Škoda Fabia: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 63,127 Škoda Fabia cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2000 and 2026.
In a sample of 398 cars, 56.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (13.8% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 12 recalls for this model; 3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Škoda Fabia
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 13.8% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13.3% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 7.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 7.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 6.8% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 5.5% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 5.3% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 4.8% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 4.8% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 4.3% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 11.6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 2.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 63,127 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 2000 to 2026 |
All Škoda Fabia passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-15 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 163 |
| 2025-07-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 22 |
| 2025-05-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2024-07-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 32 |
| 2023-08-23 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 502 |
| 2023-03-10 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 21 |
| 2021-12-06 | seats | serious | 11 |
| 2019-09-02 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 25 |
| 2019-05-24 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 79 |
| 2019-02-06 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 34 |
| 2016-02-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 29,080 |
| 2014-10-23 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 16,334 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Škoda Fabia fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 56.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Škoda Fabia?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (13.8%), tyre pressure incorrect (13.3%), wipers give insufficient visibility (7.8%).
Does the Škoda Fabia have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 12 recalls. 3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Škoda models
Octavia · Kodiaq · Enyaq · Citigo · Karoq · Superb · Elroq · Kamiq · Yeti · Scala · Rapid · Roomster
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.