suspected parts. Ensure the parts are repaired or replaced if they are faulty or worn out.
Timing chain failure
The timing chain is one of the major parts of a car’s engine. So, when the timing chain fails, it may lead to serious damage to the engine. Note that timing chain tensioners are the major causes of timing chain failures. Other problems include damaged pistons and damaged valvetrain.
Most timing chain issues are easy to fix by visiting a professional mechanic. But if the pistons are damaged, you may have to rebuild the entire engine. This is not only costly but as well as expensive.
Juddering ‘Kangarooing’
This is a common issue in all the Volkswagen models with the 1.5 TSI engine. The Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI is not an exception. Owners of this car have reported their car being hesitant at low RPMs. This causes the car to ‘Kangarooing’ when accelerating.
If you desire to fix this issue, you will have to visit a professional mechanic who will have to fix the issue through software patches to the vehicle’s main ECU.
Active valve timing (AVT) failure
The active valve timing (AVT) system controls the valve timing. Besides, the AVT system helps to improve the power and efficiency of the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine. However, the AVTS system is quite complex and usually develops issues with the actuation. The actuators can become slow or unresponsive, thus leading to inaccurate adjustments of the cam gears.
The main cause of this issue is poor oil quality. To fix this issue, you must replace the bad oil with the right oil and oil level.
Turbo failure
While the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine is fairly reliable, it is also crucial to understand that some parts may fail if they are not maintained well. One such part is the turbo. Users of this car have complained about the turbo failing. This is mainly due to a lack of regular oil changes and filter changes to ensure proper lubrication and avoid the buildup of contaminants that damage the turbo.
This problem is avoidable through proper care and maintenance. Nonetheless, it can be fixed by putting the right oil level and changing oil filters in time. But if the turbo is damaged, it should be replaced.
FAQ
Is the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine reliable?
The Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine is reliable. However, it still records several problems that can be avoided through proper care and maintenance. It is also safe as it received a full 5-star rating from Euro NCAP in its crash tests, with a strong 96% score for adult occupant safety and 85% for child occupant safety.
How long does the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine last?
With proper care and maintenance, the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine should last more than 200k miles. However, since the Skoda Kamiq is still new on the market, it can be quite challenging to know if it will cover the estimated lifespan. Nonetheless, other Volkswagen cars with the 1.5 TSI engine have reported clocking more than 160k miles.
Is it expensive to fix the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine?
It is neither cheap nor expensive. But if you compare it with similar mainstream cars, you will find that it is slightly costlier. On the contrary, if you compare it with other luxury cars like Volkswagen and Audi, you will find that it is considerably cheaper.
Generally, fixing the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI is slightly costlier due to the price of spare parts and the cost of service.
What is the top speed of the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI?
The Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI engine is the fastest trim option in the Skoda Kamiq lineup. This engine delivers up to 148 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It also has a top speed of 132 mph, and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds.
Is it okay to buy a used Skoda Kamiq car?
Yes, it is okay to purchase a used Skoda Kamiq car. However, you should check the car before paying for it. Go through its history and find out if it had any serious issues or even if it was involved in an accident. What’s more, you should find out if the car was well maintained or not.
Conclusion
Skoda Kamiq may be a new car on the market as it has not lasted for more than 5 years, but the 1.5 TSI engine is not. This engine has been in the market for several years in different Volkswagen car brands. Even though the engine is reliable, it requires proper care and maintenance for it to last.
All in all, the Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI is still an outstanding car with great fuel efficiency, comfort, safety, and good performance.