Small car · 2000–2021 cars
Skoda Fabia reliability
The Skoda Fabia fails 29.5% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 746,578 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Skoda Fabia before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 29.5%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 4% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 746,578
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,100
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Skoda Fabia has a first-time MOT fail rate of 29.5%, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 4% more MOT fails. It ranks 17 of 63 small car models, so it sits a little below average. That doesn't rule it out. A careful check can make it a good buy.
Year matters. Cars from 2013 were the best, with 9% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. Cars from 2021 were the weakest, with 23% more. Body, chassis and structure is the weakest area, with 30% more fails than comparable cars. Before you buy, check the position lamps work, the suspension arm pins and bushes aren't worn, the wipers clear the windscreen, and the CV joint boots are whole and secure.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Skoda Fabia ages
Each point is the share of Skoda Fabias of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Skoda Fabia | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13.2% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 14.7% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 17.6% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 19.9% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 21.2% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 22.7% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 24.7% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 27.9% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 30.7% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 34.3% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 38.8% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 42.7% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 46.6% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 46.7% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 46.7% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 47.2% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 46.6% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 47.5% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 48.5% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 47.3% | 40.6% |
| 23 | 45.6% | 38.9% |
By year
The best and worst Skoda Fabia years
2013 cars come out best and 2021 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Fabia | 3,189 | 13.2% | 23% more fails | 21,192 |
| 2020 Fabia | 16,869 | 13.8% | 20% more fails | 24,442 |
| 2019 Fabia | 37,587 | 13.9% | 13% more fails | 26,231 |
| 2018 Fabia | 55,647 | 16.9% | 22% more fails | 30,974 |
| 2017 Fabia | 59,311 | 18.8% | 14% more fails | 39,138 |
| 2016 Fabia | 62,830 | 21% | 9% more fails | 45,783 |
| 2015 Fabia | 57,715 | 20.6% | 5% fewer fails | 50,023 |
| 2014 Fabia | 48,317 | 23.6% | 6% fewer fails | 57,715 |
| 2013 Fabia | 62,167 | 25.8% | 9% fewer fails | 65,604 |
| 2012 Fabia | 46,034 | 29.3% | 9% fewer fails | 75,435 |
| 2011 Fabia | 40,116 | 31.9% | 8% fewer fails | 80,865 |
| 2010 Fabia | 37,900 | 35% | 5% fewer fails | 82,471 |
| 2009 Fabia | 47,274 | 41.8% | 10% more fails | 82,153 |
| 2008 Fabia | 38,675 | 45.5% | 11% more fails | 94,166 |
| 2007 Fabia | 33,748 | 45.2% | 8% more fails | 98,135 |
| 2006 Fabia | 29,670 | 46.8% | 10% more fails | 101,843 |
| 2005 Fabia | 24,532 | 46.7% | 8% more fails | 105,582 |
| 2004 Fabia | 17,990 | 47.7% | 10% more fails | 106,459 |
| 2003 Fabia | 11,728 | 49.4% | 17% more fails | 96,363 |
| 2002 Fabia | 8,089 | 47.7% | 15% more fails | 95,066 |
| 2001 Fabia | 5,818 | 46.1% | 14% more fails | 92,968 |
| 2000 Fabia | 1,372 | 45.7% | 19% more fails | 81,621 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Skoda Fabia
Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 30% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.1%1% below avg
- Suspension9.3%1% above avg
- Brakes8%19% above avg
- Tyres6.3%4% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%1% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure4.7%30% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.7%17% above avg
- Steering1.7%7% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.9%13% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Position lamp not working 2.63% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 2
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.54% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.36% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
CV joint boot split or insecure 1.94% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.91% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 6
Stop lamp not working 1.91% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 7
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.66% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 8
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.61% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Skoda Fabia's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit13.72%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.53%
- Brake disc pitted or scored8.97%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear7.53%
- Shock absorber light oil misting4.49%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.01%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Skoda Fabia
- 1
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 2
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Skoda Fabia covers about 7,100 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol77.7%
- Diesel22.3%
- LPG0%
- Hybrid0%
- Electric0%
- Other0%
Most common colours
Blue, Silver, Grey, Red, White
Average engine size: 1.3 litres.
Compare
How the Skoda Fabia compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Jazz | 25.7% | 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi A1 | 21.3% | 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Fabia | 29.5% | 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan Micra | 36.3% | 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| SEAT Ibiza | 33.6% | 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 208 | 27.5% | 27% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën C3 | 35.6% | 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small car ranked in the small car reliability index, or all Skoda models.
Questions
Skoda Fabia questions, answered
Is the Skoda Fabia reliable?
On MOT results, the Skoda Fabia is about average: it fails 29.5% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 17 of 63 small car models in our index.
What fails most on a Skoda Fabia MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Skoda Fabia are position lamp not working (2.63% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (2.54% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.36% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 11.1% of its tests.
Which Skoda Fabia year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2013 cars do best (9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2021 cars do worst (23% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Skoda Fabia do a year?
A typical Skoda Fabia covers about 7,100 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Skoda Fabia before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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