Most Reliable Skoda Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 765,656 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Skoda models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
765,656 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Skoda model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Skoda KAMIQ
90.3% pass rate
Best Single Year
YETI 2013 Petrol
82.7% pass rate
Skoda vs National Average
76.7% vs 71.4%
+5.2% above average
Proven Durability Champion
CITIGO
+14.3% at 11-14 years
How reliable are Skodas really? We analysed 765,656 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out which Skoda models pass most often and which years are worth buying.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Skoda models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Skoda Compares to Rivals
Skoda ranks #102 out of 180 manufacturers with a 76.7% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda | 76.7% | #102 | 765,656 |
| Kia | 73.9% | #114 | 886,268 |
| Seat | 73.8% | #116 | 545,606 |
| Hyundai | 73.2% | #118 | 859,247 |
| Volkswagen | 71.9% | #129 | 3,034,850 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #143 | 4,473,074 |
The verdict: Skoda leads its competitors with a 76.7% pass rate.
Best Skoda Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Skoda's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAMIQ | 90.3% | +18.9% | 8,148 | 2019-2023 |
| KAROQ | 90.3% | +18.8% | 42,142 | 2017-2023 |
| SCALA | 89.5% | +18.0% | 5,061 | 2019-2023 |
| KODIAQ | 89.4% | +17.9% | 30,579 | 2016-2023 |
| CITIGO | 81.5% | +10.0% | 52,499 | 2011-2021 |
| YETI | 79.0% | +7.6% | 76,378 | 2009-2018 |
| SUPERB | 78.7% | +7.2% | 63,108 | 2002-2023 |
| FABIA | 71.2% | -0.2% | 236,211 | 2000-2023 |
| ROOMSTER | 66.7% | -4.7% | 19,273 | 2005-2016 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Top performer
The KAMIQ achieves a 90.3% pass rate, 19 percentage points above the national average.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Skoda Models Age Best?
These Skoda models show solid long-term reliability based on 11+ years of MOT data. Here's how they compare to the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITIGO | - | All | +14.3% | 11-14 years | 78.9% |
| YETI | - | All | +8.3% | 11-14 years | 72.9% |
| ROOMSTER | - | All | +6.2% | 11-14 years | 70.8% |
| RAPID | - | All | +6.0% | 11-14 years | 70.7% |
| FABIA | - | All | +5.7% | 11-14 years | 70.3% |
| YETI | - | All | +4.8% | 15-17 years | 62.6% |
| SUPERB | - | All | +4.6% | 18-20 years | 60.7% |
| SUPERB | - | All | +3.9% | 15-17 years | 61.7% |
| SUPERB | - | All | +3.4% | 11-14 years | 68.0% |
| OCTAVIA | - | All | +2.8% | 11-14 years | 67.4% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Skoda models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - too early to assess long-term reliability. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YETI | - | All | +6.1% | 8-10 years | 81.5% |
| ROOMSTER | - | All | +5.7% | 8-10 years | 81.1% |
| KAMIQ | - | All | +5.5% | 3-7 years | 90.3% |
| KAROQ | - | All | +5.5% | 3-7 years | 90.2% |
| OCTAVIA | - | All | +4.6% | 8-10 years | 80.1% |
| SCALA | - | All | +4.6% | 3-7 years | 89.4% |
| KODIAQ | - | All | +4.6% | 3-7 years | 89.3% |
| CITIGO | - | All | +3.8% | 8-10 years | 79.3% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Skoda FABIA: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The FABIA has 236,211 tests in our database with an overall 71.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 88.4% | +0.8% | 9,579 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 87.2% | +1.0% | 14,795 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 83.7% | -0.5% | 16,736 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 81.4% | -0.3% | 17,178 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 80.7% | -1.0% | 1,037 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 79.3% | +0.7% | 17,813 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 76.9% | -1.7% | 1,681 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 80.1% | +4.6% | 15,455 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 75.0% | -0.5% | 2,479 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 78.6% | +6.9% | 11,829 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 69.2% | -2.5% | 3,186 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 76.2% | +7.9% | 14,562 |
| ... | ||||
| 2009 | Diesel | 51.5% | -7.5% | 4,377 |
| 2008 | Petrol | 56.1% | -1.3% | 7,146 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 51.2% | -6.2% | 4,685 |
FABIA verdict: Avoid the 2009 diesel (51.5%).
Avoid 2001-2009 FABIAs
The 2009 diesel FABIA has a 51.5% pass rate, well below the national average.
Skoda YETI: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The YETI has 76,378 tests in our database with an overall 79.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Diesel | 86.4% | +4.7% | 3,700 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 85.5% | +3.8% | 7,520 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 84.5% | +5.8% | 7,718 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 82.8% | +4.2% | 5,479 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 83.0% | +7.5% | 5,496 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 79.2% | +3.8% | 7,230 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 83.3% | +11.6% | 4,314 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 77.7% | +6.0% | 8,018 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 82.7% | +14.4% | 2,651 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 75.9% | +7.6% | 7,680 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 77.9% | +12.3% | 1,804 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 69.7% | +4.1% | 5,006 |
YETI verdict:
Skoda SUPERB: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The SUPERB has 63,108 tests in our database with an overall 78.7% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 87.8% | +0.1% | 1,662 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 85.0% | -2.6% | 2,077 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 83.2% | -4.5% | 1,235 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 87.8% | +1.6% | 2,842 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 82.8% | -3.4% | 4,183 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 87.6% | +3.4% | 2,313 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 82.8% | -1.5% | 5,329 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 88.4% | +6.7% | 1,995 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 82.7% | +1.0% | 7,367 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 85.5% | +6.8% | 1,452 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 81.7% | +3.0% | 7,033 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 75.9% | +0.4% | 4,594 |
SUPERB verdict:
Skoda CITIGO: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The CITIGO has 52,499 tests in our database with an overall 81.5% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Petrol | 91.9% | +5.7% | 4,568 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.6% | +1.4% | 5,402 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.2% | +1.5% | 6,294 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 78.0% | -0.7% | 7,824 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 80.2% | +4.7% | 8,108 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 79.5% | +7.8% | 9,161 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 79.4% | +11.1% | 7,060 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 78.0% | +12.4% | 3,786 |
CITIGO verdict: The 2019 petrol model achieves a 91.9% pass rate (20 points above average).
Skoda KAROQ: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The KAROQ has 42,142 tests in our database with an overall 90.3% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 91.9% | +1.0% | 531 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 90.1% | +2.5% | 1,912 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 89.4% | +1.8% | 10,805 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 92.0% | +5.8% | 9,014 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 89.6% | +3.4% | 5,592 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 90.1% | +5.8% | 9,262 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 89.9% | +5.7% | 4,776 |
KAROQ verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves a 91.9% pass rate (20 points above average).
Skoda Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Skoda. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 92.0% | +20.6% | 850 |
| Hybrid Electric | 87.1% | +15.7% | 1,859 |
| Petrol | 79.2% | +7.8% | 442,240 |
| Diesel | 73.1% | +1.6% | 320,662 |
The hybrid advantage: Skoda hybrids pass MOTs 8% more often than petrols and 14% more often than diesels.
Skoda Models to Avoid
Not all Skodas are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROOMSTER | 2007 | Diesel | 47.2% | 1,410 |
| ROOMSTER | 2009 | Diesel | 50.7% | 647 |
| ROOMSTER | 2008 | Diesel | 49.2% | 1,248 |
| FABIA | 2004 | Petrol | 48.2% | 3,151 |
| FABIA | 2009 | Diesel | 51.5% | 4,375 |
| FABIA | 2002 | Diesel | 50.1% | 842 |
| FABIA | 2008 | Diesel | 51.2% | 4,684 |
| FABIA | 2003 | Petrol | 50.6% | 2,526 |
| FABIA | 2005 | Petrol | 50.3% | 4,380 |
| FABIA | 2003 | Diesel | 51.3% | 1,059 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2007-2009 diesel ROOMSTERs, 2002-2009 petrol/diesel FABIAs are the models that drag down Skoda's average. The FABIA performs 9% worse than the average car of the same age at 21+ years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Skodas?
When Skodas fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 61,236 |
| 2. Suspension | 54,881 |
| 3. Tyres | 44,173 |
| 4. Brakes | 41,867 |
| 5. Visibility | 23,103 |
| 6. Body, chassis, structure | 19,923 |
| 7. Noise, emissions and leaks | 18,926 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Skoda owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- OCTAVIA SE L FIRST EDITION TSI 2020 Petrol: 95% pass rate
- KAROQ 2019 Petrol: 92% pass rate
- CITIGO 2019 Petrol: 92% pass rate
- OCTAVIA SE FIRST EDITION TSI 2020 Petrol: 92% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- CITIGO (11-14 years): +14% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- YETI (11-14 years): +7% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- ROOMSTER (11-14 years): +6% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- RAPID (11-14 years): +6% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Skoda Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- FABIA (21+ years): -6% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
- ROOMSTER (15-17 years): -6% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 15-17 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 765,656 tests on Skoda vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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