2000 Skoda Fabia Comfort from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.