Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!!

noopster · 15th May 2011, 16:48

I didn't get why Skoda is refusing to cover the gearbox replacemnt under warranty. Can you pl re explain? Your earlier post about First Choice etc was not very clear.

SmartCat · 15th May 2011, 17:04

Because he bought the car from Mahindra First Choice (used Skoda) and not a Skoda Dealer (new Skoda), the warranty is void.

I guess there is a fine print that warranty is not transferrable from the original owner to another person.

amit1234singla · 15th May 2011, 23:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartcat

Because he bought the car from Mahindra First Choice (used Skoda) and not a Skoda Dealer (new Skoda), the warranty is void.

I guess there is a fine print that warranty is not transferrable from the original owner to another person.

I am a little confused as well. If the car is less than 2 years old, it is in warranty. I thought skoda warranty is transferable. See point #1 in link below.

Terms and Condition

bzr77k · 16th May 2011, 00:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by amit1234singla

I am a little confused as well. If the car is less than 2 years old, it is in warranty. I thought skoda warranty is transferable. See point #1 in link below.

Terms and Condition

Thats the point that was confusing me the most too!! i dont think any OEM can get away with a 'non-transferable' warranty on re-sale... That would just pull their cars' resale value down the moment you bought them!!

@V16.. Btw.. do you know who is the manufacturer of this 'Mechatronics' part?
Also, have you checked if it is possible to get one from abroad for cheaper? since your car's not under warranty... you might not lose anything for replacing it on your own (don't think the replacement would be something that cant be managed! )

tsk1979 · 16th May 2011, 11:25

wow, so skoda website says one thing, but ground reality is totally different. This is truly shocking, but then, going by their past record in trying to wiggle out of problems, its not really surprising.

noopster · 16th May 2011, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartcat

Because he bought the car from Mahindra First Choice (used Skoda) and not a Skoda Dealer (new Skoda), the warranty is void.

I guess there is a fine print that warranty is not transferrable from the original owner to another person.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amit1234singla

I am a little confused as well. If the car is less than 2 years old, it is in warranty. I thought skoda warranty is transferable. See point #1 in link below.

Terms and Condition

I guess Skoda has a point. First Choice conducts its own 118-point check (or some such) and service before re-selling the vehicle (it is one of their selling points). They also issue their own warranty on the resold vehicle. That is probably enough to qualify them to disqualify the warranty on the pretext that only authorised Skoda service centres are allowed to touch the car for warranty to be valid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsk1979

wow, so skoda website says one thing, but ground reality is totally different. This is truly shocking, but then, going by their past record in trying to wiggle out of problems, its not really surprising.

True

. I can imagine a Maruti or Hyundai responding to this situation totally differently.

Desmosedici · 19th May 2011, 23:24

Last year i was mulling over buying a used skoda octavia and was searching a lot for a good used one but when i read about all the horror stories i just stayed away and somewhat lost the confidence in skoda. This thread has just reaffirmed the same. Good that i went for a OHC Vtec, just loving it.

Gogiji, why dont you knock on their higher management and see what kind of response is received.

ajmat · 29th August 2011, 20:36

This weekend looks like another two Superbs can be added to the list. One is ivar and another belonging to a very good friend of mine.

Funny enough, this seems to be happening in Mumbai, is it the weather, and the hot humid conditions creating this failure.

Been trawling around the net on this, my guess also is that this is happening to models made before 2010. Strong consumer action saw VW addressing this by offering a 10 year extended warranty for DSG boxes. It stopped short of a total recall since things needed to be politically managed since VW were building a plant in the US

Yes it happens there too.

Alas, our consumer rights are not quite there yet but we will be there one day, I hope

NHSTA

anandpadhye · 29th August 2011, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajmat

Been trawling around the net on this, my guess also is that this is happening to models made before 2010.

If it's happening now to 2010 models, won't it happen next year to the 2011 models?

One good thing is - Skoda offers 2 years warranty for replaced parts. So as long as DSG/mechatronics does not work for more than 2 years at a stretch, owner is safe (a bliss in disguise)

.

Cheers!

shankar.balan · 30th August 2011, 06:28

a friend of mine whom I met last weekend told me that he had this mechatronics problem with his Superb's DSG gearbox. It is a one and half year old new Superb.
its sitting in the garage awaiting a replacement now. Luckily since it is under warranty it is being replaced without cost. I guess he will have to pay for labour though.
looks like these cars, however desirable, have their downside in typical Indian operating conditions - water, slush, mud, dust etc possibly interfere seriously with the electronics. he also told me this problem tends to plague VW's, Audis and of course the Skoda - considering they all must be using the same or similar sources for these electronics.
apparently if it is out of warranty it can cost as much as 1.5 lacs to set right!!
pretty frightening for any prospective owner I must say!

ajmat · 30th August 2011, 09:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by anandpadhye

If it's happening now to 2010 models, won't it happen next year to the 2011 models?

One good thing is - Skoda offers 2 years warranty for replaced parts. So as long as DSG/mechatronics does not work for more than 2 years at a stretch, owner is safe (a bliss in disguise)

.

Cheers!

Quite possible.

If you read the terms of the warranty, the warranty for the parts replaced under warranty is only for the duration of the warranty.

ie. my 4 year warranty, I have my mechatronic fail on me at 3.5 years, the warranty is only for 6 months.

However if it fails on my 4th year and I need to pay out for it, I get a 2 year warranty.

Time for DSG owners to lobby the consumer forum to force VAG to give an extended warranty

maverick_driver · 30th August 2011, 13:03

Well, I'm sorry but I will have to add to this list of mechatronic failures on the superb 1.8 TSi with the DSG box. Mine is a feb 2010 model 1.8 TSi. Done 16,100 kms. On Aug 19th drove from Bangalore to Ooty. Absolutely no problem at all getting there. Next day - had exactly the same problem as reported by a number of members here. The ignition turned on and the display mentioned an ECM fault. However, could not crank the engine. Gear lever would not move out of 'P' and the P was flashing. Called Skoda and they sent up someone from Coimbatore. The car had to be recovered on a flat bed back to Skoda CBE. It was the most heart wrenching moment for me!!! As I write this, the car is currently in Skoda Cbe and the fault has been identifed as an issue with the mechatronics. They say they have received the replacement yday and if all goes well should get the car tomorrow. I met with the Skoda officials here in Bangalore and the revert that I want from them is as to why this part failed after only 16000 kms. What assurance do I have that post replacement I will not have the same problem? Also, is there any preventive measures on this. All in all - from being a thrilled and satisfied superb customer (the car is really awesome), I am now disillusioned with this failure and the numerous posts that I read wrt the mechatronics part.

normally_crazy · 30th August 2011, 14:01

Whats the update Gogi ? Did you pay for the part ? Did Skoda give you back the car in working condition ?

anandpadhye · 30th August 2011, 14:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick_driver

I met with the Skoda officials here in Bangalore and the revert that I want from them is as to why this part failed after only 16000 kms. What assurance do I have that post replacement I will not have the same problem? Also, is there any preventive measures on this.

So what did they say?
And what's the warranty terms applicable in such case (replacement done during warranty period)?

maverick_driver · 30th August 2011, 14:42

Well they haven't yet reverted. Car is still being attended to. However, what's the take on the warranty. I think it should be extended. Has anyone faced an issue again after the mechatronic unit has been replaced. That is my biggest worry.
Btw, know of a friend who had the same mechatronic issue in Assam. Just wanted to tag in all known cases. This is really a serious issue!

View Poll Results: Is your Skoda Reliable?
I have had No Major Issues with my non DSG Skoda.	43	51.81%
I have had Major Issues with my non DSG Skoda.	10	12.05%
I have had No Major Issues with my DSG Skoda.	13	15.66%
I have had Only DSG issues with my 6 speed DSG	4	4.82%
I have had Only DSG issues with my 7 speed DSG.	13	15.66%
I have had Major Issues with my DSG Skoda other than the DSG.	5	6.02%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 83. You may not vote on this poll

15th May 2011, 16:48	#46
noopster Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 9,238 Thanked: 12,904 Times View My Garage	Re: Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!! I didn't get why Skoda is refusing to cover the gearbox replacemnt under warranty. Can you pl re explain? Your earlier post about First Choice etc was not very clear.
	() Thanks

15th May 2011, 17:04	#47
SmartCat Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 6,429 Thanked: 42,950 Times View My Garage	Re: Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!! Because he bought the car from Mahindra First Choice (used Skoda) and not a Skoda Dealer (new Skoda), the warranty is void. I guess there is a fine print that warranty is not transferrable from the original owner to another person.
	() Thanks

16th May 2011, 11:25	#50
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	Re: Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!! wow, so skoda website says one thing, but ground reality is totally different. This is truly shocking, but then, going by their past record in trying to wiggle out of problems, its not really surprising.
	() Thanks

19th May 2011, 23:24	#52
Desmosedici Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: White Village Posts: 1,484 Thanked: 586 Times View My Garage	Re: Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!! Last year i was mulling over buying a used skoda octavia and was searching a lot for a good used one but when i read about all the horror stories i just stayed away and somewhat lost the confidence in skoda. This thread has just reaffirmed the same. Good that i went for a OHC Vtec, just loving it. Gogiji, why dont you knock on their higher management and see what kind of response is received.
	() Thanks

29th August 2011, 20:36	#53
ajmat Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 14,864 Thanked: 27,975 Times View My Garage	Re: Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!! This weekend looks like another two Superbs can be added to the list. One is ivar and another belonging to a very good friend of mine. Funny enough, this seems to be happening in Mumbai, is it the weather, and the hot humid conditions creating this failure. Been trawling around the net on this, my guess also is that this is happening to models made before 2010. Strong consumer action saw VW addressing this by offering a 10 year extended warranty for DSG boxes. It stopped short of a total recall since things needed to be politically managed since VW were building a plant in the US Yes it happens there too. Alas, our consumer rights are not quite there yet but we will be there one day, I hope NHSTA
	() Thanks

30th August 2011, 06:28	#55
shankar.balan BANNED Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 11,368 Thanked: 23,150 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/2 (8)	Re: Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!! a friend of mine whom I met last weekend told me that he had this mechatronics problem with his Superb's DSG gearbox. It is a one and half year old new Superb. its sitting in the garage awaiting a replacement now. Luckily since it is under warranty it is being replaced without cost. I guess he will have to pay for labour though. looks like these cars, however desirable, have their downside in typical Indian operating conditions - water, slush, mud, dust etc possibly interfere seriously with the electronics. he also told me this problem tends to plague VW's, Audis and of course the Skoda - considering they all must be using the same or similar sources for these electronics. apparently if it is out of warranty it can cost as much as 1.5 lacs to set right!! pretty frightening for any prospective owner I must say!
	() Thanks

30th August 2011, 13:03	#57
maverick_driver BHPian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 26 Thanked: 58 Times	Re: Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!! Well, I'm sorry but I will have to add to this list of mechatronic failures on the superb 1.8 TSi with the DSG box. Mine is a feb 2010 model 1.8 TSi. Done 16,100 kms. On Aug 19th drove from Bangalore to Ooty. Absolutely no problem at all getting there. Next day - had exactly the same problem as reported by a number of members here. The ignition turned on and the display mentioned an ECM fault. However, could not crank the engine. Gear lever would not move out of 'P' and the P was flashing. Called Skoda and they sent up someone from Coimbatore. The car had to be recovered on a flat bed back to Skoda CBE. It was the most heart wrenching moment for me!!! As I write this, the car is currently in Skoda Cbe and the fault has been identifed as an issue with the mechatronics. They say they have received the replacement yday and if all goes well should get the car tomorrow. I met with the Skoda officials here in Bangalore and the revert that I want from them is as to why this part failed after only 16000 kms. What assurance do I have that post replacement I will not have the same problem? Also, is there any preventive measures on this. All in all - from being a thrilled and satisfied superb customer (the car is really awesome), I am now disillusioned with this failure and the numerous posts that I read wrt the mechatronics part.
	() Thanks

30th August 2011, 14:01	#58
normally_crazy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,369 Thanked: 528 Times View My Garage	Re: Skoda Woes And The Ghost Of The Mechatronics!! Whats the update Gogi ? Did you pay for the part ? Did Skoda give you back the car in working condition ?
	() Thanks

30th August 2011, 14:42	#60
maverick_driver BHPian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 26 Thanked: 58 Times	Well they haven't yet reverted. Car is still being attended to. However, what's the take on the warranty. I think it should be extended. Has anyone faced an issue again after the mechatronic unit has been replaced. That is my biggest worry. Btw, know of a friend who had the same mechatronic issue in Assam. Just wanted to tag in all known cases. This is really a serious issue!
	() Thanks