The Worst Lemons in Used SUVs: Skoda Yeti and Its Recalls and Repairs

If you're in the market for a used SUV, you might want to steer clear of certain models that have been plagued with issues, such as the Skoda Yeti. This vehicle, especially when owned by VW Australia, is a prime example of a lemon: a car that repeatedly causes problems and brings serious concerns to the owner's driving experience.

Skoda Yeti: A Car That Should Never Have Left the Showroom

Our Skoda Yeti, though purchased new, stands as a testament to the flawed design and poor reliability of the model when it comes to used car status. Although it still holds up as a new car, it falls under the category of a lemon due to liabilities that have mounted over its service life. VW, the parent company, has been notorious for hiding these issues behind a veil of faulty design, making it nearly impossible for the consumer to fight back.

VW Australia's Deliberate Design Flaws

Volkswagen Australia has actively designed hardware and software components that, under normal driving conditions, create unsafe, frustrating, and utterly unreliable experiences. Here are some of the most disturbing features of the Skoda Yeti:

Spongy Brakes

The brakes on the Skoda Yeti are described as spongy, and they can randomly grab when gently applied at low speeds. This situation has been known to affect those who are sensitive to the road surface, such as me. At low speeds, the erratic nature of the braking system can be both alarming and dangerous.

Random Loss of Drive

Driving the Skoda Yeti, particularly during right-hand turns at high speeds or when attempting to ascend an incline at low speed, can result in a sudden and inexplicable loss of drive. This can be exceptionally dangerous, as it could cause the vehicle to roll back unexpectedly, leaving you with no control over the situation.

Delayed Throttle Response

The throttle response of the Skoda Yeti is often delayed from a standing start, which means that the car may not accelerate as quickly as intended. This can be frustrating and can lead to more serious consequences, especially in urban environments where quick acceleration is often necessary.

Consumer Reports and the Limited Recalls

Consumer Reports lists a few models with significant issues, including the Skoda Yeti, which has been plagued with recalls and repairs. Unfortunately, the recalls often seem insufficient, as the problems persist despite repeated attempts to fix them. VW Australia's approach to these recalls is not only ineffective but also raises ethical concerns, as these issues can significantly impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

Dealership Involvement in Disputes and Complaints

When problems with the Skoda Yeti arise, customers often turn to authorized VW dealerships, such as Wippells Autos in Toowoomba, for resolution. However, these dealerships often prove to be even more unhelpful, citing that the vehicle is operating within its specifications despite the reported issues. This stance is often frustrating for consumers who feel that their concerns are not taken seriously.

Wippells Autos in Toowoomba has also demonstrated a willingness to take things a step further. According to reports, they have removed personal property from the vehicle without permission, with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of its use. This behavior is a violation of consumer rights and has led to threatening correspondence from the dealership's lawyers.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The actions of VW Australia and its authorized dealerships raise serious questions about the ethical standards of these companies. By deliberately designing a vehicle that creates unsafe and unreliable driving experiences, and then failing to adequately address these issues, they are not only breaching consumer rights but also putting the lives of their customers at risk.

Furthermore, the unauthorized removal of personal property and the escalation to threatening correspondence are clear violations of consumer protection laws and ethical business practices.

Conclusion

The Skoda Yeti is a prime example of a lemon in the used SUV market. VW Australia's deliberate design flaws, coupled with the dealerships' reluctance to address customer concerns, make this model a dangerous and unreliable choice. If you are in the market for a used SUV, it is essential to thoroughly research the reliability and safety records of the vehicle you are considering, and to be wary of models with known issues.