Skoda Fabia III (2014-2021): known problems and buying guide

Breakdown and inspection records are good. Check the recalls, the brakes and the DSG gearbox before you buy.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.0 TSI, 95 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€376	€12,620	499	Petrol	DKL	Manual (5)	2018–2022
1.0 MPI, 60 PS, 5-speed manual	€382	€9,790	182	Petrol	CHY	Manual (5)	2019–2022
1.0 TSI, 110 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€386	€12,390	126	Petrol	DKR	Manual (6)	2018–2020
1.0 MPI, 75 PS, 5-speed manual	€381	€8,990	121	Petrol	CHY	Manual (5)	2018–2019
1.0 TSI, 95 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research	€388	€15,480	105	Petrol	DKL	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2020–2022
1.0 TSI, 110 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research	€395	€13,790	55	Petrol	DKR	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	2018–2019

Years: built from 2014 until 2021; ADAC gives April 2022 as the end of production. Petrol engines from 60 to 125 PS, and a 1.4 TDI diesel until 2018.
Most common: brake wear, the foot brake and the handbrake. Also a driver airbag recall for 2014 to 2018 builds.
Reliability: 3/5, because the breakdown and inspection figures are good, but the DSG gearbox and the 1.0 TSI carry known faults.
DIY: 3/5, because pads, bulbs and wipers are simple, but the timing belt and gearbox work need a workshop.
Prefer: a car with a full, stamped service history and proof that the recall work is done.
Avoid: a car with an open driver airbag recall.

1.0 MPI (CHY), 60 and 75 PS: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
1.0 TSI (DKL, DKR), 95 and 110 PS: the engine faults are in the EA211 1.0 TSI guide. The 2018 to 2019 injector recall is in the Recalls table below.
1.2 TSI (CJZ) and 1.4 TSI (CZC), 90 to 125 PS: the engine faults are in the EA211 1.2 and 1.4 TSI guide.
1.4 TDI (CUS, CUT), 75 to 105 PS: water pump problems are reported (gebrauchtwagenberater, Automobilsalon Bellemann). Otherwise no fault confirmed in the sources read.
Manual gearboxes (5-speed, and 6-speed with the 110 PS engine): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
DQ200 7-speed dry DSG (optional): see the DQ200 guide for its faults. Jerky shifting is reported for this car too (RAC, AUTO BILD).

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Brake discs, pads and handbrake	All engines; ADAC lists 2017 to 2020 handbrakes	Not stated	Front discs and pads 480 EUR; rear 390 to 580 EUR (ADAC workshop prices, incl. fitting, year not stated)
Exhaust silencer damage	Older cars, years not stated	Not stated	Not stated
Low beam out of aim	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated
Infotainment phone connection	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated

No scanner is needed for these checks.

Recall check by VIN. Ask a Skoda dealer to check open recalls by VIN. Ask for proof of any driver airbag or injector work. Bad result: an open campaign, or no proof for a car built 2014 to 2018 or a 1.0 TSI built 2018 to 2019.
Foot brake and handbrake. Press the brake pedal hard at a stop. Pull the handbrake on a slope. Bad result: a pedal that feels weak or uneven, or a handbrake that sticks or does not hold.
Brake discs. Look through the wheel at the disc edge. Bad result: deep grooves, or discs that look worn down to the edge.
Exhaust. Look under the car at the silencer and the pipes. Bad result: holes, cracks or a loose box.
Low beam. Switch on the low beam in front of a wall, from a fixed spot. Bad result: a light cut-off that sits too high or too low, or is uneven from side to side.
Phone pairing. Pair your phone with the touchscreen during the test drive. Bad result: pairing fails or keeps dropping.

Operational	€180
Workshop	€91
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€112
Total per month	€383
New-car depreciation (not included)	€49

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.