Small SUV · 2019–2021 cars
Skoda Kamiq reliability
The Skoda Kamiq fails 10.7% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 14,973 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Skoda Kamiq before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 10.7%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 14,973
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,500
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Skoda Kamiq ages
Each point is the share of Skoda Kamiqs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Skoda Kamiq | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10.8% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 10.6% | 14.1% |
By year
The best and worst Skoda Kamiq years
2019 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 Kamiq | 2,899 | 11.5% | 1% more fails | 24,095 |
| 2020 Kamiq | 10,454 | 10.6% | 8% fewer fails | 24,792 |
| 2019 Kamiq | 1,620 | 10% | 17% fewer fails | 25,576 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Skoda Kamiq
Its weak spot is brakes: 147% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Brakes4.3%147% above avg
- Tyres3.3%20% below avg
- Lights and electrics2.3%10% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1%69% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.6%4% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%27% above avg
- Steering0.1%42% below avg
- Suspension0.1%81% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.1%60% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.93% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.29% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 3
Brake discs significantly worn 0.81% of tests
Heavily worn discs reduce braking performance and wear pads faster, so a replacement will soon be needed.
- 4
Brake effort excessively fluctuating 0.68% of tests
Uneven braking through each wheel turn can make stopping unpredictable, so the brakes need inspecting and repair.
- 5
Headlamp aim set too low 0.65% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 6
Brake disc excessively weakened or fractured 0.53% of tests
A fractured or weakened disc can fail suddenly, causing serious braking loss, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 7
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.38% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 8
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.36% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Skoda Kamiq's MOT certificate most often.
- Brake disc pitted or scored10.47%
- Brake pads wearing thin7.56%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit6.38%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking6.32%
- Child seat limits belt inspection1.77%
- Tyre has a shallow cut1.47%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Skoda Kamiq
- 1
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 3
Brake discs significantly worn
Heavily worn discs reduce braking performance and wear pads faster, so a replacement will soon be needed.
- 4
Brake effort excessively fluctuating
Uneven braking through each wheel turn can make stopping unpredictable, so the brakes need inspecting and repair.
- 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 Kamiq covers about 7,500 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
- Petrol96.6%
- Diesel3.4%
Most common colours
Blue, Grey, White, Black, Silver
Average engine size: 1.2 litres.
Compare
How the Skoda Kamiq compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus UX | 5.8% | 53% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser | 28.1% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mazda CX-30 | 8.8% | 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Subaru XV | 17.8% | 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Kamiq | 10.7% | 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia XCeed | 12.4% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| SsangYong Tivoli | 26.6% | 53% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Skoda models.
Questions
Skoda Kamiq questions, answered
Is the Skoda Kamiq reliable?
On MOT results, the Skoda Kamiq is about average: it fails 10.7% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 21 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Skoda Kamiq MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Skoda Kamiq are brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.93% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.29% of tests), brake discs significantly worn (0.81% of tests). By area, brakes fails 4.3% of its tests.
Which Skoda Kamiq year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2019 cars do best (17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2021 cars do worst (about average for its age).
How many miles does a Skoda Kamiq do a year?
A typical Skoda Kamiq covers about 7,500 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 Kamiq 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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