Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) (2020-present) reliability
Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) built around 2020: about average at the MOT
Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
12% of MOT tests on Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 28,917 tests of Octavia models registered 2020+.
About 1 in 9 petrol Octavia cars registered in 2022 (10.7%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 2,704 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 75 Octavia Mk4 (NX) MOTs (1.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 7,917 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 Octavia Mk4 (NX) MOTs (4.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 7,917 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk4 (NX) 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 5 years old.
How the Octavia Mk4 (NX) compares
At each age below, see how the Octavia Mk4 (NX) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 69,168 tests across 9 Skoda models, built around 2020 (5 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 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.
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 Octavia Mk4 (NX).
- 1
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
More still registered at 10 years: 96%, against 86% for the Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX).
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
44,857 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.6%
No clear edge over the Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,440 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Citroen C5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.6%
No clear edge over the Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
7,168 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Volkswagen E-Golf
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.5%
No clear edge over the Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,917 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
29 recalls in all5 of the 29 Octavia Mk4 (NX) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 4 more
Top concerns
- The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was partly produced with an insufficient amount of so-cal
- On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (direct shift gearbox) of a limited production period the
- Certain vehicles may be fitted with a wheel bearing housing containing cavities in the material.
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2020 (5 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol Octavia tests (not specific to Mk4 (NX)).
How Octavia Mk4 (NX) cars have aged
How Octavia Mk4 (NX) 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Mk4 (NX) variants compared
Octavia Mk4 (NX) variants built around 2020
The fail rate for each Octavia Mk4 (NX) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- OCTAVIA11.2%3,780 tests
- OCTAVIA SE TECHNOLOGY TSI9.7%535 tests
- OCTAVIA SE L FIRST EDITION TSI12.2%451 tests
- OCTAVIA SE FIRST EDITION TSI7.0%300 tests
Diesel
- OCTAVIA15.6%2,298 tests
Most common issues on Skoda Octavias of this age
This list covers every Skoda Octavia built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (NX) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 116.6%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 215.5%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 311.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 411.1%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 56.8%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 17,409 tests
Looking at a Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Skoda Octavia Mk4 (NX) (2020-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 7,917 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.