2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Skoda Fabia MOT pass rate and common faults

2,736 MOT tests in 2024. 51.1% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

89Well below average
Passed first time51.1%
Failed or needed repairs48.9%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,736 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.4%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.1%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.2%
  4. Position lamp: not working4.1%
  5. Stop lamp: not working3.8%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.7%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.5%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
  9. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.2%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.2%
    136 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics36.0%
  2. Brakes28.9%
  3. Suspension24.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.9%
  5. Body & chassis12.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.6%
  7. Tyres8.6%
  8. Steering5.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.5%
  3. Registration plates: inscription illegible12.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.7%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Skoda Fabia?

In 2024, 51.1% of 2003 Skoda Fabia cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,736 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Skoda Fabia?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Skoda Fabia reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 89, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).