Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI is one of the finest mid-size cars on the market. This car is well-built with great comfort and performance. Nonetheless, it also comes with multiple problems that interested buyers ought to know about. So, what are the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI problems?
Common problems with the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI engine are timing chain failure, excess oil usage, water pump problems, and vacuum system leaks. Additionally, some owners have reported experiencing clogged intake valves and ignition coil failure.
What are the common problems with the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI?
Timing chain failure
The most common issue found in the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI is the timing chain failure. Many Skoda Superb users have complained about the timing chain stretching. If this problem is left unattended, the timing chain can even break. A rattling sound under the hood can also be heard when the timing chain stretches.
Even though Skoda suggests changing the timing chain every 100,000 miles, you may be forced to replace it after just 80,000 miles. On top of that, your mechanic should inspect the chain every 20,000 miles to ensure it is working fine. However, if the timing chain has stretched excessively or broken, you will have to replace it regardless of the miles covered.
Water pump issues
Another common problem that Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI owners have reported is water pump problems. This issue usually happens to Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI’s with lots of miles on the odometer. Since the engine bay in this car is made up of plastic, it can become brittle over time and wears out faster.
Aside from old age, the engine environment makes the parts around it wear out faster as it gets very hot. One of the most affected parts is the water pump impeller. When the impeller fails, the water pump also fails, and the engine starts to overheat.
To fix this problem, you should visit a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the underlying issues. If the impeller is the issue, then it should be replaced. But if most water pump parts are affected, it is best if you replace the entire water pump, flush out the old coolant, and install a new water pump.
Excess oil usage
This is another serious issue that Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI users have reported. And since this car uses synthetic oil, it is a costly endeavor that many Skoda Superb owners would like to avoid. This problem is normally caused by pistons and piston rings.
To fix this issue, you will have to visit your mechanic to diagnose the problem. If the piston rings are thin, then the mechanic will have to replace them with bigger rings to alleviate the issue. With that said, this issue cannot be averted completely.
Clogged intake valves
Unfortunately, this is another problem that Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI engine owners cannot run away from. The engine is prone to carbon build-up in its intake valves. Carbon build-up in this engine is a natural reaction of fuel combustion with deposits coating the intake valves over time.
Some of the common signs of carbon build-up in this engine are poor engine performance, loss in fuel economy, stalling, and misfires. To fix this problem, you will have to clear the carbon build-up in the intake valves by cleaning them. Nonetheless, this issue can be avoided by driving the car at high RPMs for 20 minutes or more. This should be done often to avoid carbon build-up.
Ignition coil failure
Even though this issue is not very common on the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI, some users have reported it. Signs of ignition coil failure can be confusing as they have the same signs with bad spark plugs, including engine misfire, difficulty starting, lack of acceleration, and rough idle.
To fix this issue, you will have to visit a professional mechanic for diagnosis. If the ignition coils are bad, they should be replaced. And if the spark plugs are also bad, ensure to replace them.
Vacuum system leak
Like the water pump, the vacuum system in this engine can also become brittle with age. One of the first parts to wear out in the vacuum system are the hoses. Some of the signs of a bad vacuum system are a drop in engine performance, a hissing sound coming from the engine bay, and a check engine light coming on.
To correct this problem, your mechanic will have to replace the leaking hoses. Nonetheless, if the vacuum pump or intake manifold are also damaged, they should be replaced.
FAQ
Is the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI engine reliable?
Yes, the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI is a reliable engine. The first generation 1.8 TSI engine had some issues, but the latest generation is reliable. With proper care and maintenance, this engine can last between 150k and 200k miles or even more.
How well should you maintain the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI engine?
If you desire your engine to last, it is vital to adhere to the recommended maintenance interval. The Skoda Superb manual states that you should maintain your engine every 10,000 miles. But if you want your engine to last even further, it is recommended to service it every 5,000 or 6,000 miles.
How fast is the Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI?
The Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI comes with a decent speed. Thanks to the 177.46bhp and 320 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 137 mph and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.8 seconds, which is pretty good in its class.
What type of oil does the Skoda Superb TSI engine use?
Like most VW engines, the Skoda Superb TSI engine will require synthetic oil. Some of the best and most preferred synthetic oils on the market are the 5W-40 and 5W-30 synthetic oils. These are high-quality oil and will serve your engine well.
Bottom line
The Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI engine may be reliable with good performance, but it also has several problems that owners need to know about. Now that you know some of these issues, it is crucial to take good care of the car to avoid most of them or prevent costly repairs in the long run.
