Skoda Fabia I common faults.

1999–2004. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

What to watch for

What can go wrong on this car?

The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.

critical2

1.2 HTP (3 cylinder): the timing chain stretches

critical

The valvetrain of the three cylinder 1.2 runs on a chain instead of a belt.

Applies to the engine AWY, AZQ, BMD and 1 more.

PD TDI: the injector seat works loose, cylinder head damage

critical

The PD (pump injector) unit is held in the cylinder head by a single side bolt.

Applies to the engine AMF, ASZ, ATD and 2 more.

expensive6

MQ200 / MQ250 manual gearbox: differential bearing and synchros

expensive

The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models.

Applies to the transmission MQ200.

Dual mass flywheel: diesel

expensive

The internal springs of the flywheel tire, and the two discs knock against each other.

Applies to the engine ASZ, ATD, AXR.

I: the manual gearbox synchros wear, the gear binds

expensive

In the manual gearbox of the early Fabia the synchro rings wear out: second gear binds or "crunches" when cold, later third does too.

It can affect every car in this generation.

PD TDI: camshaft and rocker wear

expensive

The PD injectors (on the 1.4, 1.9 and 2.0 TDI alike) are driven by the camshaft itself, against more than 2,000 bar.

Applies to the engine ASZ, ATD, AXR and 2 more.

TDI: the vanes of the variable geometry (VNT) turbo stick

expensive

The vanes of the variable geometry turbo are glued together by soot and oil arriving through the EGR.

Applies to the engine ATD, AXR, ASZ.

Water in the footwell and ageing of the cooling circuit hoses

expensive

The water gets into the cabin through the windscreen drain or the door seal, and collects in the foam under the carpet.

It can affect every car in this generation.

4 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.

Engines and transmissions in this generation

A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.

I · 1999–2004

Pick the version.

The fault list opens on the version page.

112 versions

EngineVersionPowerFuel · transmissionBody

Showing 60 of 112 versions.

Neighbouring generations

I · 1999–2004

I (6Y). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.

Previous generation

This is the earliest.

This generation

I · 1999–2004

Next generation

I.5 · 2004–2007

Common questions

About this generation

Which years does this page cover?

1999–2004. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.

Does the fault apply to every car like this?

No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.

Is it free?

The fault list is.

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.

Details in the terms