2021 Skoda Superb petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Skoda Superb petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Skoda Superb petrol than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Skoda Superb

  11.2% All 2021 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers4.2× usual
  Skoda Superb

  5.9% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2021 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.3× usual
  Skoda Superb

  3% All 2021 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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.

Common 2021 Skoda Superb petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Skoda Superb petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% 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
  15% 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
  9% 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
  4% 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
  4% 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 2021 Skoda Superb 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.

• 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 2021 Skoda Superb petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2021 Skoda Superb petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2021 Skoda Superb petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2021 Skoda Superb petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?