2009 Skoda Superb diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Skoda Superb diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Skoda Superb diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Side repeaters4.7× usual
  Skoda Superb

  6.6% All 2009 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Ball joint dust cover2× usual
  Skoda Superb

  8.1% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm1.8× usual
  Skoda Superb

  5.7% All 2009 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2009 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.

• Engine warning light2.1× usual
  Skoda Superb

  4.6% All 2009 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-roll bar5.7× usual
  Skoda Superb

  2.3% All 2009 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2009 Skoda Superb diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Skoda Superb diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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 electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  25% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  8% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Skoda Superb 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 side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2009 Skoda Superb diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Skoda Superb diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Skoda Superb diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?