Skoda Scala MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,061 MOT tests on the Skoda Scala carried out in 2023. 11% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Scalas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2019 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2021 models did best (96% passed, +5.6 points against the average for 2-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (88%, +1.8 points). Tested cars had covered 23,857 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 4.0% of tests (slightly below the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "less than 1.5 mm thick", on 2.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,061
- First-time pass rate
- 89%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +18.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 23,857
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Scala?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Scala 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 | 114 | 96% | 91% | +5.6 points | 24,356 |
| 2020 | 3,332 | 90% | 88% | +2.2 points | 22,567 |
| 2019 | 1,573 | 88% | 86% | +1.8 points | 27,085 |
Why the Skoda Scala fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Scala | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.0% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 4.0% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 1.7% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 1.0% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.7% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| Suspension | 0.2% | 8.9% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.1% | 0.4% |
| Body and structure | 0.1% | 3.5% |
| Road Wheels | 0.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1less than 1.5 mm thick2.1%
- 2has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
- 3excessively fluctuating1.1%
- 4has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9%
- 5significantly and obviously worn0.8%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.7%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.6%
- 8not working0.6%
- 9in such a condition that it is seriously weakened0.5%
- 10too low0.5%
Common Scala MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Scala, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 11.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.4% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 8.1% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.0% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.7% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 1.4% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 1.3% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.3% |
| excessively fluctuating | Brakes | 1.2% |
Tips to help your Scala pass
Based on where Scalas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 4.0% of Scala 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.
Lights and electrics · 1.7% of Scala 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.
Visibility · 1.0% of Scala tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Scala ULEZ compliant? See the Skoda Scala ULEZ check, or view all Skoda models.
Other Skoda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,061 first MOT tests of the Skoda Scala 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 5,061 first MOT tests of the Skoda Scala.
What is the Skoda Scala MOT failure rate?
In our data, 11% of 5,061 first MOT attempts on the Skoda Scala ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Skoda Scala fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (4.0% of tests), brakes (4.0% of tests), lights and electrics (1.7% of tests).
Which Scala year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2021 cars performed best: 96% passed first time, +5.6 points against the average for 2-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 88% (+1.8 points).
How many miles had a typical Skoda Scala covered at its MOT?
The average was 23,857 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 24,356 miles and 2019 cars 27,085.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Skoda Scala?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 13.6% of tests, in the brakes area. 4.0% of Scalas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Scala's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,061 Scalas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 88% to 96% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 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
- 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 Scala's MOT history
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