2018 Skoda Superb diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Skoda Superb diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Skoda Superb diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Shock absorbers4.3× usual
  Skoda Superb

  9.8% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

• Windscreen1.8× usual
  Skoda Superb

  3.5% All 2018 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Engine warning light2.6× usual
  Skoda Superb

  2.3% All 2018 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.9% of all 2018 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.

Common 2018 Skoda Superb diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Skoda Superb diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  20% 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.

• Suspension
  14% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  5% 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
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2018 Skoda Superb 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.

• Eight recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered an electrical cable clamp, sunroof software, airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners (several times), rear hubs, software that could stall the engine and eCall.

  At the viewing: Ask a Skoda dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Skoda Superb (Mk3, 2015-2024) buyer’s guide

• Cambelt and DSG oil (servicing)

  Diesel and DSG

  Diesels need a cambelt on schedule, and the DSG gearbox needs fluid changes.

  At the viewing: Ask for invoices for the cambelt and DSG oil change.

  Source: Auto Express: used Skoda Superb (Mk3, 2015-2024) buyer’s guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2018 Skoda Superb diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2018 Skoda Superb diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2018 Skoda Superb diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?