Skoda Fabia years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

228,405 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2001–2022 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

Skoda Fabia years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2001–2009, 2017–2018 and 2020–2021. Above it: 2010–2015 and 2022. The other 2 years can't be told apart from average.

Below the average for their first-use year2001–2009, 2017–2018 and 2020–2021
Above the average for their first-use year2010–2015 and 2022
Can't be told apart from average2016 and 2019

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

70.6%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 70.4% to 70.8%.

Skoda Fabia, all years70.6%
Same-age average, all vehicles70.4%

In 2025, 70.6% of the 228,405 initial MOT tests on Skoda Fabia cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 70.4%. That is 0.2 points above the same-age average.

Check a specific Fabia

Its own MOT history, free.

Skoda Fabia MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2022age 3	7,16619,200	90.8%±0.7	+2.3 ptsall: 88.5%
2021age 4	8,61925,500	85.7%±0.8	−1.5 ptsall: 87.2%
2020age 5	9,39631,500	84.8%±0.8	−1.2 ptsall: 86.0%
2019age 6	14,62236,700	83.3%±0.7	−0.2 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 7	16,74943,900	77.8%±0.7	−3.1 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 8	17,99752,100	76.5%±0.7	−1.7 ptsall: 78.2%
2016age 9	19,30758,600	75.3%±0.7	+0.4 ptsall: 74.9%
2015age 10	17,73762,100	75.0%±0.7	+3.1 ptsall: 71.9%
2014age 11	14,49768,700	72.4%±0.8	+3.8 ptsall: 68.6%
2013age 12	18,28475,700	70.4%±0.7	+4.6 ptsall: 65.8%
2012age 13	13,32284,500	67.7%±0.8	+4.2 ptsall: 63.5%
2011age 14	11,28088,600	64.7%±0.9	+3.5 ptsall: 61.2%
2010age 15	10,15389,300	62.0%±1.0	+2.7 ptsall: 59.3%
2009age 16	12,55388,500	55.9%±0.9	−2.4 ptsall: 58.3%
2008age 17	9,49898,700	52.4%±1.1	−4.8 ptsall: 57.2%
2007age 18	7,815101,200	53.6%±1.2	−3.8 ptsall: 57.4%
2006age 19	6,262102,300	54.3%±1.3	−2.7 ptsall: 57.0%
2005age 20	5,024105,500	53.5%±1.4	−4.1 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 21	3,484107,100	53.0%±1.7	−4.8 ptsall: 57.8%
2003age 22	2,21696,000	52.3%±2.1	−6.4 ptsall: 58.7%
2002age 23	1,38794,500	56.1%±2.7	−3.4 ptsall: 59.5%
2001age 24	1,03794,100	52.7%±3.1	−8.4 ptsall: 61.1%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common Fabia problems at the MOT

Share of the 67,150 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

Suspension35.1%
Lights and electrics34.4%
Brakes26.1%
Tyres21.4%
Body, chassis, structure15.1%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors13.5%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

What to check when viewing a Fabia

Based on the areas where Skoda Fabia MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Suspension
In 35.1% of failed Fabia tests
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Lights and electrics
In 34.4% of failed Fabia tests
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Brakes
In 26.1% of failed Fabia tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Tyres
In 21.4% of failed Fabia tests
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a Fabia's MOT history

Skoda Fabia questions

Which Skoda Fabia years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2001–2009, 2017–2018 and 2020–2021. Above average: 2010–2015 and 2022. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the Skoda Fabia reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 70.6% of initial MOT tests on Skoda Fabia cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 70.4%. That is 0.2 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common Skoda Fabia problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are suspension (in 35.1% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 34.4% of failed tests) and brakes (in 26.1% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Skoda Fabia?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Skoda Fabia cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 62,100 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Fabia's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Skoda Fabia

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other Skoda models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 12 Skoda models Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Skoda Fabia cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count