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Skoda Octavia III.5 common faults.

2017–2020. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

What to watch for

What can go wrong on this car?

The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.

critical3

expensive5

15 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.

Official recall11 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.

Most recent: 1 June 2026

SR/01853/26Safety recallInjuries1 June 2026 · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 01/06/2026 Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Request to stop driving Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00363/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to a manufacturing error, the belt pulley securing ring of the steering system may not be fully engaged. As a result, the securing ring may become detached and subsequently jam with surrounding components, leading to possible locking of the steering system.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00566/22Safety recallBurns, Fireno date · EU Safety Gate

Engine design covers installed on affected vehicles could come loose from the attachment depending on use (e.g. very sporty driving style or poor road surface conditions) and the running time. If the design cover is not fastened, there is a possibility that it will come into contact with the hot area of ​​the exhaust gas turbocharger, increasing the risk of burns or fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00636/22Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

A defective fuse can produce a voltage flashover into the vehicle interior. This might cause fire and lead to an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0068/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The strength of the rear wheel bearing housing may be insufficient. This could lead to failure of the rear wheel bearing housing with loss of wheel control.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00787/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01114/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The eCall service may not function properly and the call centre/rescue coordination centre cannot be activated because of the lack of audio connection and data transmission. As a result, the driver will not be able to get help through the system in the event of a fault or accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0279/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The fitting of the headrest in the rear seat's backrest may be defective. In case of an accident the support and protection provided might be limited increasing the risk of injuries.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1492/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Unsuitable front-axle springs may have been fitted in the vehicle. Consequently, the driving stability might be impaired, increasing the risk of accidents.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1631/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the seals on the rear side windows may become loose. As a consequence, the side windows may become detached and fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1750/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Possible defect in the driver's airbag housing. As a result, the airbag may not deploy properly in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engines and transmissions in this generation

A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.

III.5 · 2017–2020

Pick the version.

The fault list opens on the version page.

115 versions

Showing 60 of 115 versions.

Neighbouring generations

III.5 · 2017–2020

III facelift (5E). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.

Previous generation

III · 2013–2017

This generation

III.5 · 2017–2020

Next generation

IV · 2020–

Common questions

About this generation

Which years does this page cover?

2017–2020. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.

Does the fault apply to every car like this?

No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.

Is it free?

The fault list is.

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms