2012 Skoda Yeti petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Skoda Yeti petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Skoda Yeti petrol than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Skoda Yeti

  11.5% All 2012 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Link ball joint covers2.2× usual
  Skoda Yeti

  4.3% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2012 Skoda Yeti petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Skoda Yeti petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  28% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  23% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2012 Skoda Yeti petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Timing chain (early 1.2 TSI)

  Early 1.2 TSI petrol

  Early 1.2 TSI petrols are prone to expensive timing chain problems.

  At the viewing: Listen for rattling from the engine at a cold start.

  Source: What Car?: used Skoda Yeti (2009-2017) reliability

• Exhaust sensors and sill rust

  All engines

  Some owners report failing exhaust sensors and rust on the sills.

  At the viewing: Look along the sills and check for warning lights.

  Source: What Car?: used Skoda Yeti (2009-2017) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Skoda Yeti petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the timing chain been replaced, and is there an invoice?
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Skoda Yeti petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Skoda Yeti petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?