Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ) (2021-present) reliability
Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ) built around 2021: about average at the MOT
Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ) models built around 2021 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
13% of MOT tests on Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ) models built around 2021 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ) models built around 2021 involves the tyres.
Based on 15,187 tests of Fabia models registered 2021+.
About 1 in 10 petrol Fabia cars registered in 2022 (9.3%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 6,661 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 75 Fabia Mk4 (PJ) MOTs (1.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2021 (4 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 6,261 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 25 Fabia Mk4 (PJ) MOTs (3.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2021 (4 years old).
Based on 6,261 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk4 (PJ) 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 4 years old.
How the Fabia Mk4 (PJ) compares
At each age below, see how the Fabia Mk4 (PJ) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 65,771 tests across 9 Skoda models, built around 2021 (4 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.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
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 Mk4 (PJ).
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9%
Lower fail rate: 9.0%, against 12.5% for the Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ), both built around 2021.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,564 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Volkswagen ID.3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 12.5% for the Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ), both built around 2021.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,873 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Volkswagen ID.3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.2%
Lower fail rate: 9.2%, against 12.5% for the Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ), both built around 2021.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,811 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Volkswagen ID.3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 12.5% for the Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ), both built around 2021.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,125 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Recall context
13 recalls in all4 of the 13 Fabia Mk4 (PJ) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 4 recalls
Top concerns
- Passenger airbag
- On affected vehicles airbags have been fitted which may rupture when activated and may not function properly
- The right- hand rear seat backrest frame has a reduced strength
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Fabia Mk4 (PJ) cars built around 2021
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 502 cars.
Mk4 (PJ) variants compared
Fabia Mk4 (PJ) variants built around 2021
The fail rate for each Fabia Mk4 (PJ) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- FABIA12.9%4,882 tests
- FABIA SE DRIVE TSI10.2%472 tests
- FABIA COLOUR EDITION TSI S-A11.3%423 tests
- FABIA SE DRIVE MPI11.4%280 tests
Most common issues on Skoda Fabias of this age
This list covers every Skoda Fabia built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (PJ) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 112.7%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.6%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 36.0%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 45.6%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 55.0%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
Based on 10,722 tests
Looking at a Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Skoda Fabia Mk4 (PJ) (2021-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 6,261 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.