Common Problems with the Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia is a popular supermini that has been on our roads since ‘99. It embodies Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ philosophy, which offers clever solutions to simple problems, and as a result, the Fabia provides excellent value for money. 

Now in its fourth generation, the Fabia is still going strong, but like all cars, it can develop problems. Find out what they are and how to fix them in this guide.

You should keep an eye out for issues relating to:

• Engine

• Central locking

• DPF

• Gearbox

What’s wrong with the Skoda Fabia?

These are the most common Skoda Fabia problem-related searches.

Skoda Fabia ABS sensor problem

The ABS sensor may develop a fault causing the warning light to come on even though the system is fully functional. When the ABS warning light appears, you should always have it investigated by a mechanic. 

Skoda Fabia central locking problems

It’s relatively common for the locking motor to fail, especially the one that allows the boot to open. Sometimes locking problems can also be caused by bad wiring.

Skoda Fabia climate control problems

If your Fabia’s aircon is blowing hot air, there are several potential causes:

• Clogged expansion valve

• Lack of refrigerant gas

• Leak in the system

• Dirty condenser 

• Dirty evaporator

• Faulty compressor

Read this aircon guide for a full explanation.

Skoda Fabia acceleration problems

Slow acceleration may be caused by:

• Faulty mass air flow sensor (MAF)

• Clogged air filter

• Clogged catalytic converter

• Clogged fuel filter

• Faulty oxygen sensor

For a full explanation of why cars struggle to accelerate and what you can do about it, check out this guide.

Skoda Fabia DPF problems

Diesel engines must be driven at high speeds for a decent amount of time, for example, on the motorway, so the exhaust gets hot enough for the diesel particulate filter to regenerate. If this process doesn’t happen, the DPF gets clogged, which may cause starting problems. Your vehicle will likely also go into limp mode.

Skoda Fabia 1999-2006 problems

The Mk1 Skoda Fabia may develop the following issues.

Coolant leak

You should regularly check the coolant level in Mk1 Fabias, particularly estate models, because one of the hoses may become dislodged, resulting in a leak. 

What repair is needed for a coolant leak, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

In this case, you’ll need to refit the hose or replace it altogether if it is damaged. On average, fixing a Fabia coolant hose costs £70.60 when you book through FixMyCar. 

Water leak

When the air intake vents become clogged by debris like fallen leaves, the blockage can cause water to leak into the footwells. 

What repair is needed for a water leak, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

Fortunately, this issue has an easy fix. All you have to do is clear any debris from the area around the air intake vents and make sure the filter is sealed correctly.

Broken timing belt

Check the timing belt tensioner before buying a Mk1 Fabia because this component often breaks earlier than expected, especially in the 1.4 petrol engine. 

What repair is needed for a broken timing belt, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

Once your timing belt has broken, you’ll have to replace it. On average, replacing a Fabia timing belt costs £416.70 when you book through FixMyCar.

Head gasket failure

Head gasket failure is relatively rare, but a few drivers have reported it, especially in the 75bhp 1.4 engine. 

What repair is needed for head gasket failure, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

Replacing a head gasket is an expensive job. On average, it costs £457.93 for a Fabia when you book through FixMyCar.

Skoda Fabia 1999-2006 recalls

Skoda Fabia 2007-2014 problems

Here are the things you need to look out for if you own or are considering buying a Mk2 Fabia.

Rattling dashboard

The dashboard is prone to creaking and rattling due to parts becoming loose. 

What repair is needed for a rattling dashboard, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about rattling interior components. You could try to stick them down if you find the noise too distracting.

Excessive oil consumption

Some Fabia owners have reported excessive fuel consumption. If you notice this problem in your car, check for any oil leaks that could be causing the fluid level to fall faster than expected. Other potential causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, a defective engine thermostat and worn spark plugs.

What repair is needed for excessive oil consumption, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

The best way to get an idea about how much a repair will cost is to take your car to a mechanic who will be able to diagnose the problem accurately.

Electrical glitches

Electrical glitches are relatively common in the Fabia. For example, one driver reported that the door open warning light came on and wouldn’t turn off despite all doors being closed. 

What repair is needed for electrical glitches, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

Loose/broken wiring or a software fault can cause electrical glitches, and the repair depends on which one is to blame. On average, repairing a Fabia electrical fault costs £62.39 when you book through FixMyCar.

Steering warning light

The steering sensor may develop a fault, causing the steering warning light to come on.

What repair is needed for the steering warning light, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

You need to replace the faulty sensor. On average, you can expect to pay £72.25 to fix a sensor when you book through FixMyCar. 

Broken fuel pump

The fuel pump is prone to failure, so if your car cuts out a lot, especially when it’s cold, idling or warm, this could be the cause. The fuel filter may also crack, causing fuel to leak, but Skoda issued a recall for vehicles affected by this problem.

What repair is needed for a broken fuel pump, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

To repair the car, you’ll have to replace the fuel pump, which costs £457.50 on average when you book through FixMyCar. 

Skoda Fabia 2007-2014 recalls

Skoda Fabia 2015-2021 problems

This generation of the Fabia is exceptionally reliable, so there are few common problems to report.

Jerky automatic gearbox

Some owners have complained about the DSG automatic gearbox, which can be jerky when changing gears. Unfortunately, this is a common issue in automatic transmission vehicles across the board.

What repair is needed for a jerky automatic gearbox, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

You could replace the gearbox, but this is an expensive job, and since the problem is about comfort rather than safety, you may be better off saving the money. On average, you can expect to pay £203.86 to repair an automatic gearbox when you book through FixMyCar.

Broken suspension

The Fabia’s suspension is very stiff, so it could develop problems over time, especially if you drive on uneven or bumpy roads frequently.

What repair is needed for broken suspension, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

The first step is determining which part of the suspension is broken. Once you’ve done this, simply replace the broken or worn component with a new one. On average, Fabia suspension repairs cost £62.74 when you book through FixMyCar.

Faulty central locking 

Several Fabia owners have reported issues with the central locking system. Often, the problem can be specific to one door which won’t unlock with the keyfob while the others work as expected.

What repair is needed for a faulty central locking system, and how much does it cost for a Skoda Fabia?

You’ll need to call an auto locksmith who will be able to investigate the problem and offer a solution. On average, an auto locksmith costs £200 when you book through FixMyCar.

Skoda Fabia 2015-2021 recalls

If you're having trouble with your Skoda Fabia, FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price, whatever you need.

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