Skoda Superb recalled due to fire risk, affects NZ Police cars

The New Zealand Police’s car of choice for its front-line operations, the Skoda Superb, has been recalled due to a potential fire risk in the engine bay.

According to the recall notice posted to the New Zealand Transport Agency’s safety recalls database on 2 February 2024, a coupling connector found between the brake servo may not be protected by a heat shield.

If exposed to heat, the connector could melt and leak brake fluid. If the fluid comes into contact with a hot surface in the engine bay, it may ignite.

The recall also applies to the Octavia and only affects vehicles made between 2020 and 2024 fitted with a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and an electromechanical brake servo.

Skoda New Zealand is instructing Superb and Octavia owners to contact their nearest authorised dealership to arrange an appointment to have their vehicle inspected.

Approximately 2000 vehicles are affected in New Zealand, including those used by the police.

A spokesperson for the police told NZ Herald that it is working through the affected vehicles in its fleet to resolve the issue.

The police spokesperson added that day-to-day police operations have not been impacted.