Skoda Roomster MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 19,273 MOT tests on the Skoda Roomster carried out in 2023. 33% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Roomsters passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2006 to 2015. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (80% passed, +8.4 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2006 models fared worst (46%, −10.0 points). Tested cars had covered 81,711 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 14.2% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 19,273
- First-time pass rate
- 67%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −4.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 81,711
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Roomster?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Roomster 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,713 | 83% | 75% | +7.2 points | 54,546 |
| 2014 | 2,777 | 80% | 72% | +8.4 points | 57,605 |
| 2013 | 2,693 | 75% | 68% | +7.2 points | 67,269 |
| 2012 | 2,452 | 71% | 66% | +5.1 points | 76,166 |
| 2011 | 1,640 | 68% | 63% | +5.1 points | 80,575 |
| 2010 | 1,368 | 65% | 60% | +4.9 points | 91,587 |
| 2009 | 1,203 | 56% | 59% | −3.3 points | 94,616 |
| 2008 | 2,289 | 53% | 57% | −4.2 points | 103,477 |
| 2007 | 2,676 | 50% | 57% | −6.9 points | 109,238 |
| 2006 | 457 | 46% | 56% | −10.0 points | 116,057 |
Why the Skoda Roomster fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Roomster | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.2% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 11.3% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 8.4% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 6.9% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 6.8% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 3.7% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.1% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 2.7% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.5% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.8%
- 2constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
- 3fractured or broken3.7%
- 4ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
- 5pin or bush excessively worn2.6%
- 6incorrect colour2.4%
- 7excessively binding2.2%
- 8tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
- 9not working on dipped beam1.9%
- 10does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
Common Roomster MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Roomster, 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 | 16.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 16.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 10.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 9.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.6% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 4.6% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 4.6% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 4.2% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.3% |
Tips to help your Roomster pass
Based on where Roomsters most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 14.2% of Roomster 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 · 8.4% of Roomster 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.
Body and structure · 6.9% of Roomster tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the Roomster ULEZ compliant? See the Skoda Roomster ULEZ check, or view all Skoda models.
Other Skoda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 19,273 first MOT tests of the Skoda Roomster 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 19,273 first MOT tests of the Skoda Roomster.
What is the Skoda Roomster MOT failure rate?
In our data, 33% of 19,273 first MOT attempts on the Skoda Roomster ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Skoda Roomster fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (14.2% of tests), suspension (11.3% of tests), brakes (8.4% of tests).
Which Roomster year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 80% passed first time, +8.4 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2006, at 46% (−10.0 points).
How many miles had a typical Skoda Roomster covered at its MOT?
The average was 81,711 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2015 cars averaged 54,546 miles and 2006 cars 116,057.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Skoda Roomster?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.8% of Roomsters failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Roomster's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 19,273 Roomsters in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 46% to 83% 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
Check any Roomster's MOT history
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