2000 Skoda Fabia Elegance from UK and Ireland - Comments

Like hundreds of other Fabia (VW and Seat) owners, my Fabia suffers the same power steering problems and headlight flickering. Skoda dealers offer a variety of solutions that invariably provide them with work and profit, but do not solve the problem. The most disturbing aspect is that SKODA UK refuse to accept that these problems exist. They just tell you to go to a SKODA dealer who will deal with it. I wrote to the UK Director of Skoda to seek his assistance. (Copy of letter below) To date, he has ignored my request. I urge all SKODA owners suffering these problems to send a similar letter to Mr Hazlewood and a copy to BBC Watchdog.

Robert Hazlewood - Director

Skoda UK

Selecta Post 34

Sheffield

S97 3FA.

26th. October 2009.

Dear Mr Hazlewood.

Re Skoda Fabia Mk1 6Y AUB.

Why is Skoda UK so reluctant to pass on information about or even admit to common problems afflicting the vehicles they produce.

Several requests to Skoda UK to provide the benefit of their experience and research have failed to obtain any result other than “ please visit a Skoda dealer and ask them”.

The two principle problems that are affecting numerous Fabias across Europe are:

• Erratic power steering from almost no assistance to too much. Power steering warning light comes on for no apparent reason.

• Both dip and main beam headlamps flicker with varying intensity at idle and with power on.

The Skoda dealer who has serviced my wifes’ Fabia said that a new battery was all that was required to solve both problems. He sold me one but it made no difference.

There are a wide range of suggested remedies from renewing steering angle sensors to replacing the steering pumps power cables and even wiring looms.

Skoda has certainly been advised of these problems from many sources and dealt with some under warranty. Skoda has no need to hide or deny existence of these problems. Most Skoda drivers are grown up and recognise that engineering, quality control and mass production do not always produce the perfect product. I am not seeking financial compensation. I do think you should share the results of your investigations with your customers and advise them on what course of action has proved most successful in resolving these common problems.

The last time I spoke to your office re this matter they gave the impression that because our Fabia is nine years old neither they nor I should expect the car to still operate satisfactorily.

It is because my Wife has had good service from this vehicle since new that she wishes to continue using it.

Many Skoda owners will be even happier if you share your knowledge with them.

Yours sincerely.

Brian Hennessey.

I see Volkswagen's influence on Skoda has now extended to their customer service department too.

God, I am so glad I don't have to bother with VW any more, you have my sympathy mate, get a Honda and you get a car you can drive other places and not just to the dealer.