Skoda Rapid MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 22,885 MOT tests on the Skoda Rapid carried out in 2023. 24% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Rapids passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2012 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (71% passed, +3.0 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2012 models fared worst (60%, −5.7 points). Tested cars had covered 71,746 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 8.4% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "pin or bush excessively worn", on 3.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 22,885
- First-time pass rate
- 76%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +4.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 71,746
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Rapid?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Rapid 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 496 | 88% | 86% | +2.1 points | 34,749 |
| 2018 | 2,163 | 83% | 84% | −1.2 points | 44,709 |
| 2017 | 4,011 | 78% | 82% | −3.5 points | 59,022 |
| 2016 | 4,192 | 75% | 79% | −3.3 points | 70,310 |
| 2015 | 3,244 | 74% | 75% | −1.3 points | 77,305 |
| 2014 | 5,470 | 74% | 72% | +2.0 points | 81,368 |
| 2013 | 3,121 | 71% | 68% | +3.0 points | 90,558 |
| 2012 | 177 | 60% | 66% | −5.7 points | 98,451 |
Why the Skoda Rapid fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Rapid | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8.4% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 7.5% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 6.5% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 4.7% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 3.4% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 2.1% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.5% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1pin or bush excessively worn3.9%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%
- 5has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
- 6has ply or cords exposed1.5%
- 7not working on dipped beam1.5%
- 8not working1.5%
- 9fractured or broken1.4%
- 10has a serious fluid leak1.4%
Common Rapid MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Rapid, 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% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 14.1% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 12.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 10.8% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 9.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.1% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.0% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.9% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.7% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.4% |
Tips to help your Rapid pass
Based on where Rapids most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.5% of Rapid 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 · 4.7% of Rapid 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 Rapid ULEZ compliant? See the Skoda Rapid ULEZ check, or view all Skoda models.
Other Skoda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 22,885 first MOT tests of the Skoda Rapid 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 22,885 first MOT tests of the Skoda Rapid.
What is the Skoda Rapid MOT failure rate?
In our data, 24% of 22,885 first MOT attempts on the Skoda Rapid ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Skoda Rapid fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (8.4% of tests), tyres (7.5% of tests), lights and electrics (6.5% of tests).
Which Rapid year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, +3.0 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2012, at 60% (−5.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Skoda Rapid covered at its MOT?
The average was 71,746 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 34,749 miles and 2012 cars 98,451.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Skoda Rapid?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.5% of Rapids failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Rapid's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 22,885 Rapids in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 60% to 88% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- 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
Check any Rapid's MOT history
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