Family hatchback · 2010–2019 cars
Skoda Rapid reliability
The Skoda Rapid fails 23.9% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, based on 73,667 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Skoda Rapid before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 23.9%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 73,667
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,900
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Skoda Rapid ages
Each point is the share of Skoda Rapids of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Skoda Rapid | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14.5% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 16.1% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 19.5% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 22.8% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 24.4% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 25.1% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 27.3% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 29.2% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 33.6% | 34.6% |
By year
The best and worst Skoda Rapid years
2019 cars come out best and 2018 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Rapid | 1,227 | 11.9% | 14% fewer fails | 34,560 |
| 2018 Rapid | 6,801 | 17.9% | 17% more fails | 37,662 |
| 2017 Rapid | 12,714 | 21.4% | 15% more fails | 49,655 |
| 2016 Rapid | 13,700 | 23.4% | 7% more fails | 60,959 |
| 2015 Rapid | 10,606 | 24.6% | 0% fewer fails | 65,663 |
| 2014 Rapid | 17,875 | 25.9% | 7% fewer fails | 72,258 |
| 2013 Rapid | 10,189 | 28.5% | 7% fewer fails | 80,170 |
| 2012 | 551 | 37.9% | 13% more fails | 92,130 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Skoda Rapid
Its weak spot is suspension: 29% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension7.9%29% above avg
- Tyres7.2%17% above avg
- Lights and electrics6.1%23% below avg
- Brakes4.8%4% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%15% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure2.1%16% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.6%24% below avg
- Steering0.5%63% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.5%12% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.15% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.84% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.71% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.65% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.52% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 6
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.34% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 7
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.26% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 8
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.18% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Skoda Rapid's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit13.59%
- Brake disc pitted or scored12.24%
- Shock absorber light oil misting11.6%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.73%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear8.08%
- Brake pads wearing thin7.09%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Skoda Rapid
- 1
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 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
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.
- 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 Rapid covers about 8,900 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
- Petrol66.4%
- Diesel33.6%
- LPG0%
Most common colours
Blue, White, Silver, Red, Grey
Average engine size: 1.3 litres.
Compare
How the Skoda Rapid compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | 25% | 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Rapid | 23.9% | about average for its age |
| Volvo C30 | 40% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Alfa Romeo Giulietta | 30.4% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo S40 | 42.7% | 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia Soul | 28.5% | 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan Pulsar | 23.9% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Skoda models.
Questions
Skoda Rapid questions, answered
Is the Skoda Rapid reliable?
On MOT results, the Skoda Rapid is about average: it fails 23.9% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage. It ranks 27 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.
What fails most on a Skoda Rapid MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Skoda Rapid are suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.15% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.84% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.71% of tests). By area, suspension fails 7.9% of its tests.
Which Skoda Rapid year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2019 cars do best (14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2018 cars do worst (17% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Skoda Rapid do a year?
A typical Skoda Rapid covers about 8,900 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 Rapid 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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