Is the Skoda Octavia reliable?

The Skoda Octavia has an average MOT pass rate of 78% across 24 years, based on 325,416 tests in 2026. That's 4 points below the national average of 82%. The most reliable year is 2020 with a 91% pass rate.

Which year Skoda Octavia is best?

The 2020 Skoda Octavia has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 67%. There's a 24 percentage point spread between the best and worst years.

Skoda Octavia

Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 24 years from 325,416 real MOT tests.

Avg Pass Rate

78%

Total Tests

325,416

Best Year

2020 (91%)

Years Covered

About the Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia has been tested 325,416 times in 2026 MOT data across 24 model years (1998 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the national average of 82%. Available as diesel and petrol.

Best and Worst Years

The 2020 model is the most reliable with a 91% pass rate from 13,721 tests. The 1998 model has the lowest at 67%. With a 24 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.

Reliability Trend

Newer SKODA OCTAVIAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1998) averages 104,028 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 57,134 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Skoda brand average of 88%, the Octavia is 10 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Skoda models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 999cc)

£955

Road Tax

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,555

Per month£130/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Skoda Octavia?

vs national average-4% (82% avg)

vs Skoda brand average-10% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread24 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Skoda Octavia by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	85%	324	57,134 mi
2020	91%	13,721	50,514 mi
2019	90%	31,534	61,297 mi
2018	90%	27,159	71,077 mi
2017	88%	29,246	84,339 mi
2016	87%	32,798	97,549 mi
2015	86%	30,840	108,406 mi
2014	85%	28,378	113,965 mi
2013	82%	18,141	120,720 mi
2012	78%	18,753	126,303 mi
2011	77%	19,826	120,414 mi
2010	76%	16,656	130,679 mi
2009	75%	12,158	132,069 mi
2008	73%	10,293	142,833 mi
2007	72%	11,009	144,641 mi
2006	71%	9,468	141,864 mi
2005	71%	5,516	143,706 mi
2004	73%	3,326	147,294 mi
2003	72%	2,670	151,314 mi
2002	73%	1,768	146,396 mi
2001	71%	1,135	143,061 mi
2000	68%	383	146,774 mi
1999	74%	208	138,431 mi
1998	67%	106	104,028 mi