2012 Skoda Fabia diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  16.7% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  11.5% All 2012 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.3× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  8.5% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  9.2% All 2012 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  35% 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.

• Suspension
  33% 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
  31% 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
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Steering
  10% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Driveshafts and joints
  9% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Known faults on the 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Cambelt and water pump

  Diesel and 1.4 petrol

  All diesels and the 1.4 petrol use a cambelt, due every five years or 100,000 miles, with the water pump at the same time.

  At the viewing: Look for the cambelt receipt.

  If it needs doing: Timing belt (cambelt) change, about £300–£700 (often with the water pump). ClickMechanic

  Source: Carbuyer: used Skoda Fabia Mk2 buying guide

• Loose trim and squeaks

  All engines

  Window switches can come loose, and the dashboard top can rattle.

  At the viewing: Try every window switch and listen over bumps.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Skoda Fabia Mk2 buying guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel

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

1. When was the cambelt changed?
2. Any rattles or loose trim?
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2012 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?