2016 Skoda Fabia diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Skoda Fabia diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Skoda Fabia diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Shock absorbers4× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  14.8% All 2016 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.2× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  15.7% All 2016 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  21.7% All 2016 cars

  11.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  5.3% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  3.4% All 2016 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Common 2016 Skoda Fabia diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Skoda Fabia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  31% 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
  31% 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
  28% 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
  10% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  3% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Known faults on the 2016 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.

• Brake fluid changes

  Brake fluid should be changed after three years and then every two years. It's cheap but often skipped.

  At the viewing: Look for brake fluid changes in the service history.

  Source: Auto Express: used Skoda Fabia Mk3 buyer's guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2016 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2016 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2016 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?