Used car guide

2019 Skoda Scala: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2019 Skoda Scalas, from 1,588 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,588MOT tests in 2025
82%pass first time (all 2019 cars: 84%)
7,000typical miles a year
9.4×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2019 Skoda Scalas than on all cars registered in 2019.

  • Track rod ends9.4× usual
    Skoda Scala
    11.3% All 2019 cars
    1.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 0.5% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Brake discs2× usual
    Skoda Scala
    19.6% All 2019 cars
    9.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.5% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

By area

The share of 2019 Skoda Scala MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Brakes
    28% 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.

  • Suspension
    15% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    4% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    3% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20222,265Tyres 28%
20212,801Tyres 27%
20203,272Tyres 28%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2019 Skoda Scalas registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score