2016 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · BA16 VMG

A pattern of recurring safety-related defects punctuates the MOT history of this 2016 Skoda Fabia, with the most recent test on 2026-07-27 revealing that despite an accompanying pass, a dangerous nearside front tyre failure had been flagged on the same day due to structural separation. Across four years of recorded testing, the vehicle has accumulated three failures alongside its passes, with issues concentrated around the front suspension and tyre monitoring systems rather than the engine, brakes, or exhaust. The 2025 entry saw the car fail on a dangerous rear bush detachment risk in the offside front lower suspension arm, compounded by a deteriorated ball joint dust cover on the nearside. While each defect was addressed to allow subsequent passes, the recurrence of front-end mechanical and tyre-related issues across consecutive years warrants careful scrutiny, as the same components and surrounding wear items may be approaching the end of their service life again. Recorded mileage of 92,441 across ten years equates to an average of around 9,244 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this age. The annual MOT entries show the vehicle being driven consistently rather than left standing for prolonged periods, and there are no significant gaps in the testing record that would suggest long-term off-road storage. A usage profile of this kind places moderate, ongoing demands on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs, suspension bushes and engine oil, so buyers should expect these items to require attention proportionate to the mileage rather than suffering from the accelerated degradation often seen with very low or erratic use. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension geometry, given the dangerous rear bush failure recorded in 2025 and the deteriorated ball joint dust cover noted at the same test. On a road test, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly when turning at low speed where worn bushes and ball joints typically reveal themselves through knocking or imprecise steering response. Inspect the nearside and offside front lower arms for any perishing, cracking or visible fluid leakage from the bushes, and check that the wheels are evenly spaced within their arches, as a collapsed bush can subtly alter tracking and camber. The persistent tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctions recorded in both 2023 and 2024, each resulting in a PRS failure, also merit investigation, as a recurring TPMS warning may indicate a faulty sensor, corroded valve, or an underlying issue with the system that has not been fully resolved. The dangerous tyre failure recorded on the most recent test is a serious concern, as a structural tear in a front tyre compromises steering response and braking stability, particularly in wet conditions or during emergency stops. Tyres of this age and mileage profile should be inspected for even tread depth across the full width, sidewall cracking, and any bulges or signs of impact damage, and the spare should be checked for age-related deterioration given that tyres older than five years are generally considered to have reached the end of their safe service life. The advisory noting a possible tamper with the nearside front passenger airbag, recorded in 2023, should also be raised directly with the seller and verified through a separate diagnostic check, as any interference with supplementary restraint systems represents a significant safety consideration that the MOT history alone cannot fully resolve.