An Official Information Act response attributed to police fleet manager Inspector Brian Yanko revealed 19 plastic oil sumps had to be replaced on Skoda Superb police cars since they were bought in June 2021.
Police have more than 800 Skoda vehicles, a mix of the Superb station wagons and Kodiaq SUVs.
The first damaged sump was reported and replaced in November 2021, although the incident did not immediately spark concern about more a widespread issue.
When more breakages were were noticed, Skoda New Zealand was notified and reported the issue to Skoda Auto in Prague.
The plastic sump is the same as on civilian models of the car.
The sump damage was sustained after cars hit objects and curbs.
Skoda Auto manufactured a metal alternative which was signed off
as a replacement item for the Skoda Superbs already deployed.
Since mid-August last year, the modification was included in newly-built police-specification cars, Insp Yanko said.
The existing plastic sumps would be replaced as required when damage was sustained through operational use, the work being carried out by the Skoda New Zealand dealer network.
Police declined to release information on costs relating to the replacement sumps, citing commercial sensitivity.
