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Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) (2007-2013) reliability

At a glance

Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) built around 2013: about average at the MOT

Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) models built around 2013 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) right now?

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

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) models built around 2013 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) models built around 2013 involves the suspension.

Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2007-2013HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 112,743 tests of Fabia models registered 2007-2013.

About 1 in 25 Fabia Mk2 (5J) MOTs (3.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2013 (12 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 20,965 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 20 Fabia Mk2 (5J) MOTs (5.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2013 (12 years old).

Based on 20,965 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (5J) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
9,45523.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
20,96523.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
17,01425.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14,66626.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
16,71630.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
14,39231.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
13,44233.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,09332.7%

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 17 years old.

How the Fabia Mk2 (5J) compares

At each age below, see how the Fabia Mk2 (5J) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 61,977 tests across 7 Skoda models, built around 2013 (12 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSkoda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
9,45523.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
20,96523.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
17,01425.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14,66626.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
16,71630.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
14,39231.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
13,44233.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,09332.7%

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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks 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 Mk2 (5J).

  1. 1

    Honda Fit

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.1%

    Lower fail rate: 16.1%, against 23.4% for the Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J), both built around 2013.

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

    1,015 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) 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.

    43,222 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  3. 3

    Mini Cooper D

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) on these figures.

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

    3,579 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  4. 4

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.4%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 18.2%, against 23.4% for the Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J), both built around 2013.

    4,671 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

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

5 of the 13 Fabia Mk2 (5J) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 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
  • Fuel may leak

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

How Fabia Mk2 (5J) cars have aged

How Fabia Mk2 (5J) 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%81012141618Age at MOTBuilt around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (15,147 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (14,959 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (14,799 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (14,510 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (14,134 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (12,127 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (12,019 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (11,654 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (11,434 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (10,753 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (10,657 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (10,270 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (9,795 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (9,478 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (8,845 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (10,055 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (9,662 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (9,293 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (8,719 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (7,981 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (11,969 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (11,445 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (10,798 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (9,999 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (9,029 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (12,054 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (11,215 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (10,621 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (9,507 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (8,350 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (9,712 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (8,788 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (7,986 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (7,071 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (6,093 tests, 2025 data)2007
First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010
Mk2 (5J) variants compared

Fabia Mk2 (5J) variants built around 2013

The fail rate for each Fabia Mk2 (5J) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • FABIA22.2%15,100 tests

Diesel

  • FABIA26.7%5,856 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 2013, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (5J) 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

    19.0%
    Advisory: 5,427Fail: 430 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    18.8%
    Advisory: 4,954Fail: 1,060 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.3%
    Advisory: 3,660Fail: 696 (16% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    10.6%
    Advisory: 2,740Fail: 40 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    7.6%
    Advisory: 1,576Fail: 17 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 20,965 tests

Looking at a Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2013 (12 years old), the Skoda Fabia Mk2 (5J) (2007-2013) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 20,965 12-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 112,743 MOT tests on Skoda Fabias first registered between 2007-2013. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.