2012 Skoda Rapid petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Skoda Rapid first registered in 2012 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 168 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 168 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2012 Skoda Rapid petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Skoda Rapid petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes33% 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.
- Suspension28% 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.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Lights and electrics13% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Steering9% 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 joints9% 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 Rapid petrol
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.
- 1.2 TSI petrol (older engine)
Timing chain wear (1.2 TSI petrol)
The older 1.2 TSI petrol uses a timing chain that can stretch. It starts as a rattle, especially when the engine first starts, and if it’s left the chain can fail and destroy the engine. Some garages advise changing it as often as every four years or 40,000 miles.
At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask whether the chain has been changed, with an invoice.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Skoda Rapid petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing chain been changed, and is there an invoice? Does it rattle when you start it from cold?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Skoda Rapid?
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Other years
Every year of the Skoda Rapid compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,431 | Tyres 33% |
| 2018 | 6,352 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 11,725 | Tyres 33% |
| 2016 | 12,211 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 9,367 | Suspension 34% |
| 2014 | 15,744 | Suspension 35% |
| 2013 | 8,842 | Suspension 33% |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Skoda Rapid cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score