Part of the Skoda Octavia Mk4 (2020–2024) guide: best and worst years compared.
2023 Skoda Octavia: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Skoda Octavias, from 715 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 2023 Skoda Octavias than on all cars registered in 2023.
- Shock absorbers8.5× usualSkoda Octavia9.4% All 2023 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
By area
The share of 2023 Skoda Octavia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres18% 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.
- Suspension10% 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.
- Brakes7% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Looking at a Skoda Octavia?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6,241 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 9,632 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 11,969 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 19,669 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 16,496 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 18,117 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 19,945 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 18,429 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 16,202 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 10,178 | Suspension 37% |
| 2012 | 9,820 | Suspension 47% |
| 2011 | 10,096 | Suspension 52% |
| 2010 | 8,198 | Suspension 54% |
| 2009 | 5,813 | Suspension 55% |
| 2008 | 4,659 | Suspension 58% |
| 2007 | 4,750 | Suspension 59% |
| 2006 | 3,852 | Suspension 56% |
| 2005 | 2,306 | Suspension 56% |
| 2004 | 1,380 | Suspension 53% |
| 2003 | 1,080 | Suspension 54% |
| 2002 | 687 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Skoda Octavias registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score