Used car guide

2023 Skoda Fabia: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Skoda Fabia first registered in 2023: we looked at the 371 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 371 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

371MOTs of 2023 cars, done in 2023–2025
95%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
7,000typical miles a year
14%had tyres flagged

Common 2023 Skoda Fabia MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2023 Skoda Fabia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    14% 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
    4% 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 electrics
    3% 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 mirrors
    2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Suspension
    1% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Skoda Fabia

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Skoda Fabia?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Skoda Fabia compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
20227,373Tyres 23%
202117,132Tyres 21%
202028,057Tyres 23%
201943,492Tyres 25%
201849,672Tyres 29%
201753,824Tyres 30%
201657,587Tyres 31%
201553,065Tyres 30%
201443,913Tyres 32%
201355,699Tyres 32%
201241,542Tyres 33%
201135,812Tyres 33%
201032,775Tyres 33%
200940,746Suspension 39%
200831,953Suspension 45%
200726,762Suspension 44%
200622,425Lights and electrics 44%
200518,278Suspension 45%
200413,122Suspension 49%
20038,572Suspension 47%
20025,645Suspension 48%
20014,113Suspension 50%
2000966Suspension 49%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Skoda Fabia cars first registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score