Used car guide

2021 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 90% pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%) Stands out: shock absorbers 3.3×, suspension arm bushes and joints 3.9× 8,305 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 89% pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%) Stands out: shock absorbers 4.1×, suspension arm bushes and joints 4.7× 4,497 MOTsSee the diesel guide › Hybrid 89% pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%) Stands out: shock absorbers 4.6×, suspension arm bushes and joints 5.1× 7,018 MOTsSee the hybrid guide ›

Known faults on every 2021 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.

  • Infotainment glitches and electrical faults

    All engines

    54% of cars in What Car?'s survey had a fault, most often sat nav and infotainment, plus battery, trim and electrical niggles. All were fixed free, but a third took over a week.

    At the viewing: Use the screen and sat nav, and test the electrics.

    Source: What Car?: used Skoda Octavia (2020 on) reliability

  • Water pump failures

    All engines

    Water pump failures with large bills are reported.

    At the viewing: Watch the temperature gauge and look for coolant leaks.

    Source: What Car?: used Skoda Octavia (2020 on) reliability

  • Plug-in hybrid fuse and engine cover recalls

    Some cars

    About 2,000 plug-in hybrids were recalled for a high-voltage fuse, and about 1,150 cars for engine covers that could come loose.

    At the viewing: Ask a Skoda dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

    Source: What Car?: used Skoda Octavia (2020 on) reliability

Looking at a Skoda Octavia?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

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%
202035,858Tyres 26%
201958,872Tyres 26%
201849,251Tyres 26%
201754,586Tyres 27%
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