Black Smoke and Power Loss in 2024 Seat Tarraco: Seeking Exhaust System Advice and Mechanic Recommendations

Hey, I reckon your instinct is right. I had a similar issue with my 2026 Seat Ateca not so long ago. The symptoms were quite like the ones you described - black smoke, the check-engine-light, drop in power - you name it. My problem turned out to be one of the lambda sensors, which had become defective. The lambda sensor is meant to regulate oxygen levels in the car's exhaust for optimal performance and emission. A faulty one can send wrong signals to the ECU, causing all the haywire. If left unchecked, this might lead to more serious engine damage over the long run. Fortunately, you're catching it early enough, I waited too long and had to deal with burnt out catalytic converter. Took mine to a local shop, the mechanic identified the issue quickly and replaced the faulty sensor. Can't remember his name now, but he was a real lifesaver. Following the fix, my car was back in top shape - no more smoke, power restored, and the check-engine-light finally gave me some peace. Hope this helps, good luck with your Tarraco!

Hey there! Wow, your experience seems to align perfectly with what's been happening to me. I guess my guess wasn't far off; the lambda sensor sounds like the culprit indeed. As you mentioned it's crucial to fix this problem as early as possible so I think I'll be paying a little visit to the mechanic workshop this week. I just hope it ends up being just the lambda sensor and not something bigger. Do you recall roughly how much that set you back, getting the lambda sensor replaced and all? Also, how's your Seat Ateca been handling since that last problem? Any more troubles pop up? I appreciate your help and advice!

Hey! Yeah, my Seat Ateca's been just peachy since getting that lambda sensor swapped out, thank goodness. Haven't had a single problem since then, touch wood. As for the cost, it set me back around 375€ if memory serves right. Not a small chunk of change, but considering it potentially saved me from even more expensive damage down the line, I reckon it's money well spent. Right after getting it squared away with the mechanic, that pesky exhaust aftertreatment malfunction you were worried about seems to have been taken care of. It was like nigh and day difference, no more ominous black smoke or anything. Also thankfully, that ghastly exhaust smell disappeared to boot. Good luck with your Tarraco and I sincerely hope all you have is just the lambda sensor issue. Always better to be safe than sorry, though. Cheers!

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and providing me with this valuable insight. The €375 price tag does sound a tad steep, but if that's what it's going to take to solve these annoying issues and save me from potentially dire engine damage, I suppose it's a price worth paying. Ugh, I cannot wait to get rid of that awful exhaust smell and the sight of that scary black smoke. It'll be a breath of fresh air—quite literally! Looks like it's time to book my Seat Tarraco a rendezvous at the workshop this week. Here's hoping the friendly neighbourhood mechanic can sort it out without any hitches. Fingers crossed it's just a misbehaving lambda sensor and nothing more sinister. Thanks once again for your help! Brought my stress levels down a few notches for sure. Hoping my baby comes out of this as smooth as yours did post the repair! Cheers!