Skoda Yeti (2009-2017) review - Reliability and Safety
No quibbles here; the Yeti is solidly built, safe and has been around for a long time
The Yeti was actually the top-rated SUV in the Auto Express Driver Power rankings in 2013 and by 2015 it had only slipped to 2nd place, so it’s not a car that’s likely to give much bother.
Owners gave the car top marks in almost every individual category and it was the top model for reliability, handling and ease of driving. Average running costs and impressive in-car technology also counted in the Yeti's favour, while drivers love the peace of mind that comes with the car's standard safety features, which include ABS and ESP, plus front, side and curtain airbags.
The Haldex 4x4 system in the facelifted car has been seen before in the Octavia 4x4 - so it shouldn't cause any problems - but the new fog light design has moved them into the path of danger for small shunts and scrapes when you are driving off-road.
The Yeti gets a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, and comes with the usual selection of airbags and electronic aids, although rear side airbags are a £295 option and such niceties as a city braking system are thus far unavailable.
Warranty
The standard Skoda warranty carries unlimited mileage for the first two years, but is limited to 60,000 miles in the third year. Buyers can extend the warranty out to as much as five years though, at a cost of £630, and there’s a three-year, 30,000-mile service package for £479.
Skoda also provides its own ‘E-Surance’ package as part of the warranty, which guarantees that your Yeti, if damaged in an accident, will be repaired at a Skoda main dealer no matter what your personal insurance policy stipulates. There’s also a three-year, Europe-wide roadside recovery package as standard, and a 12-year anti-perforation warranty.
Servicing
The Yeti comes with its own on-board electronic diagnostics, which will indicate when you need to service the car, usually at 20,000-mile intervals. Skoda does recommend that owners bring it in every 10,000 miles if mileage is low, or if you’re doing lots of rough-tough driving such as off-roading or towing.
