Used Skoda Fabia 2021-present reliability
Category: Small car
The Skoda Fabia is practical, comfortable and now good value for money bought used.
What should I look for in a used Skoda Fabia hatchback?
The Fabia is a solidly built car, so most of your concerns will surround whether the interior is clean and tidy and that the alloy wheels, if specified, haven’t suffered any kerb damage. Its most likely use will have been as a town car, so check the bodywork for minor scuffs.
Owners reported problems with the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox of the older 2015-2021 cars; it could be overly jerky when shifting. Some also found it difficult to utilise the Mirrorlink system on the car’s infotainment system. In our most recent reliability survey, the old-model Fabia scored well on brake, tyre, windscreen wiper and headlight bulb wear, all being below the class average.
What are the most common problems with a used Skoda Fabia hatchback?
There have been three recalls for this latest Skoda Fabia so far. Check with your local dealer that all remedial work has been carried out.
1/ The passenger airbag may not release correctly because of a leak in the pressure reservoir of the gas generator.
2/ The right-hand rear seat backrest frame has a reduced strength weld.
3/ On affected vehicles airbags have been fitted which may rupture when activated and may not function properly.
Is a used Skoda Fabia hatchback reliable?
This latest version of the Skoda Fabia didn't feature in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, but the previous-generation Fabia ranked 14th out of 19 cars in the small car class. This isn't too confidence-inspiring, but it isn't ruinous either, because its overall score of 94.3% was respectable.
Most problems with the old car were with the non-engine electrics, accounting for 9.3%, then 4.7% with the brakes and none at all with the engines. It finished above the Audi A1 and Seat Ibiza, but below the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. You can see the full list of small cars here.
Skoda as a brand came 16th out of 32 manufacturers featured, with a good overall score of 91.4%. That was above Audi, Ford and Renault, but below Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki. You can see a list of all the manufacturers here.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
