Used car guide

2017 Skoda Octavia: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 85% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) Stands out: shock absorbers 6.7×, braking performance 1.9×, number plates 2× 23,094 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 82% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) Stands out: shock absorbers 5.2×, braking performance 2.1×, engine oil leaks 2.1× 31,492 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2017 Skoda Octavia

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.

  • Juddering DSG automatic gearbox

    DSG automatic

    The 7-speed DSG, especially the dry-clutch version on smaller engines, can judder at low speed or hesitate pulling away. The mechatronic control unit can also be clunky.

    At the viewing: Pull away gently from a standstill several times and creep in traffic. Any judder or hesitation needs a proper diagnosis before you buy.

    If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic

    Source: Haynes: Skoda Octavia Mk3 common faults

Looking at a Skoda Octavia?

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Other years

Every year of the Skoda Octavia compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
20231,196Tyres 14%
20227,025Tyres 24%
202119,820Tyres 24%
202035,858Tyres 26%
201958,872Tyres 26%
201849,251Tyres 26%
201660,737Tyres 28%
201556,604Tyres 29%
201449,992Tyres 30%
201332,184Suspension 33%
201231,935Suspension 42%
201132,898Suspension 47%
201027,138Suspension 50%
200919,616Suspension 50%
200816,330Suspension 54%
200717,167Suspension 55%
200614,403Suspension 53%
20058,721Suspension 55%
20045,461Suspension 52%
20034,224Suspension 52%
20022,836Suspension 52%
20011,788Suspension 51%
2000572Brakes 53%
1999196Suspension 51%
1998–Too few tests