ŠKoda Octavia Recall R/2003/042: Brake Vacuum Supply Pipe Concern, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 26 Mar 2003
- Launched
- 2,301
- vehicles in the UK
- 47J1
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Škoda recalled Octavia vehicles built between 1 September 1998 and 30 June 1999. On Octavia vehicles within the affected chassis number range tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the pipe connections due to a manufacturing fault. The dealer will check the fitted vacuum pipes and if necessary replaced. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
On Octavia vehicles within the affected chassis number range tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the pipe connections due to a manufacturing fault. If a vacuum pipe leaks the brake servo loses it's function. Without servo assistance a lot more force must be used on the pedal. But this will not lead to total failure of the brake system.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: BRAKE VACUUM SUPPLY PIPE CONCERN Defect: On Octavia vehicles within the affected chassis number range tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the pipe connections due to a manufacturing fault. If a vacuum pipe leaks the brake servo loses it's function. Without servo assistance a lot more force must be used on the pedal. But this will not lead to total failure of the brake system. Remedy: The fitted vacuum pipes will be checked and if necessary replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: brake vacuum supply pipe concern.
The Fix
The dealer will check the fitted vacuum pipes and if necessary replaced.
Are You Affected?
Octavia built between 1 September 1998 and 30 June 1999 may be included. Škoda estimates 2,301 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Škoda, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Škoda.
- Book with any franchised Škoda dealer, quoting the campaign code 47J1 or the DVSA reference R/2003/042. See how to get a Škoda recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabia, Octavia, Rapid, SuperbReplacing TAKATA driver airbag | Urgent | R/2026/342 | |
| Citigo, Fabia, Octavia, Rapid and 3 moreTakata drivers side front airbag | Urgent | R/2026/002 | |
| Octavia, SuperbOn certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment | Urgent | R/2024/017 | |
| OctaviaCertain vehicles may be fitted with a wheel bearing housing containing cavities in the material | Book soon | R/2023/222 | |
| Citigo, Fabia, Kodiaq, Octavia and 3 moreOn affected vehicles from a certain production period there is a possibility that the gas generator cover could be damaged when the driver's airbag is activated | Urgent | R/2023/086 |
This is one of 61 Škoda recalls in DVSA’s data. The Škoda recall launched before it was R/2002/033 on 10 May 2002, for anti lock brake control unit concern. The one launched after it was R/2002/148 on 31 Mar 2003, for rear window wiper may break off. You can also see every Škoda recall, all recalls launched in 2003 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/042, launched 26 March 2003. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.