Skoda Fabia II (2007-2014): known problems and buying guide

Engines and gearboxes

• 1.2 HTP three-cylinder, 60 and 70 PS (for example BZG, CGPA, CGPB): the timing chain can stretch and rattle. See 1.2 HTP timing chain.
• 1.4 16V (BXW, CGGB), 86 PS: no common fault confirmed. It has a timing belt.
• 1.6 16V (BTS, CFNA), 105 PS: a cold knock from the pistons can occur. Experts say it does not shorten engine life.
• 1.2 TSI 86/105 PS (CBZA, CBZB, CBZC, from 2010): see the 1.2/1.4 TSI guide, plus the chain point in 1.2 TSI timing chain.
• 1.4 TSI RS 180 PS (CAVE), built to late 2012: high oil use and possible piston damage. See 1.4 TSI RS oil use and pistons.
• 1.4 TDI pump-injector 3-cylinder, 70/80 PS (BNM, BNV): no common engine fault confirmed.
• 1.9 TDI 105 PS (BLS, BSW): no common fault confirmed.
• 1.2 TDI three-cylinder, 75 PS (from 2010): the fuel filter housing can crack, see fuel filter housing cracks.
• 1.6 TDI common rail, 75/90/105 PS (CAYA, CAYB, CAYC, from 2010): see the EA189 TDI guide, plus 1.6 TDI EGR and injectors.
• 5-speed manual: prefer. Russian buyer guides rate it as very reliable.
• 6-speed automatic (Aisin TF-60SN, 1.6 petrol): prefer. It lasts for years if the fluid is changed on schedule.
• 7-speed DQ200 dry DSG: avoid unless the records show the clutch and mechatronic unit were repaired. See the DQ200 guide, plus DQ200 gearbox faults.

In detail

DQ200 gearbox faults

The DQ200 is a 7-speed dry-clutch gearbox, called DSG. Its most common complaint is a shudder when pulling away. Other signs are a blown fuse, the car stuck in neutral, and sudden loss of drive. The cause is cracks in the mechatronic unit (the gearbox's control unit). The clutch wears faster in stop-and-go traffic and usually lasts at least 120,000 km. A new clutch costs 1,000 to 1,500 EUR (Germany, year not stated).

Sources: mech-tronic, Bellemann, Auto.ru, Auto.ru buyer guide

1.2 HTP timing chain

The three-cylinder 1.2 HTP uses a timing chain. The chain stretches, and the tensioner may not hold it. A rattle on a cold start is the usual sign. A chain that jumps can damage the engine. The chain rarely lasts beyond 100,000 km. No Fabia-specific price is confirmed. A general chain job costs 500 to 2,500 EUR (Germany, 2024).

Sources: gebrauchtwagenberater, carwiki, Auto.ru, Autozeitung

1.2 TSI timing chain

The early 1.2 TSI (EA111, codes CBZA, CBZB, CBZC) built before 18 June 2011 can have a stretched timing chain. Stretch can cause a metallic rattle, mainly on a cold start, and a few seconds of rattle after start-up can remain even after repair. Chains on these cars have been reported to fail at 30,000 to 80,000 km. Cars built from 18 June 2011 have a revised chain and chain guard. A repair costs a mid four-digit sum (Germany, year not stated).

Sources: australiancar.reviews, Bellemann, kolesa.ru, Auto.ru

1.4 TSI RS oil use and pistons

The 1.4 TSI RS (CAVE) uses a lot of oil. A VW specialist quoted by evo links this to defective pistons. Misfires can cause serious engine failure. Warning signs are an oil film in the exhaust and oil topped up from the boot. Avoid regular short trips. Later CHTE engines, from late 2012, addressed many of these problems. The engine code is on a sticker at the bottom of the driver's door pillar. No mileage or repair cost is confirmed.

Sources: evo, Auto.ru buyer guide

Driver airbag recall

The driver airbag gas generator can fail. The propellant can degrade from moisture, and the inflator can rupture when the airbag fires. Fragments can be thrown out. The German recall covers cars from 2012 on. The Australian recall covers 2013 to 2015 model year cars. Neither source describes the repair. Check with a Skoda dealer.

Sources: australiancar.reviews, gebrauchtwagenberater

1.6 TDI EGR and injectors

The 1.6 TDI common rail (EA189, from 2010) can have soot in the injectors and the EGR valve (the valve that feeds exhaust gas back into the engine). A clogged EGR valve can cause rough idle or stalling. Leaking injectors can lead to expensive engine failure. No repair cost is confirmed.

Sources: gebrauchtwagenberater, carwiki, TorqueCars

Fuel filter housing cracks

The fuel filter housing on the three-cylinder 1.2 TDI built 2010 to 2014 can crack from vibration, on the inlet connection. Check for the recall sticker in the spare-wheel well, which shows whether the work is done. No repair cost is given.

Sources: carwiki, gebrauchtwagenberater

Rust on sills and wheel arches

Rust appears on the sills, wheel-arch edges, bonnet edge and boot lid, and can hide under plastic sill covers on older cars. No repair cost is given.

Sources: gebrauchtwagenberater, Auto.ru, kolesa.ru, Auto.ru buyer guide

Recalls

Maintenance

• Timing belt (1.4 petrol and diesels): keep the record of the last change. Russian press puts the interval at about 80,000 to 90,000 km.
• 6-speed automatic: change the fluid on schedule. Gearbox life depends on fluid quality.
• 1.4 TSI RS: check the oil level often, because high oil use is common.
• DQ200 gearbox: ask for proof of any clutch, mechatronic or software work, and for the 2014 campaign 34F7 on vRS cars.

Sources

English

• australiancar.reviews: Skoda 5J Fabia 2011-14 recalls and faults
• evo: Skoda Fabia vRS 2010-2014 buying guide
• mech-tronic: Fabia gearbox faults
• TorqueCars: VAG 1.6 TDI problems

German

• gebrauchtwagenberater: Skoda Fabia II problems
• carwiki: Skoda Fabia typical problems and recalls
• Automobilsalon Bellemann: Skoda Fabia problems used
• Autozeitung: timing chain explained

Russian

• Auto.ru: what breaks in the Skoda Fabia
• Auto.ru: buying a used Skoda Fabia II
• kolesa.ru: Skoda Fabia II buyer guide