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

Prefer a manual or 6-speed automatic; avoid a DQ200 gearbox without repair records, and check the timing chain.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.2 TSI, 86 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€348	€4,200	322	Petrol	CBZ	Manual (5)	2010–2014
1.2 HTP, 60 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€363	€3,500	205	Petrol	CHF	Manual (5)	2010–2014
1.2 HTP, 70 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€357	€3,500	126	Petrol	CGP	Manual (5)	2010–2014
1.4 MPI, 86 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€364	€3,900	105	Petrol	CGG	Manual (5)	2010–2014
1.2 TSI, 105 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€366	€5,000	79	Petrol	CBZ	Manual (5)	2010–2014
1.6 TDI, 75 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€339	€2,990	68	Diesel	CAY	Manual (5)	2010–2014
1.6 TDI, 90 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€341	€3,190	63	Diesel	CAY	Manual (5)	2010–2014
1.2 TSI, 105 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research	€367	€6,500	58	Petrol	CBZ	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2010–2014
1.2 TDI, 75 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€317	€2,990	52	Diesel	CFW	Manual (5)	2010–2014
RS, 180 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research	€414	€6,500	50	Petrol (98)	CTH	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2010–2014

Years: the Fabia II (type 5J) was built from 2007 to 2014. The facelift came in 2010, with new engines and the RS.
Main risks: the DQ200 dry-clutch gearbox, stretched timing chains on early 1.2 TSI and 1.2 three-cylinder engines, and high oil use on the 1.4 TSI RS.
Reliability: 2/5, because the DQ200 gearbox and two timing chain designs fail on several cars.
DIY: 2/5, because chain and gearbox repairs need a workshop and a scanner.
Prefer: the 1.4 or 1.6 petrol with a manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Reported as the most reliable choices.
Avoid: a DQ200 car with no clutch or mechatronic records, and a 1.4 TSI RS with oil loss.

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.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
DQ200 gearbox faults	7-speed dry DSG (DQ200)	From about 120,000 km	Clutch 1,000 to 1,500 EUR (Germany, year not stated); mechatronic no confirmed price
1.2 HTP timing chain	1.2 three-cylinder HTP	Often under 100,000 km	No Fabia price confirmed; general chain job 500 to 2,500 EUR (Germany, 2024)
1.2 TSI timing chain	1.2 TSI EA111, built before June 2011	30,000 to 80,000 km	Mid four-digit sum (Germany, year not stated)
1.4 TSI RS oil use and pistons	1.4 TSI RS 180 PS (CAVE), built to late 2012	Not stated	Not stated
Driver airbag recall	Driver airbag, cars built 2012 to 2015	Not stated	Not stated
1.6 TDI EGR and injectors	1.6 TDI common rail (CAYA, CAYB, CAYC)	Not stated	Not stated
Fuel filter housing cracks	1.2 TDI three-cylinder, built 2010 to 2014	Not stated	Not stated
Rust on sills and wheel arches	All Fabia II	Not stated	Not stated

DQ200 test drive. Pull away from a stop and change gears. Bad result: shudder, jerks, or limp mode. A new clutch costs 1,000 to 1,500 EUR (Germany, year not stated).
DQ200 records. Ask for clutch and mechatronic work with receipts. Bad result: no records, or a repair that was never done.
1.2 TSI chain. Listen on a cold start. Bad result: a metallic rattle or rough running. Ask for proof that the revised chain was fitted. A chain job costs a mid four-digit sum (Germany, year not stated).
1.2 HTP chain. Listen on a cold start. Bad result: a rattle on a cold start. Ask for chain records.
1.4 TSI RS oil. Check the oil level after a long drive, and look at the exhaust for an oil film. Bad result: oil top-ups between services or misfires. Read the engine code on the sticker at the bottom of the driver's door pillar.
1.6 TDI EGR and injectors. Scan for fault codes. Bad result: rough idle, stalling, or stored codes.
Airbag recall. Ask a Skoda dealer with the VIN whether the driver airbag recall is done. Bad result: work not done.
Fuel filter sticker. Look in the spare-wheel well for the recall sticker. Bad result: no sticker and no record of the fuel filter work.
Sills and wheel arches. Press the sill and wheel-arch edges. Bad result: soft or holed metal.

Operational	€168
Workshop	€85
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€105
Total per month	€358
New-car depreciation (not included)	€46

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.