Skoda Roomster common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Skoda Roomster?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing chain wear (1.2 TSI petrol)

  Cars registered 2009–2014 · 1.2 TSI petrol (older engine)

  The older 1.2 TSI petrol uses a timing chain that can stretch. It starts as a rattle, especially when the engine first starts, and if it’s left the chain can fail and destroy the engine. Some garages advise changing it as often as every four years or 40,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask whether the chain has been changed, with an invoice.

  Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Polo (2009-2017) used review

Common Skoda Roomster MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

• Individual direction indicators

  up to 3.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Steering rack inner joints

  up to 4.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Link ball joint covers

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007 and 2008.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Diesel

• Braking performance

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Individual direction indicators

  up to 4.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Brake discs

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 3.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Steering rack inner joints

  up to 9.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 2.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Skoda Roomster MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2014 Skoda Roomster did best (77% passed first time, 7 points above all 2014 cars) and the 2006 did worst (46%, 10 points below all 2006 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Skoda Roomster

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

1. Has the timing chain been changed, and is there an invoice? Does it rattle when you start it from cold?
2. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the Skoda Roomster as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the Skoda Roomster as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the Skoda Roomster as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?