At a Glance
The Skoda Fabia has 9 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the Mk1 (1999-2007) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 3.5M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Skoda Fabia common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Skoda Fabia generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Skoda Fabia owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Skoda Fabia owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Skoda Fabia?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Skoda Fabia Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk1
Top issue: Brake hydraulic component worn
Mk2
Top issue: Hydraulic brake cylinder fault
Mk3
Top issue: Daytime running lamp not working
Mk4
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Skoda Fabia MOT Failures
Every reason Skoda Fabia vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 10.89% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.59% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.06% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.64% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 6.61% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 5.99% |
| 7 | Driveshaft fault | 4.32% |
| 8 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.69% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.03% |
| 10 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.02% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.96% |
| 12 | Headlamp fault | 2.76% |
| 13 | Position lamp not working | 2.63% |
| 14 | Front lamp not working | 2.62% |
| 15 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.23% |
| 16 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.08% |
| 17 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.99% |
| 18 | Exhaust system fault | 1.91% |
| 19 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.87% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.86% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.48% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.38% |
| 23 | Parking brake condition | 1.32% |
| 24 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.13% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.81% |
| 26 | Brake lever fault | 0.64% |
| 27 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.56% |
| 28 | Seat belt condition | 0.56% |
| 29 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.55% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.55% |
| 31 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.52% |
| 32 | Front suspension fault | 0.51% |
| 33 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.49% |
| 34 | Rear lamp not working | 0.48% |
| 35 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.44% |
| 36 | Steering rack fault | 0.43% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.40% |
| 38 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.39% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.37% |
| 40 | Indicator fault | 0.33% |
| 41 | Fog lamp not working | 0.31% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.28% |
| 43 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.24% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.23% |
| 45 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.22% |
| 46 | Rear suspension fault | 0.19% |
| 47 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.14% |
| 48 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 49 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.13% |
| 50 | Brake fluid leak | 0.13% |
| 51 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 52 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.12% |
| 53 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.12% |
| 54 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.11% |
| 55 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.10% |
| 56 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.10% |
| 57 | Front passenger door fault | 0.10% |
| 58 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 60 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.07% |
| 63 | Brake pedal fault | 0.07% |
| 64 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.07% |
| 65 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.07% |
| 66 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 67 | Steering arm worn | 0.06% |
| 68 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 69 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 71 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.05% |
| 72 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 73 | Steering free play excessive | 0.05% |
| 74 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 75 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 76 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 78 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 81 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 84 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 86 | Power steering ram fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 89 | Brake servo fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 94 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 99 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 101 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 102 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 103 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 104 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 105 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 106 | Steering lock fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 110 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 111 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 112 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 115 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 127 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 129 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 130 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 139 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 143 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 145 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 158 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 159 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 161 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 168 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 172 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 173 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 176 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 177 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 179 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 183 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 184 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Footrest damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 187 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 188 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 189 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 189 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Skoda Fabia MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Skoda Fabia, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Skoda Fabia problems?
Based on analysis of 3.5M Skoda Fabia MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 9 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Skoda Fabia generation has the most problems?
The Skoda Fabia Mk1 (1999-2007) (1999–2007) has the highest number of identified common problems (8). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Skoda Fabia?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Skoda Fabia owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
Popular makes with common problems
Popular models with common problems
Vauxhall Vivaro
69 problems
Land Rover Series
73 problems
Peugeot 405
76 problems
Land Rover Defender
162 problems
Land Rover Discovery
105 problems
Ford Transit
125 problems
Talbot Express
85 problems
Volkswagen Crafter
68 problems
Vauxhall Brava
82 problems
Renault Master
78 problems
Nissan Pathfinder
67 problems
Toyota Hilux
70 problems
