2019+ (NW4) · 1.0 TSI 95/110 hp EA211 3-cylinder petrol
Practical small SUV built on VW Group's MQB-A0 platform, sharing components with Seat Arona and VW T-Cross. The 1.0 TSI is adequate for city driving but feels strained on motorways. Main concerns are infotainment system crashes (35% of examples experienced issues), DSG gearbox problems on automatic versions, and occasional turbo actuator failures. The manual gearbox is significantly more reliable than the 7-speed DSG. Post-2020 models benefit from software updates addressing early glitches. VW Group parts are widely available and relatively affordable.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€700 - €1,300/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€450-750
Risk buffer
€250-550
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Infotainment system failures€50 - €1,200
System crashes, freezes, reboots - affects 35% of Kamiqs · more· less
Both the Bolero and Columbus infotainment systems experience frequent crashes, frozen screens, and rebooting issues. Problems include Bluetooth connection failures with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation system freezing, reversing camera not working, and profile loading errors. Some owners report their Kamiq was in the garage 6 times in 10 months for infotainment errors. Most issues can be temporarily resolved with factory resets or software updates (€50-150 labor), but persistent hardware failures may require full unit replacement (€800-1,200). Post-2020 models have improved software addressing many early bugs.
Dry-clutch 7-speed DSG has known clutch and mechatronics failures · more· less
The DQ200 7-speed DSG uses a dry-clutch system prone to overheating and wear in urban driving. Common issues include jerky gear changes, hesitation, clunking, and mechatronics unit failures (leaking valves, electrical shorts). Clutch wear typically appears between 40,000-80,000 km. Clutch replacement alone costs €1,500-2,000, mechatronics repairs €1,500-2,500, and full gearbox replacement can exceed €5,000. Early models (2019-2020) had oil-related issues causing lead frame corrosion - later switched to mineral-based oil. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable and strongly recommended.
Turbo actuator failure€500 - €2,500
Actuator sticks from gentle driving, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator tends to stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up inside. Symptoms include EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light, loss of power, and limp mode activation. VW Group does not sell the actuator separately. Actuator-only repair at an independent specialist costs €500-700, but if turbo internals are damaged from the stuck actuator, full turbocharger replacement runs €1,200-2,500. Prevention: use premium fuel and drive spiritedly occasionally (reaching 4,000+ rpm) to keep the turbo system clean.
Timing chain tensioner wear€1,000 - €2,200
Cold start rattle for 1-30 seconds indicates chain stretch · more· less
The EA211 engine is improved over the notorious EA111, but timing chain issues persist. The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This results in a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start, typically occurring between 60,000-100,000 km. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. VW has updated the tensioner part. Repair costs €1,000-2,200 depending on damage. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact requiring engine rebuild.
Fuel pump failure€300 - €900
Part of the 35% failure rate, can be software or hardware · more· less
Some Kamiq owners experienced fuel pump failures requiring tank-end pump replacement. Symptoms include check engine light, engine stalling, difficulty starting (especially cold starts), power loss, rough running, and jerking during acceleration. Interestingly, some fuel system issues were resolved with software updates (€45-150) rather than hardware replacement. Proper diagnosis is essential before replacing parts. OEM fuel pumps (VDO/Continental) cost €180-400, aftermarket (Bosch, Pierburg) €120-300, plus 2-3 hours labor. Total replacement cost ranges €300-900 depending on parts choice and labor rates.
Parking sensor failures€150 - €400
Sensors stop working, fuses blow repeatedly · more· less
Parking sensors failing unexpectedly is a documented issue affecting both petrol and diesel Kamiqs, typically occurring after 40,000-60,000 km. Symptoms include complete sensor failure, intermittent operation, or fuses repeatedly blowing. Problems can be caused by defective sensors (€20-35 each), faulty wiring, bad contacts, or grounding issues. Individual sensor replacement is straightforward, but diagnosing electrical faults requires professional equipment. Parts cost €12-67 per sensor, with labor adding €100-200 for diagnosis and replacement. If wiring harness is damaged, repair costs increase to €300-400.
Start-stop system battery failure€150 - €300
AGM/EFB battery drains, start-stop stops working · more· less
The start-stop system is very sensitive to voltage drops. When the battery ages or becomes heavily discharged, the start-stop function stops working as the car's computer determines the battery isn't healthy enough to handle restarting. Some owners also report parasitic drain issues - normal drain should be approximately 40 milliamps when systems sleep, but defective batteries or electrical faults can draw 2-4 amps. Battery replacement costs €150-300 depending on type (AGM batteries are more expensive than EFB). Always replace with the same type fitted at factory. Note: the 12V socket is live all the time, which can drain battery if accessories are connected.
Air conditioning compressor failure€700 - €1,400
AC system failures occur after 40,000-60,000 km · more· less
Air conditioning problems can occur after just 40,000-60,000 km, often caused by refrigerant leaks or compressor failures. One owner reported AC valve replacement and system refill costing €1,000. AC control unit replacement was quoted at €980. Related Skoda models (1.2 TSI) had compressor replacement quoted at €800 parts plus 5.5 hours labor, totaling €1,300. A simple recharge costs €150-300. When replacing the compressor, experts recommend also replacing the receiver drier/accumulator and expansion valve/orifice tube. Total costs range €700-1,400 depending on components needing replacement.
Decent reliability for a modern small SUV, but avoid DSG
The Kamiq finished 18th out of 23 in the What Car? small SUV reliability survey, with 35% experiencing issues mainly with infotainment, fuel system, and engine. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable than DSG-equipped cars. Post-2020 models show improved reliability with software updates addressing early infotainment bugs. The 1.0 TSI EA211 engine is far more robust than its EA111 predecessor, though timing chain and turbo actuator need monitoring. Most issues are well-documented with established repair procedures and reasonable parts availability.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Skoda dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 15,000 km or annually.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear. Sizes: 195/65R15, 215/50R17, or 215/45R18 depending on trim.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds - this is critical.
Body condition
Check for kerb damage, scratches, dents. Inspect interior for stains on carpets and seat covers.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Let engine fully warm up.
Specific for this vehicle
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Test all functions: navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera. Look for crashes, freezes, or slow response. This is the most common failure point.
Listen for cold start timing chain rattle
Start completely cold and listen for rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates chain/tensioner wear requiring expensive repair.
Check for EPC warning light
Drive the car and watch dashboard for EPC light. If it appears with power loss, turbo actuator issues likely. Test acceleration from low speeds.
DSG gearbox operation (if automatic)
Drive for 15+ minutes to fully warm gearbox. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking, or delayed engagement. DSG problems are expensive - strongly consider manual instead.
Test parking sensors and camera
Verify all sensors beep correctly at different distances. Check reversing camera displays properly. Common failure point.
Verify start-stop system works
After 5 minutes driving, check start-stop activates when stopped. If it doesn't, battery is likely weak or system has faults.
Test air conditioning
AC should blow cold within 2 minutes. Check all vents. AC failures are common after 40,000-60,000 km.
Check service indicator display
View service history in infotainment to verify last service and when next due. Should align with physical service book.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Emergency call system (eCall) software fault (Aug-Sep 2019)Recall code 91W7
Emergency call system (eCall) frozen screen (Mar 2019 - Feb 2020)Recall code 91Y8
Contact Skoda dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The eCall emergency system recalls affect approximately 26,000 vehicles worldwide (over 7,000 in Germany). Repairs involve software update of the Online Connectivity Unit, taking approximately 1 hour. Symptoms include frozen welcome screen and yellow flashing LED at eCall button.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (combustion engines from Aug 2020)4 years in Netherlands
Factory warranty (before Aug 2020)3 years / 60,000 miles
DSG extended warranty (if equipped)5 years / 150,000 km
Skoda offers 4-year warranty on combustion engine vehicles built from August 2020 onwards in the Netherlands. Earlier models had 3-year/unlimited mileage (first 2 years) coverage. If the car has DSG gearbox, check whether extended 5-year/150,000 km DSG warranty still applies. Warranty remains valid only if factory-prescribed maintenance performed at authorized service centers.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.