Skoda Fabia MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 236,211 MOT tests on the Skoda Fabia carried out in 2023. 29% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Fabias passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2000 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (74% passed, +5.8 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2000 models fared worst (55%, −6.0 points). Tested cars had covered 66,673 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 10.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 236,211
- First-time pass rate
- 71%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −0.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 66,673
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Fabia?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Fabia MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 317 | 91% | 91% | +0.6 points | 20,988 |
| 2020 | 9,579 | 88% | 88% | +0.8 points | 20,390 |
| 2019 | 14,798 | 87% | 86% | +1.0 points | 25,811 |
| 2018 | 16,882 | 84% | 84% | −0.6 points | 33,201 |
| 2017 | 18,215 | 81% | 82% | −0.3 points | 41,592 |
| 2016 | 19,494 | 79% | 79% | +0.5 points | 48,417 |
| 2015 | 17,934 | 79% | 75% | +3.9 points | 53,293 |
| 2014 | 15,015 | 77% | 72% | +5.0 points | 61,202 |
| 2013 | 19,125 | 74% | 68% | +5.8 points | 68,738 |
| 2012 | 14,474 | 71% | 66% | +5.4 points | 77,969 |
| 2011 | 12,615 | 68% | 63% | +5.3 points | 82,918 |
| 2010 | 11,774 | 65% | 60% | +4.8 points | 85,218 |
| 2009 | 14,632 | 58% | 59% | −0.8 points | 85,667 |
| 2008 | 11,834 | 54% | 57% | −3.2 points | 97,034 |
| 2007 | 10,047 | 54% | 57% | −3.1 points | 100,961 |
| 2006 | 8,743 | 53% | 56% | −3.1 points | 104,970 |
| 2005 | 7,206 | 52% | 56% | −4.4 points | 108,696 |
| 2004 | 5,311 | 51% | 56% | −4.8 points | 111,000 |
| 2003 | 3,586 | 51% | 57% | −5.8 points | 102,231 |
| 2002 | 2,433 | 53% | 58% | −4.6 points | 103,431 |
| 2001 | 1,748 | 54% | 59% | −4.9 points | 101,310 |
| 2000 | 423 | 55% | 61% | −6.0 points | 87,409 |
Why the Skoda Fabia fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Fabia | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.8% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 8.9% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 7.6% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 6.2% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.7% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.4% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.5% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.7% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.2%
- 2pin or bush excessively worn2.9%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
- 5constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
- 6fractured or broken1.9%
- 7efficiency below requirements1.9%
- 8ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
- 9excessively binding1.6%
- 10inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%
Common Fabia MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Fabia, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 10.2% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.7% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 4.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.6% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.1% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.0% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 2.9% |
Tips to help your Fabia pass
Based on where Fabias most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.8% of Fabia tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 7.6% of Fabia tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Fabia ULEZ compliant? See the Skoda Fabia ULEZ check, or view all Skoda models.
Other Skoda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 236,211 first MOT tests of the Skoda Fabia carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 236,211 first MOT tests of the Skoda Fabia.
What is the Skoda Fabia MOT failure rate?
In our data, 29% of 236,211 first MOT attempts on the Skoda Fabia ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Skoda Fabia fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (10.8% of tests), suspension (8.9% of tests), brakes (7.6% of tests).
Which Fabia year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 74% passed first time, +5.8 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2000, at 55% (−6.0 points).
How many miles had a typical Skoda Fabia covered at its MOT?
The average was 66,673 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 20,988 miles and 2000 cars 87,409.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Skoda Fabia?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.2% of Fabias failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Fabia's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 236,211 Fabias in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 51% to 91% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
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