Skoda Superb MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 63,108 MOT tests on the Skoda Superb carried out in 2023. 21% 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 Superbs passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2023. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2005 models did best (63% passed, +6.9 points against the average for 18-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (85%, −2.2 points). Tested cars had covered 88,409 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 7.4% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 2.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 63,108
- First-time pass rate
- 79%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +7.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 88,409
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Superb?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Superb 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 122 | 99% | 98% | +1.4 points | 5,688 |
| 2022 | 308 | 95% | 93% | +2.6 points | 33,476 |
| 2021 | 345 | 90% | 91% | −1.3 points | 39,629 |
| 2020 | 4,974 | 85% | 88% | −2.2 points | 38,828 |
| 2019 | 7,025 | 85% | 86% | −1.4 points | 51,154 |
| 2018 | 7,642 | 84% | 84% | +0.0 points | 64,493 |
| 2017 | 9,363 | 84% | 82% | +2.3 points | 77,686 |
| 2016 | 8,485 | 82% | 79% | +3.7 points | 87,895 |
| 2015 | 4,839 | 76% | 75% | +0.6 points | 108,736 |
| 2014 | 4,785 | 74% | 72% | +2.4 points | 115,546 |
| 2013 | 3,868 | 71% | 68% | +3.2 points | 121,425 |
| 2012 | 4,096 | 69% | 66% | +3.2 points | 126,097 |
| 2011 | 2,926 | 66% | 63% | +2.5 points | 129,033 |
| 2010 | 1,902 | 63% | 60% | +2.5 points | 138,958 |
| 2009 | 1,024 | 63% | 59% | +4.3 points | 135,178 |
| 2008 | 379 | 61% | 57% | +3.6 points | 132,897 |
| 2007 | 241 | 56% | 57% | −0.5 points | 127,927 |
| 2006 | 200 | 57% | 56% | +0.8 points | 125,313 |
| 2005 | 236 | 63% | 56% | +6.9 points | 148,605 |
| 2004 | 175 | 62% | 56% | +5.7 points | 139,448 |
| 2003 | 116 | 60% | 57% | +3.7 points | 152,758 |
| 2002 | 57 | 61% | 58% | +3.9 points | 141,934 |
Why the Skoda Superb fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Superb | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.4% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 7.1% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 5.6% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 3.6% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.9% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 1.8% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.3% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken2.1%
- 2has ply or cords exposed2.1%
- 3has a serious fluid leak2.1%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
- 5not working1.8%
- 6has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.6%
- 8pin or bush excessively worn1.5%
- 9less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
- 10too low1.1%
Common Superb MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Superb, 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 | 16.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 12.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.3% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 6.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.5% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.6% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.4% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.2% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.1% |
Tips to help your Superb pass
Based on where Superbs most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 5.6% of Superb 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 · 3.6% of Superb 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 Superb ULEZ compliant? See the Skoda Superb ULEZ check, or view all Skoda models.
Other Skoda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 63,108 first MOT tests of the Skoda Superb 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 63,108 first MOT tests of the Skoda Superb.
What is the Skoda Superb MOT failure rate?
In our data, 21% of 63,108 first MOT attempts on the Skoda Superb ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Skoda Superb fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (7.4% of tests), suspension (7.1% of tests), lights and electrics (5.6% of tests).
Which Superb year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2005 cars performed best: 63% passed first time, +6.9 points against the average for 18-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 85% (−2.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Skoda Superb covered at its MOT?
The average was 88,409 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2023 cars averaged 5,688 miles and 2002 cars 141,934.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Skoda Superb?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.4% of Superbs failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Superb's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 63,108 Superbs in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 56% to 99% 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 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 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 Superb's MOT history
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