Known APK problem

Škoda Fabia II: exhaust and emissions

On the Škoda Fabia II the APK inspector finds exhaust and emissions problems 3.0× as often as on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 1.3%, against about 0.4% nationally.

Illustration Škoda Fabia II

Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026

What is it?

A leaking exhaust, high emissions or problems with the catalytic converter or particulate filter.

Repair indication: mediuma targeted repair at the garage.

How to check it at the viewing

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the exhaust, catalytic converter or particulate filter?

By age

Share of inspected Škoda Fabia IIs with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.

AgeTypeFabia II95%-CINationalDifferencen
11 – 12 yearsB0.5%0.3 – 0.7%1.7%0.3×3,476
13 – 15 yearsA1.3%1.1 – 1.5%0.4%3.0×10,615
13 – 15 yearsB2.4%2.2 – 2.7%2.7%0.9×10,615
16+ yearsA0.8%0.6 – 1.0%0.9%0.9×7,159
16+ yearsB4.7%4.3 – 5.2%5.2%0.9×7,159

A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.

Comparable cars at 13–15 years

ModelExhaust and emissionsVs. national
Škoda Fabia II1.3%3.0×
Hyundai i20 I0.4%0.9×
Citroën C3 II1.1%2.6×
Kia Rio III0.4%1.0×
Suzuki Swift IV1.4%0.5×
Peugeot 208 I1.2%2.8×

Looking at a Škoda Fabia II? Check that car

Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Škoda Fabia IIs of the same age.

All weak spots of the Škoda Fabia II · Exhaust and emissions: which models more often · Checklist for this model

Frequently asked questions

Does the Škoda Fabia II often have exhaust and emissions problems?

Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a exhaust and emissions defect on 1.3% of inspected Škoda Fabia IIs, against about 0.4% of all cars of the same age (3.0×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

How do you check the exhaust and emissions on a used Škoda Fabia II?

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.

Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know