MK3 Octavia - List of Defects, Faults and Issues

[Dzl_Dubba]

Had a 'Check Coolant' warning on the dash this morning and upon checking the reservoir, the level was below the minimum mark. Rang the dealer and they offered a free top up whenever I could drop in.

My vRS is less than 3 months old and done just 3000KM. I'm thinking the dealer didn't do their PDI properly, considering the poor condition of paint when the car was delivered. But I am also going to keep an eye just in case there is a leak somewhere.

Anyone else had this problem? Is it normal for the coolant to run out so quickly? Thanks!

Did you open the reservoir? I had mine dip low but when i opened it alot of air came out and the level shot right back up to normal. Also check for leaks near the water pump, low coolant could be a sign of a faulty one.

[woofy]

I had that around the same time frame as have others. It's not the dealers fault the system sometimes gets airbubbles in it. I topped mine up with a tiny amount of water and it's all good since then.

[MarkRSWagon]

Good advice Dzi_Dubba. I had same issue as Lucki and had the water pump replaced at 15000km service a few weeks back. Checked levels again on Monday and noticed level was near minimum mark again. Took it to the dealer the next day (thinking they hadn't tightened one of the hoses properly) and service manager opened the reservoir cap and level went up to normal again. Sounds like a fairly common occurrence with the new RS.

[tony53]

Coolant shouldn't run out at all. Its a closed system.

[woofy]

Not just the new RS it happened with the mkIi a reasonable amount as well.

[Lucki]

Hey guys,

Yes I did open the reservoir first thing in the morning and the level was very low, much lower than the minimum mark. Hence the warning.

Anyway took it to the dealer and they have topped it up for free. I've been keeping an eye and no leaks that I could see so that's good.

[woofy]

Bit concerned how many water pumps you guts have had replaced early on. That's not a minor thing.

[Skoda Soda]

Bit concerned how many water pumps you guts have had replaced early on. That's not a minor thing.

A good mate of mine is senior VW mechanic, apparently the water pump issue is a pretty common issue which runs across all the models with the 2L engine in the VAG family. Not sure what/how they're treating the issue besides warranty claims, my guess they're treating it as each issue arises...

[woofy]

It was an issue with the MkII something to do with a plastic impellor or something. I never saw it but was always warned to replace the waterpump when the belts get changed in case. I had hoped 10 yrs on this issue would be gone by now but seems either the same one, or something worse.

[afterdarker]

The water pump on our 8 year old VW Transporter van 1.8 TSI was replaced last month at 200,000 km. Caused vehicle to be towed. First time off road due to mech failure. Bit of plastic within the pump failed.