Random overheating on my Skoda Kodiaq & no solution in sight

The coolant level is not the issue; it is filled to the required level.

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My Kodiaq TDI has been driven for 147,000 kilometers. It was recently serviced at 146,000 kilometers. However, in the past week, we have faced engine overheating problems twice out of three trips

First, during a 120-kilometer journey to Jaipur in the morning, the oil temperature suddenly increased while we were in the city. We opened the bonnet and waited for about 15-30 minutes for the engine to cool down. About 100 kilometers of this trip was on the highway, and the remaining 20 kilometers were in the city. On our return journey of 100 kilometers at night and about 50 kilometers in the city during the day, we did not encounter any issues.

A few days later, we took a 300-kilometer round trip from our home to Delhi, driving non-stop during the day. We did not face any overheating problems. Approximately 250 kilometers of this journey were on the highway, with the remaining 50 kilometers in the city.

Two days after that, we traveled to Delhi again. We left in the morning and covered about 200 kilometers, driving at 120 km/h for 15-20 minutes. No problems occurred until we started heading back. The car overheated again, and we had to stop to let the engine cool. This time, we waited about 45 minutes. This incident occurred during the night.

The coolant level is not the issue; it is filled to the required level. The radiator fan is also working, and there are no leaks. The service center is yet to check the car, but over a phone call suggested that the radiator may need to be replaced.

Is it common for a radiator to need replacement within six years or 150,000 kilometers? Could there be another reason for this issue? I would like to understand the details and technicalities behind this problem. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. I did check the thread "What to do if your Engine Overheats on the road" thread, but want to know if there can be more to this issue since it is very random.

Here's what BHPian ajmat had to say on the matter:

It might be a faulty thermostat which allow water to flow or the water pump needs replacement

Here's what BHPian sagarpadaki had to say on the matter:

I think the thermostat is failing intermittently. That should be the first part to be replaced and see if the issue is resolved before moving onto the next steps. If Kodiaq has an electronic thermostat then its functioning can be checked via the VCDS by forcing it to open and close repeatedly to check if its faulty. If its mechanical, just put a new one.

Here's what BHPian PreludeSH had to say on the matter:

One of my cars Vento TDI had this issue. Changed thermostat, water pump and later replacing the radiator fixed the issue. Radiator need not have a leak nor the fan should stop working to see such issue. But you can start with thermostat as others have stated.

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