Family hatchback · 2019–2021 cars
Skoda Scala reliability
The Skoda Scala fails 11.5% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 10,428 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Skoda Scala before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 11.5%
- 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
- 10,428
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,900
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Skoda Scala ages
Each point is the share of Skoda Scalas of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Skoda Scala | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11.1% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 11.8% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 17.5% | 16.4% |
By year
The best and worst Skoda Scala years
2020 cars come out best and 2019 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 942 | 13% | 9% more fails | 26,123 |
| 2020 Scala | 5,614 | 11% | 10% fewer fails | 27,634 |
| 2019 Scala | 3,872 | 12% | 6% fewer fails | 29,277 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Skoda Scala
Its weak spot is brakes: 114% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.7%7% above avg
- Brakes4.3%114% above avg
- Lights and electrics1.5%46% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.2%63% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%34% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.5%83% above avg
- Suspension0.2%74% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.1%62% below avg
- Steering0.1%8% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.99% 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 1.16% 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 0.75% 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
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 0.62% of tests
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 6
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.58% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 7
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.58% of tests
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
- 8
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.49% 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 Scala's MOT certificate most often.
- Brake disc pitted or scored10%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.56%
- Brake pads wearing thin8.57%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit6.75%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.13%
- Brake discs showing some wear1.29%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Skoda Scala
- 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 Scala covers about 7,900 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
- Petrol93.6%
- Diesel6.4%
Most common colours
Blue, Grey, White, Black, Silver
Average engine size: 1.2 litres.
Compare
How the Skoda Scala compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Skoda Scala | 11.5% | 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Escort | 38.9% | 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Rover 45 | 43.9% | 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia ProCeed | 28.3% | 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai Veloster | 36.2% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MG GS | 21.3% | 31% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Chevrolet Lacetti | 52.3% | 39% 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 Scala questions, answered
Is the Skoda Scala reliable?
On MOT results, the Skoda Scala is about average: it fails 11.5% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 22 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.
What fails most on a Skoda Scala MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Skoda Scala are brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.99% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.16% of tests), brake discs significantly worn (0.75% of tests). By area, tyres fails 4.7% of its tests.
Which Skoda Scala year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2020 cars do best (10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2019 cars do worst (6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Skoda Scala do a year?
A typical Skoda Scala covers about 7,900 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 Scala 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.
Found a Skoda Scala? Check it free.
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.