Skoda Rapid Exhaust Noise Issue

Louder exhaust noise and a stored error definitely points to the exhaust system. The exhaust flaps can stick or fail, especially with that mileage. Does the exhaust noise change at all after the engine warms up? Exhaust blockage can cause similar symptoms, but it's less common. I remember when my old Octavia had exhaust noise issues; turned out to be a cracked manifold. Yours sounds more like the exhaust flaps though.

The exhaust noise does seem to quiet down a little after the engine has been running for a while, but it's still louder than it used to be. You mentioned exhaust blockage – is there any way to check for that myself, or is it something the workshop would need to do?

Given that the exhaust noise improves somewhat when warm and you have an error code specifically related to the exhaust flaps, it's highly likely they are the culprit. A complete exhaust blockage would usually cause significant performance issues as well. It's best to get it checked at a workshop; they can properly diagnose the exhaust flaps and confirm the issue. Estimate for an exhaust repair should be around 190€.

Took the Skoda to the workshop, and you were right. It was the exhaust flap. The exhaust repair cost me 190€. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.