2013 Skoda Octavia: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Skoda Octavias, from 10,171 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Skoda Octavias than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Shock absorbers3× usualSkoda Octavia18.2% All 2013 cars6%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Braking performance1.8× usualSkoda Octavia7.7% All 2013 cars4.4%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Link ball joint covers2.2× usualSkoda Octavia4.4% All 2013 cars2%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Track rod end: 0.8% here, against 4.8% of all 2013 cars. Exhaust system: 0.6% here, against 4.6% of all 2013 cars.
By area
The share of 2013 Skoda Octavia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension37% 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.
- Tyres32% 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.
- Brakes28% 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 electrics18% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks7% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8,303 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 19,661 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 16,493 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 18,112 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 19,942 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 18,421 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 16,192 | Tyres 31% |
| 2012 | 9,805 | Suspension 47% |
| 2011 | 10,080 | Suspension 52% |
| 2010 | 8,184 | Suspension 54% |
| 2009 | 5,812 | Suspension 55% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Skoda Octavias registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score