2004 Skoda Fabia diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Skoda Fabia diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Skoda Fabia diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  14.7% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  11.9% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Braking performance1.7× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  12.4% All 2004 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 3.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Flexible brake hoses1.9× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  10.5% All 2004 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.9× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  7.4% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2004 Skoda Fabia diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Skoda Fabia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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.

• Brakes
  42% 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
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  15% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Skoda Fabia diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?