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Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) (2004-2012) reliability

At a glance

Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) built around 2012: about average at the MOT

Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) models built around 2012 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) right now?

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

Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 27% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) models built around 2012 involves the suspension.

Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z)
average reliability2004-2012HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 69,877 tests of Octavia models registered 2004-2012.

About 1 in 20 Octavia Mk2 (1Z) MOTs (5.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 13,187 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 Octavia Mk2 (1Z) MOTs (6.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 13,187 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (1Z) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5,67726.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
13,18726.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
12,80726.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10,59028.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,69630.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,79631.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5,99531.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,65332.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,43132.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,04530.2%

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 19 years old.

How the Octavia Mk2 (1Z) compares

At each age below, see how the Octavia Mk2 (1Z) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 47,278 tests across 6 Skoda models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSkoda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
5,67726.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
13,18726.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
12,80726.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10,59028.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,69630.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,79631.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5,99531.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,65332.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,43132.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,04530.2%

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.

Suspension

Worth checking

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

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

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 Octavia Mk2 (1Z).

  1. 1

    Honda Fit

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.1%

    Lower fail rate: 17.1%, against 26.8% for the Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z), both built around 2012.

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

    1,522 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 18.2%, against 26.8% for the Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z), both built around 2012.

    5,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 23.9%, against 26.8% for the Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z), both built around 2012.

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

    35,820 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Mini Cooper D

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.1%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) on these figures.

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

    1,478 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

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

86%of all Skoda Octavia 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% · Fewer than 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

29 recalls in all

5 of the 29 Octavia Mk2 (1Z) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Flywheel may fail resulting in fire
  • Abs/esc system may fail
  • Fuel may leak

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

How Octavia Mk2 (1Z) cars have aged

How Octavia Mk2 (1Z) 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%9111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (10,067 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (9,582 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (8,985 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (8,278 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (7,668 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (10,704 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (10,214 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (9,641 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (9,008 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (8,140 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (9,407 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (8,791 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (8,081 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (7,222 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (6,539 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (6,296 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (5,752 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (5,127 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (4,541 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (3,997 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (6,541 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (5,956 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (5,265 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (4,503 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (3,793 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (7,009 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (6,165 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (5,315 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (4,446 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (3,657 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (6,312 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (5,386 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (4,569 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (3,756 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (3,073 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (3,944 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (3,272 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (2,651 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (2,007 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (1,604 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (2,923 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (2,329 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (1,808 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (1,353 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,045 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
Mk2 (1Z) variants compared

Octavia Mk2 (1Z) variants built around 2012

The fail rate for each Octavia Mk2 (1Z) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • OCTAVIA27.4%8,979 tests

Petrol

  • OCTAVIA25.6%4,181 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Skoda Octavias of this age

This list covers every Skoda Octavia built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (1Z) 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

    23.6%
    Advisory: 4,562Fail: 343 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    23.2%
    Advisory: 4,475Fail: 597 (12% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    16.9%
    Advisory: 3,439Fail: 176 (5% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    12.7%
    Advisory: 1,907Fail: 305 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    12.6%
    Advisory: 2,287Fail: 24 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 13,187 tests

Looking at a Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Skoda Octavia Mk2 (1Z) (2004-2012) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 13,187 13-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 69,877 MOT tests on Skoda Octavias first registered between 2004-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.