Problems with Skoda Octavia Diesel from 2009: Black smoke, engine light and DPF regeneration problems

Hello everyone, thank you so much for your advice! It has helped me to worry less about my trusty Octavia. So, I took your advice and went to the garage today. I had a very competent mechanic. He immediately said it could be the diesel particulate filter, just as you suspected. And as you've all said, it's not a more serious problem and I shouldn't worry too much. He cleaned and checked the filter, did a minor procedure and my ride was much smoother and quieter after that. The black clouds of smoke had disappeared, the engine light had gone out and the DPF regeneration was running normally again. And all for about 1100€, which is pretty much in the price range you mentioned. I'm so glad to have the whole thing behind me and be able to drive relaxed again. I will definitely take your advice on board and slowly learn to put money aside for maintenance and possible repairs at the first sign of problems. Thanks again for your help! See you later and thanks again a lot guys!

(Translated from German)

Hi, I drive a 2012 Skoda Superb Diesel and had similar symptoms with my car last time. In my case it was the diesel particulate filter, which was clogged and had to be cleaned. Both the strong exhaust smell and the black smoke when accelerating are indications of this. In my case, the engine light was also on and the DPF regeneration was no longer working properly, just like in your car. Don't worry, it's nothing serious and should be quite easy to fix. However, I would advise you to take your car to the workshop as soon as possible, otherwise the problem could get worse. I hope this helps you. Don't worry, it doesn't look like a major problem and you'll soon be able to drive again without any worries! All the best!

(Translated from German)

Hi, thanks for the quick reply, really reassuring what you say. My problem may be totally similar to yours as there are the same signs. I kind of have the 2013 BMW X3 diesel in the back of my mind and want to avoid the same fate. If you remember, approximately how much did you have to pay to clean and possibly replace the diesel particulate filter? Has anything else happened to the car since then? Best regards!

(Translated from German)

By the way, I drive a VW Golf Diesel from 2010, but I've never had any problems like yours. During my last visit to the mechanic, the diesel particulate filter admittedly caused problems, but they were quickly solved with a single intervention. At the time, I actually paid around €1325 for a complete repair of the "DPF very heavily loaded". Expensive, for sure. But I have to say, the fault has never reappeared since then and, looking back, I think the amount is completely okay. So don't panic, taking it to the workshop and getting clarification is definitely the right step! See you then and don't hang your head!

(Translated from German)

Hi guys, I totally understand your concerns about the diesel particulate filter problems. I drive a VW Passat Diesel from 2011 and also had such symptoms some time ago. In my case, the on-board computer even showed a warning Diesel particulate filter remaining mileage low. Obviously, the problem is closely related to the mileage of the car. With your Skoda Octavia Diesel with 175,200 km on the clock, it is not surprising that the diesel particulate filter is causing problems. It is easily recognizable by symptoms such as dark smoke when accelerating and a louder than usual exhaust noise. I agree with the others: it's best to take your car to the garage as soon as possible. I spent about €1000 on cleaning and replacing the filter and since the problem was fixed my car has been running smoothly again. So, don't worry, it's a common wear and tear problem and can easily be solved. See you soon and cheer up!

(Translated from German)