Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ) (2014-2020) reliability
Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ) built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
19% of MOT tests on Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 135,105 tests of Fabia models registered 2014-2020.
About 1 in 40 Fabia Mk3 (NJ) MOTs (2.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 21,162 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 Mk3 (NJ) MOTs (5.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 21,162 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk3 (NJ) fail rate by age
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 11 years old.
How the Fabia Mk3 (NJ) compares
At each age below, see how the Fabia Mk3 (NJ) 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).
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 priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 Mk3 (NJ).
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 18.8% for the Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ), both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 18.8% for the Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ), both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Lexus CT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.1%
- Dangerous
- 4.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.2%
Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 18.8% for the Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ), both built around 2018.
3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Toyota Prius
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94.4%
Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 18.8% for the Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ), both built around 2018.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
17,367 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
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 all6 of the 13 Fabia Mk3 (NJ) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 4 more
Top concerns
- Replacing Takata driver airbag
- 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
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Fabia Mk3 (NJ) cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,306 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol Fabia tests (not specific to Mk3 (NJ)).
How Fabia Mk3 (NJ) cars have aged
How Fabia Mk3 (NJ) 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.
How each part holds up as Mk3 (NJ) cars age
How each part holds up as Mk3 (NJ) 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 car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 1% | 6% | 17% | 25% |
| Brakes | 7% | 8% | 12% | 14% |
| Emissions | 2% | 2% | 4% | 3% |
| Tyres | 14% | 14% | 17% | 23% |
| Lighting | 2% | 3% | 7% | 6% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 647 to 1,355 cars at each age.
Mk3 (NJ) variants compared
Fabia Mk3 (NJ) variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each Fabia Mk3 (NJ) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- FABIA18.7%20,570 tests
Diesel
- FABIA22.1%588 tests
Most common issues on Skoda Fabias of this age
This list covers every Skoda Fabia built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (NJ) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 117.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 217.2%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 315.6%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 414.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 512.7%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 21,162 tests
Looking at a Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ) 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 Fabia Mk3 (NJ) (2014-2020) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 21,162 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.