Used Skoda Kamiq 2019-present reliability
Category: Small SUV
The Skoda Kamiq is a fantastic small SUV with a roomy interior and a comfortable ride. Reliability is a little disappointing.
What should I look for in a used Skoda Kamiq hatchback?
Do still complete all the usual checks for kerb damage and scratches and dents to the bodywork and paint as you would with any other used car purchase. Also, inspect the interior for any signs of stains to carpets and seat covers.
When we ran a long term Kamiq, the infotainment system came under some criticism for crashing. A similar system in the Scala we tried also game some trouble and required an update, so make sure the system you're using is running the latest software.
What are the most common problems with a used Skoda Kamiq hatchback?
Emergency call system
There have been two recalls issued relating to the emergency call system, which automatically sends an SOS signal to the emergency service either when the 'SOS' button is pushed, or when the system deems it necessary to (such as when the airbags are deployed in a collision). However, a software issue on examples made between 10 July 2019 and 7 February 2020 could prevent the system from functioning correctly and will require an update at a Skoda dealer.
In addition to this, some Kamiqs built between 27 August and 17 September 2019 will need to have the online connectivity unit (OCU) that is a part of this feature replaced as part of the second recall.
Is a used Skoda Kamiq hatchback reliable?
The Kamiq unfortunately finished in 18th place out of 23 cars in the small SUV class in our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey.
Reliability rating 92.7%
A total of 35% of examples of the Skoda Kamiq went wrong, mainly with engine, fuel system and sat-nav/ infotainment glitches. While Skoda paid for 100% of repairs, 30% of cars took more than a week to repair, despite still being drivable. More positively, 30% of cars were drivable and fixed in less than a day.
Check out the full list of small SUVs here.
As a brand, Skoda managed a middling 13th-place finish out of 31 car manufacturers. That's better than Volkswagen (18th) and MG (31st), but not as good as Renault (9th) or Toyota (5th).
Check out the full list of brands here.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
Used Skoda Kamiq reliability: the owners' view
As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers reported a mixed reliability experience with the Skoda Kamiq models, with particular concerns among diesel owners. Several diesel drivers mentioned recurring issues with the exhaust system and diesel particulate filter (DPF), often triggering warning lights. Unfortunately, readers noted that these problems tended to reoccur even after repair, leading to frustration.
Both petrol and diesel Kamiq owners have also experienced electronic glitches, including infotainment malfunctions and, in a few cases, parking sensors failing unexpectedly. While most Skoda dealerships were commended for their willingness to address these issues, some readers expressed dissatisfaction with slow repair times and limited availability of parts, leading to prolonged periods without their cars.
Overall, petrol models have had fewer severe issues, but owners of both fuel types indicated that, while Skoda dealerships were generally supportive, they often did not resolve persistent issues promptly.