Used car guide · 2019–2026

Skoda Scala common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Skoda Scala, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 22,744 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 2026 Skoda Scala

Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Skoda Scala as a whole.

1,778registered new in 2026 so far
2029first MOT due
Petrolfuel type
What to check on a 2026 car
  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

20262025202420232022202120202019

What usually goes wrong with a Skoda Scala?

We haven’t found widely reported faults for the Skoda Scala in the UK buying guides we use yet. That doesn’t mean it has none, so check the car carefully and look at the MOT weak spots below.

Common Skoda Scala 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

  • Brake discs

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2019 and 2020.

    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.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2019.

    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.

  • Braking performance

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2019.

    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.

  • Brake pads

    up to 1.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2020.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Skoda Scala MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2021 Skoda Scala did best (88% passed first time, 1 point above all 2021 cars) and the 2022 did worst (88%, 1 point below all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202393%92% +1369 (small sample)
202288%89% -12,379
202188%87% +15,533
202088%87% +19,782
201986%85% +14,681

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Skoda Scala

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

  1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the Skoda Scala as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the Skoda Scala as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Skoda Scala?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score