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Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) (2000-2006) reliability

At a glance

Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) models built around 2006 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) right now?

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

Key figure

33% of MOT tests on Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) models built around 2006 involves the tyres.

Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2000-2006HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 27,851 tests of Fabia models registered 2000-2006.

About 1 in 12 Fabia Mk1 (6Y) MOTs (8.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 8,154 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 15 Fabia Mk1 (6Y) MOTs (7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 8,154 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (6Y) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,90632.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
8,15433.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
6,15633.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
4,21333.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
2,60233.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,72631.4%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
96233.6%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
13229.5%

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 22 years old.

How the Fabia Mk1 (6Y) compares

At each age below, see how the Fabia Mk1 (6Y) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 13,033 tests across 4 Skoda models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSkoda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,90632.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
8,15433.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
6,15633.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
4,21333.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
2,60233.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,72631.4%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
96233.6%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
13229.5%

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.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 Fabia Mk1 (6Y).

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 33.1% for the Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y), both built around 2006.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,256 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.6%
    Dangerous
    7.1%

    Lower fail rate: 29.7%, against 33.1% for the Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y), both built around 2006.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    14,210 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) 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.

    25,644 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.5%
    Dangerous
    5.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 29.2%, against 33.1% for the Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y), both built around 2006.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,519 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

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

95%of all Skoda Fabia 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

13 recalls in all

2 of the 13 Fabia Mk1 (6Y) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break
  • Passenger air bag concern

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

What has gone wrong on Fabia Mk1 (6Y) cars built around 2006

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 833 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
70%
Emissions
41%
Drivetrain
32%
Steering
7%
Bodywork
2%

Wear items

Lighting
68%
Brakes
62%
Tyres
56%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 13% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Fabia Mk1 (6Y) cars have aged

How Fabia Mk1 (6Y) 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%30%151719212325Age at MOTBuilt around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (9,089 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (8,052 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (7,066 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (6,012 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (4,962 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (7,960 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (6,841 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (5,802 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (4,805 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (3,952 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (6,253 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (5,149 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (4,290 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (3,438 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (2,741 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (4,456 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (3,566 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (2,826 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (2,170 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (1,692 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (3,307 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (2,418 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (1,908 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (1,404 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (1,031 tests, 2025 data)2002Built around 2001, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (2,195 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2001, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (1,690 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2001, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (1,335 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2001, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (996 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2001, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (785 tests, 2025 data)2001Built around 2000, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (488 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2000, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (378 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2000, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (248 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2000, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (167 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2000, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (132 tests, 2025 data)2000
First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004First registered around 2003
How each part holds up as Mk1 (6Y) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (6Y) cars age

The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 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 car21 years22 years23 years24 years
Suspension70%72%72%71%
Brakes62%61%61%62%
Emissions41%34%26%24%
Tyres56%57%56%57%
Lighting68%68%70%73%
Drivetrain32%19%17%28%
Bodywork2%1%1%1%
Steering7%9%6%16%
Corrosion13%9%7%8%

Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 833 to 1,265 cars at each age.

Mk1 (6Y) variants compared

Fabia Mk1 (6Y) variants built around 2006

The fail rate for each Fabia Mk1 (6Y) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • FABIA34.3%5,157 tests

Diesel

  • FABIA30.9%2,996 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Skoda Fabias of this age

This list covers every Skoda Fabia built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (6Y) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    21.7%
    Advisory: 2,363Fail: 201 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    18.1%
    Advisory: 1,716Fail: 511 (23% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    15.0%
    Advisory: 1,505Fail: 258 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    11.3%
    Advisory: 1,196Fail: 28 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    10.9%
    Advisory: 778Fail: 147 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 8,154 tests

Looking at a Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Skoda Fabia Mk1 (6Y) (2000-2006) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 8,154 19-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 27,851 MOT tests on Skoda Fabias first registered between 2000-2006. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.