2000 Skoda Fabia: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2000 Skoda Fabias, from 239 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 239 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2000 Skoda Fabias than on all cars registered in 2000.
- Coil springs2.2× usualSkoda Fabia19.2% All 2000 cars8.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.4% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Number plates2.5× usualSkoda Fabia16.7% All 2000 cars6.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.7% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Headlights2.1× usualSkoda Fabia15.9% All 2000 cars7.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usualSkoda Fabia13% All 2000 cars5.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.3% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
By area
The share of 2000 Skoda Fabia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes38% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres37% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks31% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Driveshafts and joints13% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 349 | Tyres 15% |
| 2022 | 7,157 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 8,605 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 9,410 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 14,617 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 16,742 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 18,008 | Suspension 31% |
| 2016 | 19,330 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 17,747 | Suspension 33% |
| 2014 | 14,493 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 18,318 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 13,335 | Tyres 33% |
| 2011 | 11,288 | Suspension 37% |
| 2010 | 10,170 | Suspension 36% |
| 2009 | 12,584 | Suspension 43% |
| 2008 | 9,516 | Suspension 49% |
| 2007 | 7,844 | Suspension 48% |
| 2006 | 6,289 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 5,040 | Suspension 47% |
| 2004 | 3,503 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 2,230 | Suspension 50% |
| 2002 | 1,397 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 1,039 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2000 Skoda Fabias registered in 2000. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score