2017 Skoda Superb 2.0L Diesel · FH66 PCU

A rear-end braking issue, a pair of leaking rear dampers, and an engine management warning lamp are the defining mechanical threads running through this Superb's MOT history, with the most recent test on 2 February 2026 recording a pass but carrying advisories on both fronts. That pass, which came just three days after a fail on the same mileage reading, suggests the failed items were addressed quickly, but the persistence of advisory items on both occasions points to underlying wear that has not been fully resolved. In January 2024 the vehicle failed on serious fluid leaks from both rear shock absorbers, a structural and safety-relevant defect that demanded replacement, and while the subsequent tests in 2024 and 2025 recorded no defects, the reappearance of brake and damper-adjacent concerns at the latest test suggests the rear axle area of this car warrants continued scrutiny. The fact that the engine MIL was inoperative at the January 2026 fail, yet passed three days later, indicates either a repaired fault or an intermittent electrical or sensor issue that may recur. At 117,506 miles across nine years, this Superb is averaging roughly 13,000 miles annually, which sits at the higher end for its age band and places above-average demand on wear items such as brake friction material, suspension bushes, driveline mounts, and clutch or dual-mass flywheel components if fitted with a manual gearbox. The mileage progression across the four recorded tests appears broadly consistent without obvious gaps that would indicate long periods off the road, which means the wear patterns observed are likely a function of active service rather than deterioration during standing. High annual mileage of this nature also tends to accelerate corrosion on underbody components, particularly brake lines, subframe seams, and suspension arm pivots, all of which are areas where advisory or failure items commonly surface on cars of this age and use. For a prospective buyer, the rear brake assembly should be the primary focus of any inspection. With the offside rear disc already flagged as worn, pitted, and scored, and the offside rear service brake noted as binding, the caliper carrier, guide pins, and handbrake mechanism on that corner should be checked for seizure, and the opposite side inspected for symmetry. On a test drive, listen for any dragging sensation or pulling under light braking, and verify that the handbrake releases cleanly without leaving the caliper partially engaged, as a binding rear brake can lead to uneven pad wear, excessive heat soak, and premature disc replacement. It is also worth asking whether the discs were machined or replaced at the January 2026 test, as a scored disc that was merely cleaned may continue to deteriorate. The rear suspension, given the dual shock absorber failures recorded in early 2024, deserves particular attention. Inspect the rear dampers for any fresh signs of fluid seepage around the upper mounts or lower eye, check that the coil springs sit squarely in their seats, and examine the surrounding subframe and trailing arm bushes for cracking or perishing. A road test over uneven surfaces should be carried out to identify any clonking, bottoming out, or inconsistent damping behaviour. Additionally, the engine management warning lamp that triggered the January 2026 failure should prompt a diagnostic scan before purchase, as the MIL may have illuminated for a transient emissions, lambda sensor, or DPF-related issue that could return under load. Finally, request evidence of replacement for the front tyre that was cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords, and inspect the spare for age-related cracking given the high accumulated mileage.