2000 Skoda Fabia Comfort 1.4 8v

Summary:

A good all round car

Faults:

Loss of coolant.

Rear washer hose came apart in engine bay.

Washer system fuse blew resulting in the front wipers being inoperative.

Rear washer hose came apart at C-post.

General Comments:

Since early last year there has been a steady loss of coolant. The dealer diagnosed a faulty water pump which was replaced but didn't fix the problem. The dealer then suspected the expansion bottle which was replaced again to no avail. Last April the dealer said that there was a faulty gasket at the bottom of the radiator which was replaced which solved the problem until

December last year. The dealer then found that there was a faulty head gasket which was replaced. The dealer was informed that there was emulsion forming on the oil filler cap and signs of oily deposits in the expansion bottle, but they were considered this to be "normal" and nothing to do with the head or gasket.

The other items I "fixed" myself as no special tools were needed and I'm not overly confident with the local dealer. Each time the car has been returned with the coolant level below the minimum. The dealer told me that air locks do form in the system and it is alright for me to top it up with water!!

I am generally very pleased with the car, particularly the ride and handling although the fuel economy is slightly dissapointing. I feel that the major let down is the dealer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th January, 2002

21st Jan 2002, 03:50

The head gaskett problems sounds similar to a problem we had with our Fabia. At first Skoda said it was the head gaskett but it acutally turned out to be a problem with a damaged engine block caused by the cylinder head being over-torqued. This actually meant an entire new engine.

1st Sep 2004, 03:40

I had serious problems with engine oil. I have added about 2 litres between 2 oil changes. There is no oil leak, but I think the engine oil is burnt. Do you think it could be a gasket problem? The dealer said it is quit normal for the engine to loose about 1/4 liter evry 1000 km. I think it is quite a lot and it seems to be a problem. Do you think it is? Will it cost me much to check the gasket?

2nd Sep 2005, 09:06

My Skoda Fabia 1.4 comfort got to 35,000 miles before the coolant started to leak. The problem was a leaky head gasket, which cost £300 to replace.

My Fabia has also had problems with the rear windscreen washer.

2000 Skoda Fabia Classic 1.4

Summary:

Skoda - I hope you read this..

Faults:

Over torqued cylinder head and subsequent problems meant a new engine.

Illumination problem with the speedo on the dash meant a new dashboard.

Pipe detached from the rear wash/wipe.

Door locks broken on TWO separate occasions.

Window winder mechanism (broken pin) broken on FOUR different occasions.

Glove box release catch broken.

Chipped paintwork when new.

Dealer neglected to put any coolant in the radiator at the last service.

General Comments:

It is such a shame that a car that is so nice to drive, is let down by what can only be described as appalling reliability. When this is coupled with indifferent and unsympathetic dealer service, it just creates very dissatisfied customers.

On average, we are back at the dealer every 6 weeks with another fault. The journey to the dealer is a 70 mile round trip and has caused huge amounts of inconvenience and loss of annual holiday.

Many of the problems appear to be caused by poor build quality. Components such as door locks and window winders just 'feel' like they're not built to last.

It appears that we have a 'Friday afternoon car' that Skoda have refused to replace. We will, of course, be offloading the car before the 3-year parts/labour warranty expires.

"It's a Skoda - honest".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th January, 2002

27th Jan 2002, 13:01

I have a Skoda Fabia 1.4 Comfort and you are not alone. I have had a blown head gasket, new lambda sensor, leaking rear doors, badge fell off whilst cleaning. Rear hatch release failed, heating controls malfunctioning, squeaky drivers seat.

And all this in less than 8000 miles.

I see the dealer every 2 months with a 50 mile round trip. The customer services have yet to offer any compensation despite 3 e-mails and photographic evidence of some of the problems.