Skoda Scala Reliability: Common Problems and Years to Avoid
What the Skoda Scala fails its MOT on, with rough repair costs, and how each model year's MOT pass rate compares with other cars of the same age. Based on 12,478 MOT tests across 5 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: city car | Fuel: Petrol
91%
Skoda Scala pass rate
88%
Skoda average
82%
All-model average
The Skoda Scala has an average MOT pass rate of 91%, which is 3 points above the Skoda average and 9 points above the average across all models in our data. The Skoda Scala has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Check Your Skoda Scala's MOT History
Enter your reg plate to see the specific issues found on your car, plus a health score and running cost estimate.
What the Skoda Scala Fails Its MOT On
Of the 1,129 MOT tests on the Skoda Scala that failed at the first attempt in 2025, the share that failed on each part of the test, next to the share for all cars and vans of the same ages. A test that failed on two areas counts in both.
Tyres
36%Cars and vans the same age: 37% · Typical repair £50-£300
Brakes
32%Cars and vans the same age: 16% (the Scala fails on this more often) · Typical repair £80-£450
Lights and electrics
15%Cars and vans the same age: 23% (the Scala fails on this less often) · Typical repair £15-£200
Steering
11%Cars and vans the same age: 1.9% (the Scala fails on this more often) · Typical repair £100-£500
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
9.7%Cars and vans the same age: 22% (the Scala fails on this less often) · Typical repair £10-£350
The 3 single faults it failed on most
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick (20% of failed tests, brakes)
- Tyre has a cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords (12% of failed tests, tyres)
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (8.5% of failed tests, steering)
Source: CarCostCheck analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT test results and failure items for 2025: first attempt at each MOT, fail and pass-after-repair defects, DVSA's defect categories (names shortened). Repair costs are rough UK ranges, not quotes. Method and national figures: MOT failure reasons 2025.
Buying a Skoda Scala? Check it first
See that car's own MOT history and mileage free, then check it for outstanding finance, an insurance write-off and a stolen record before you pay.
History check £4.99, one-off. No subscription.
Skoda Scala Years to Avoid
Every car in the 2024 MOT data was tested at the same age as the other cars first registered that year, so each Scala year is compared with all cars from the same year. Years with 1,000+ tests that were at least three years old are included.
Failed more often than cars their age
No year passed 3 or more points less often than other cars of the same age.
Passed more often than cars their age
No year passed 3 or more points more often than other cars of the same age.
A lower pass rate means that year failed its MOT more often in 2024; it does not mean every car from that year is bad. Old cars still on the road are often the best-kept ones, which can lift the pass rates of the oldest years. How a car has been looked after matters more, so check the MOT history of the car you are looking at.
Skoda Scala Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. All Cars is the pass rate of every car first registered that year, with the gap in points. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
Skoda Scala Running Costs
Want to know the full annual running costs for the Skoda Scala? Including fuel, road tax, the MOT and predicted repairs based on MOT pass rates, plus an estimated insurance group.
View Skoda Scala Running CostsCar history check for £4.99
Finance, stolen and write-off checks
Outstanding finance with the lender's details, stolen, write-off and keeper changes. One payment, no subscription.
Comparing checks first? See the cheapest car check in the UK and the best car check providers compared.
Skoda Scala FAQ
What are the most common Skoda Scala problems?
In 2025, MOT tests on the Skoda Scala that failed at the first attempt most often failed on tyres (36% of the 1,129 failed tests), brakes (32%) and lights and electrics (15%). The single most common fault was "Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick" (20%). Across 12,478 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 91% ended in a pass.
Is the Skoda Scala reliable?
The Skoda Scala has an average MOT pass rate of 91%, from 12,478 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). Comparing each model year with all cars first registered the same year, so that age is allowed for, it passed within 1 point of other cars of the same age, so about average for its age.
Which Skoda Scala years should I avoid?
No Skoda Scala year with 1,000+ tests passed 3 or more points less often than all cars first registered the same year (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). A year's pass rate does not tell you about one car, so check the MOT history of the car you are buying.
How much does it cost to fix common Skoda Scala faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Skoda Scala typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
Check a Specific Skoda Scala
Enter any reg plate to see the exact MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.
Other Skoda Models
Common problems pages for other Skoda models