Exterior:

When it comes to the exterior of the second-generation Skoda Fabia, your experience might vary depending on where you live. Cold climates with salted roads or proximity to the ocean can lead to premature corrosion in specific areas. Keep an eye out for rust, especially around the edges of body panels, the area where the light for the number plates screws into the car, tailgate zones, and underneath—particularly where plastic cladding meets metal. If you spot corrosion, it might be a good idea to walk away.

Certain models may exhibit premature wear in their headlights. Additionally, hatchback variants, in particular, have been reported to have issues with leaking boots, potentially filling the spare wheel well with water. The culprit could be a failing vent or deteriorating rubber seals around the boot. Before committing to a purchase, check for signs of water in the wheel well.

Other exterior concerns include the rear washer nozzle, which may act up, and potential issues with the tailgate warping to the left over time, making opening and closing a hassle and leading to paint damage.

Owners have reported random electronic issues, from wiper motors failing to lights playing up, boot switch failing so you can’t open the boot, power mirrors can fail,

The headlights can just stop working, sometimes it’s a bulb, sometimes a relay, sometimes the switch can be to blame, apparently if it has electricity running to it, it can have issues so make sure everything works before you commit to buying.

Interior:

Moving inside, common electrical dramas persist. Frequently used buttons like air con controls and window switches may have a short service life, door actuators can be problematic, central locking might fail, and gauge clusters may experience issues. Some early Fabia models had seat foam deterioration issues, but this was reportedly resolved in later models, particularly in Australia.

The HVAC system, a common concern in Volkswagen Group cars, might experience various issues, including sensor failures and compressor malfunctions. Owners have also complained about the unintuitive infotainment system, recommending replacement in some cases due to Bluetooth, phone connectivity and screen  failures.

Due to budget considerations during construction, certain plastic parts in the Fabia can become brittle over time, leading to rattling or, in extreme cases, breakage. Complaints about squeaks and rattles, especially from the dashboard rubbing against the windscreen surround, are common online.

Mechanically:

The 1.4-litre twin-charge engine has garnered criticism for its reliability. RS models, in particular, face common issues like leaking thermostat housings, water pump problems, engine breather complications, and oil consumption issues. The intake bypass flap and supercharger clutch are prone to failures, and the timing chains may become rattly, leading to catastrophic engine failures. Piston cracking is another issue, sometimes resulting in irreparable damage to the engine, requiring a complete engine replacement, often at a cost more than the entire car is worth.

The dual-clutch or DSG transmissions can range from operational quirks to catastrophic failures, with Mechatronic Control Units and Clutch Packs sometimes requiring replacement, obviously at a cost.

Overall, the mechanical intricacies of the Fabia make it unnecessarily complicated and expensive to fix. While proper servicing can mitigate some issues, reports suggest that problems can still occur even with well-maintained vehicles, and the cost of repairs may often outweigh the car’s value, especially as its price continues to drop in the market.