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Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) (2006-2015) reliability

At a glance

Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) built around 2015: fails its MOT less often than average

Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) models built around 2015 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) right now?

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

Key figure

19% of MOT tests on Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) models built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 26% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2006-2015MPVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 23,468 tests of Roomster models registered 2006-2015.

About 1 in 40 Roomster Mk1 (5J) MOTs (2.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,916 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 Roomster Mk1 (5J) MOTs (4.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 2,916 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (5J) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
52617.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,91619.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,58821.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
3,04424.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,76125.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,78827.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,64331.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,12033.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,87134.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,12334.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
8837.5%

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 Roomster Mk1 (5J) compares

At each age below, see how the Roomster Mk1 (5J) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 82,264 tests across 7 Skoda models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSkoda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
52617.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,91619.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,58821.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
3,04424.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,76125.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,78827.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,64331.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,12033.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,87134.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,12334.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
8837.5%

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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Roomster Mk1 (5J).

  1. 1

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    3.6%

    Lower fail rate: 15.9%, against 19.5% for the Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J), both built around 2015.

    1,371 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Renault Kangoo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.2%
    Dangerous
    9%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) on these figures.

    4,898 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    Fiat 500L

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.9%
    Dangerous
    6.4%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) on these figures.

    5,892 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    Kia Carens

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    9.1%

    No clear edge over the Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) on these figures.

    2,859 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

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.

How many are still registered

96%of all Skoda Roomster 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

4 recalls in all

3 of the 4 Roomster Mk1 (5J) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Takata drivers side front airbag
  • Fuel may leak
  • Incorrect curtain airbag may activate

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

How Roomster Mk1 (5J) cars have aged

How Roomster Mk1 (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%40%681012141618Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (1,479 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (1,509 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.9% (1,497 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (1,548 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (1,507 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (1,992 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (1,994 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (1,994 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (2,039 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (2,029 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (1,945 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (1,896 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (1,917 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (1,871 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (1,813 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (1,977 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (1,950 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (1,983 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (1,961 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (1,846 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (1,247 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (1,229 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (1,177 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (1,137 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (1,066 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (1,160 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (1,059 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (1,035 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (1,007 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (956 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (1,065 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (1,027 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (978 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (882 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (856 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (2,019 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (1,958 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (1,810 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (1,618 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (1,501 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (2,661 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (2,446 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (2,256 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (1,976 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (1,748 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (237 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (218 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (182 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (93 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 37.5% (88 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012
Mk1 (5J) variants compared

Roomster Mk1 (5J) variants built around 2015

The fail rate for each Roomster Mk1 (5J) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • ROOMSTER18.4%2,301 tests

Diesel

  • ROOMSTER23.6%615 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Skoda Roomsters of this age

This list covers every Skoda Roomster built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (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

    19.4%
    Advisory: 808Fail: 40 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    17.7%
    Advisory: 638Fail: 149 (19% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    16.2%
    Advisory: 698Fail: 13 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.3%
    Advisory: 507Fail: 81 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.8%
    Advisory: 202Fail: 36 (15% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,916 tests

Looking at a Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Skoda Roomster Mk1 (5J) (2006-2015) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,916 10-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 23,468 MOT tests on Skoda Roomsters first registered between 2006-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.