Exeo ST - any common problems

redone

Guest
Hi everyone,

I'm just considering buying a 2011 ST 143 Tech and would like to know if they suffer from any particular problems.

I have found one thread on here relating to water ingress via pollen filter and/or plenum chamber drains. I have had this problem with a Passat and don't really want to go there again. Is it a common problem with the Exeo?

Any info appreciated.

Thanks
 
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CPS91

Active Member
Jul 26, 2013
74
0
I wouldn't have said that was a common problem or there would have been more uproar with regards to it. But it is still a possibility all the same. Although getting Audi B7 A4 Scuttle and battery covers in the engine bay goes a long way to fixing it. They cost about £40 it memory serves me.

The only real problem I've had is the emissions the light. I stalled it and it came on to which one of the throttle valves has been replaced and now another part I'm waiting to be delivered to the dealer. Luckily for me that's all under warranty at present.

I'd certainly only get it through the dealer if your going to buy so you have got that protection if something goes wrong in the first 12 months.

Hope that helps a little.

Cheers,
CPS
 

Balddee2

Active Member
Oct 10, 2009
175
0
I've had an ST 143 for 18 months now (from new) and not had any problems (kiss of death!), appreciate that doesn't help you with any common problems but hopefully reassures you that maybe there aren't many.
 

MasterKey

New Exeo owner
Nov 26, 2011
50
0
Gloucestershire, UK
I've had mine for nearly 2 years now (it's just due the first MOT) and it's been trouble free. I haven't come across any known common faults as such. The closest is probably the drains, but I've not had the problem and simply ensure I don't park under trees (which I don't do anyway since I don't want to be scraping sap off the paintwork).

If it is the pre facelift model then any Audi A4 B7 accessories like boot liners will fit. If it's post facelift, with more space for the rear seat passengers, then some stuff may not fit. Otherwise, the only thing to be aware of is that almost everybody finds that the clutch has a bit of vibration on takeup in first. That's normal and nothing to worry about.
 
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cliveseat

Active Member
May 15, 2008
147
4
West Yorks
Just had the 60k service on my 09 143 Sport (a biggie at £550, but expected) and the guys at IVC in Leeds were full of praise for the car and said the problems with the B7 Audi don't seem to have carried over to the Exeo - although they're different mechanically, of course. Almost two years in it feels strong and has been totally reliable if not entirely rattle-free, a problem partly addressed with a can of silicon spray. Other than tyres and bulbs, all good.
 

irvtheswerv

Guest
Mine's a 59 plate 143CR tdi "S" remapped to 181 bhp, it's fast enough for me. Just about to tick over to 50,000 miles. Mechanically sound so far. The odd interior rattle, that's about it.
 

ajuniper

Active Member
Mar 21, 2012
27
0
Another ex-Passat owner here. I've had my Exeo ST for 18 months or so and it seems like the drain holes in the Exeo definitely do not clog up like those on the Passat. (We have a big tree next to the drive so I have no choice but to clear the leaves from the car). I pondered putting the cover over the plenum area but decided not to - it's much easier to monitor the situation without the cover being there.
 

cliveseat

Active Member
May 15, 2008
147
4
West Yorks
So nowt really major, then, just quirky stuff. For instance, I always open the rear doors after a downpour and there's plenty of water comes pouring out. Just the same on my last (and still missed) Toledo V5. Seen only one bum report on the Exeo on this forum - and that was so bad it's probably OK to consider it a rogue example (I hope). I like the idea of 180 bhp, irvtheswerv, but wonder if 60k is a bit late for a remap, although mine doesn't feel any different to the 34k that was on it when I got it. A bit better, if anything, although my mind might be playing tricks. Anyone done REALLY big miles in an Exeo, maybe as part of their job?
 

ozz

Active Member
Oct 21, 2012
36
0
Had a Company Passat for a year, a hand me down, had no issues with it tbh, but I do just sit on the motorway. The exeo (SE Tech 140 Saloon) isn't as comfortable imo (I'm 6'3") I could do 8 hours in the passat but I start getting aches after three in the Exeo ( I realise this is completely irrelevant to a lot of people but just thought I'd mention it)
They have got the quality nailed though, it's had 8-9 years of niggle sorting from the factory, and is a bit of a parts bin special so they cherry picked the good bits.
 

ridermarton

Guest
ridermarton

Hi all
Just signed up to learn more about my 60 plate Exeo problems bought on by very recent water discharge from plenum chamber which required an RAC visit and then repair by main dealer. Result looks like failed comfort CU and soaked passenger well carpets etc. Will come back once vehicle is back up and running.
 

Aim

Newbie
Aug 11, 2002
50
0
Portsmouth
So nowt really major, then, just quirky stuff. For instance, I always open the rear doors after a downpour and there's plenty of water comes pouring out. Just the same on my last (and still missed) Toledo V5. Seen only one bum report on the Exeo on this forum - and that was so bad it's probably OK to consider it a rogue example (I hope). I like the idea of 180 bhp, irvtheswerv, but wonder if 60k is a bit late for a remap, although mine doesn't feel any different to the 34k that was on it when I got it. A bit better, if anything, although my mind might be playing tricks. Anyone done REALLY big miles in an Exeo, maybe as part of their job?

I don't have anything to add with regards to Exeo's (I'm just browsing this section as I'm looking into buying one myself) but I had my current Leon remapped at 150k, so I wouldn't say 60k is too late :)
 

Sausageinabun

Active Member
Jul 5, 2014
241
1
Manchester
I've not had any problems with my 09'er. It is rock solid and drives like a dream.

I did add the plenum chamber and battery cover purely as a preventative measure, and I've just put 4 new tyres on at 32k.

The only thing that is broken is the armrest lid catch, which broke on me after a couple of weeks of ownership.

There are no squeeks, rattles or knocks, long may it continue so :happy:
 

Big Vinny

Active Member
Oct 14, 2012
231
56
2010 St SE Lux 170 35k on the clock. Owned it from new. The number plate light bulb failed thats it for reliability ! I replaced the original battery for a Bosch 5 star one a big improvement over the original, other than that nothing to report - seriously.

It runs like a Swiss watch (a diesel one admittedly). If im being really critical I would say the metallic black paint finish could be a bit better in a couple of places like around the filler cap, thats it.

I am a real fan of SEAT technology when it is so well proven by other VAG brands
 

RichL

Full Member
Oct 21, 2003
171
2
Essex, UK
Visit site
Just coming up for 3 months of owning my Exeo ST (170SE) and my only gripe is the rear load cover which squeaks loudly, constantly and broadcasts every minor imperfection in the road like the very finest seismograph.
The British Geological Society should can their expensive earthquake monitoring equipment and just buy a couple of Exeo STs with the load covers extended.
 

Sausageinabun

Active Member
Jul 5, 2014
241
1
Manchester
just coming up for 3 months of owning my exeo st (170se) and my only gripe is the rear load cover which squeaks loudly, constantly and broadcasts every minor imperfection in the road like the very finest seismograph.
The british geological society should can their expensive earthquake monitoring equipment and just buy a couple of exeo sts with the load covers extended.

:lol: