Large family car · 2002–2021 cars

Skoda Superb reliability

The Skoda Superb fails 21.4% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 197,945 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Better than averageReliability score 66/100#4 of 29 large family cars

Checking a Skoda Superb before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 21.4%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 17% fewer; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 197,945; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 11,800; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Skoda Superb is a sound large family car. Across 197,945 MOT tests from 2022 to 2024, its first-time MOT fail rate was 21.4%, against 28.4% for all cars. Against cars of the same age and mileage, it has 17% fewer MOT fails, ranking 4 of 29 large family car models. Its best year was 2016, with 28% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage.

Tyres are the weak spot, with 11% more fails there than comparable cars. Even 2019, the weakest year, had 11% fewer fails than comparable cars. Before you buy, check shock absorbers for serious fluid leaks, coil springs for fractures, and tyres for exposed ply or cords or tread below 1.6mm. These are among the most common MOT failures, so a careful check could save you money.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Skoda Superb ages

Each point is the share of Skoda Superbs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Skoda SuperbAll cars

Skoda Superb first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Skoda Superb	All cars
3	13.7%	12.3%
4	14.8%	14.1%
5	14.8%	16.4%
6	17%	19.1%
7	19.4%	22.1%
8	23.4%	25.5%
9	27.8%	28.8%
10	30%	31.8%
11	32.1%	34.6%
12	34.5%	37.3%
13	35.9%	39.5%
14	37.7%	41.1%
15	36.3%	42.3%
16	39.5%	42.9%
17	39.6%	43.4%
18	37%	43.5%
19	42.5%	43.4%
20	39.8%	42.8%

By year

The best and worst Skoda Superb years

2016 cars come out best and 2019 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Skoda Superb MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 Superb	1,613	11.9%	25% fewer fails	45,213
2020 Superb	8,692	13.1%	16% fewer fails	43,340
2019 Superb	18,607	14.8%	11% fewer fails	47,821
2018 Superb	26,823	14.9%	18% fewer fails	55,436
2017 Superb	31,368	16.1%	23% fewer fails	66,954
2016 Superb	28,534	17.2%	28% fewer fails	76,582
2015 Superb	16,095	23.5%	14% fewer fails	92,280
2014 Superb	15,854	25.9%	15% fewer fails	100,650
2013 Superb	12,789	28.1%	16% fewer fails	106,454
2012 Superb	13,499	31.5%	13% fewer fails	114,348
2011 Superb	9,608	34.3%	11% fewer fails	119,933
2010 Superb	6,409	36%	12% fewer fails	130,385
2009 Superb	3,351	35.9%	15% fewer fails	129,833
2008 Superb	1,245	36.3%	17% fewer fails	128,012
2007	780	39.4%	10% fewer fails	126,580
2006	691	42.3%	5% fewer fails	121,197
2005	849	35.5%	22% fewer fails	146,207
2004	569	41.1%	9% fewer fails	136,890
2003	381	42.5%	6% fewer fails	146,447

Common problems

What fails most on a Skoda Superb

Its weak spot is tyres: 11% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Suspension7.4%4% above avg
Tyres7.3%11% above avg
Lights and electrics5.7%42% below avg
Brakes3.6%39% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%26% below avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.8%56% below avg
Body, chassis and structure1%56% below avg
Seat belts and airbags0.7%4% below avg
Steering0.3%80% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.87% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
2
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.81% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
3
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.8% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.73% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
5
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.46% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
6
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.29% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
7
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.25% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
8
Headlamp aim set too low 1.01% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Skoda Superb's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit14.13%
Brake disc pitted or scored10.32%
Brake pads wearing thin7.11%
Shock absorber light oil misting5.33%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking4.57%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear2.93%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Skoda Superb

1
Shock absorber serious fluid leak
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
2
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
3
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
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 Superb covers about 11,800 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

Diesel79.4%
Petrol19.4%
Other1%
Hybrid0.1%
LPG0%
Electric0%

Most common colours

Grey, Black, Silver, Blue, White

Average engine size: 1.9 litres.

Compare

How the Skoda Superb compares with its rivals

Skoda Superb against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Skoda Superb	21.4%	17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Saab 9-3	37.3%	12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Toyota Avensis	33.7%	11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Honda Accord	38.7%	8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Mazda 6	30%	4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Tesla Model 3	14.7%	about average for its age
Vauxhall Vectra	45.9%	6% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every large family car ranked in the large family car reliability index, or all Skoda models.

Questions

Skoda Superb questions, answered

Is the Skoda Superb reliable?

On MOT results, the Skoda Superb is better than average: it fails 21.4% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 4 of 29 large family car models in our index.

What fails most on a Skoda Superb MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Skoda Superb are shock absorber serious fluid leak (1.87% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (1.81% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.8% of tests). By area, suspension fails 7.4% of its tests.

Which Skoda Superb year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2016 cars do best (28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2019 cars do worst (11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Skoda Superb do a year?

A typical Skoda Superb covers about 11,800 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 Superb 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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