2003 Skoda Fabia · 11,728 MOT tests
2003 Skoda Fabia reliability
2003 Skoda Fabias fail 49.4% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 22 Fabia years (11,728 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Skoda Fabias: 29.5%)
- 49.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Skoda Fabias: 29.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 96,363
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,728
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1% of tests fail here (40% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 36% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Skoda Fabia
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics26.2%
- Suspension18.9%
- Brakes16.3%
- Body, chassis and structure10.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.3%
- Tyres8.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 6.45%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Position lamp not working 4.99%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 4.96%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.24%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.21%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.79%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.81%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.33%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (9.52%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.33%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.53%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8%)
Other years
Every Skoda Fabia year
The full picture: Skoda Fabia reliability. Before you pay for any Skoda Fabia, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Skoda Fabia reliable?
2003 Skoda Fabias fail 49.4% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 22 Fabia years (11,728 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Skoda Fabia MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (6.45% of tests), position lamp not working (4.99% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.96% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Skoda Fabia have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Skoda Fabia shows 96,363 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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