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Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) (2012-2020) reliability

At a glance

Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2012-2020HatchbackPETROL / ELECTRICITY

Based on 63,387 tests of Citigo models registered 2012-2020.

1.6% of Citigo Mk1 (NF) MOTs failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 6,553 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 30 Citigo Mk1 (NF) MOTs (3.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 6,553 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (NF) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
11911.8%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,72410.8%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
5,63511.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
6,55315.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
8,86118.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
10,08320.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
10,28319.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
10,54119.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
7,52220.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,06619.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 9 years old.

How the Citigo Mk1 (NF) compares

At each age below, see how the Citigo Mk1 (NF) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 82,938 tests across 8 Skoda models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSkoda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
11911.8%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,72410.8%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
5,63511.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
6,55315.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
8,86118.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
10,08320.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
10,28319.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
10,54119.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
7,52220.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,06619.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Citigo Mk1 (NF).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    15,657 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    DS 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.9%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) on these figures.

    3 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,861 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.2%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 15.3% for the Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF), both built around 2018.

    25,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.5%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 2.4%, against 3.1% for the Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF).

    5,662 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

96%of all Skoda Citigo cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

8 recalls in all

7 of the 8 Citigo Mk1 (NF) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Takata drivers side front airbag
  • On affected vehicles from a certain production period there is a possibility that the gas generator cover could be damag
  • Towing eye in the vehicle tool kit may detach during use

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Citigo Mk1 (NF) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 409 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
5%
Emissions
3%

Wear items

Tyres
10%
Brakes
8%
Lighting
5%
How Citigo Mk1 (NF) cars have aged

How Citigo Mk1 (NF) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%35791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (216 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (186 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (207 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 7.2% (3,889 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 7.4% (3,606 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.8% (3,624 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 10.7% (3,542 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.8% (4,564 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (4,258 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (4,286 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (4,214 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (4,134 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (5,293 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (5,255 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (5,192 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (5,151 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (5,116 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (6,236 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (6,119 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (6,084 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (6,061 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (6,104 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (6,262 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (6,083 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (6,061 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (6,018 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (5,875 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (7,005 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (7,042 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (6,920 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (6,941 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (6,958 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (5,155 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (5,117 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (5,053 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (5,066 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (4,984 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (2,241 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (2,196 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (2,148 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (2,141 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (2,066 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
How each part holds up as Mk1 (NF) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (NF) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car6 years7 years8 years
Suspension2%5%10%
Brakes6%8%12%
EmissionsNo figure3%4%
Tyres6%10%15%
Lighting2%5%12%
Corrosion0%0%0%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 345 to 488 cars at each age.

Mk1 (NF) variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Skoda Citigos of this age

This list covers every Skoda Citigo built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (NF) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    17.1%
    Advisory: 1,863Fail: 127 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    11.7%
    Advisory: 1,089Fail: 65 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    9.0%
    Advisory: 721Fail: 172 (19% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    7.3%
    Advisory: 594Fail: 11 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    4.6%
    Advisory: 287Fail: 41 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,553 tests

Looking at a Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Skoda Citigo Mk1 (NF) (2012-2020) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 6,553 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 63,387 MOT tests on Skoda Citigos first registered between 2012-2020. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.