24th Mar 2011, 09:41

I just read this comment and I have the exact same problem! The car just shudders when running idle and it's a pain!

Did you find a solution to this problem since?

20th Apr 2011, 17:43

Hi. Have you looked at your timing chain?

18th Jun 2011, 02:36

Had similar problem with 2005 TDi; changed all front suspension rubber bushes for Powerflex poly ones, problem now cured! Also much more responsive to steering input now.

Good luck, Ed.

15th Jul 2011, 05:19

I had steering problem also, the light came on first and went off again (get home mode/safe mode). This happened on and off for weeks until it stayed on one day. I plugged in a fault code reader, and it said there was a fault with the power steering angle sensor and few other fault codes... so I replaced the steering angle sensor (a lot of money) and the light didn't go off when plugged it back into the fault code reader, so in the end I had to get the power assisted pump and reservoir (all one unit) in front of the P/S wheel under battery (big money new, so got at a breakers).

Then the suspension became the next issue; anti-roll bar bushings, track rod ends (tie-rod end), anti-roll bar links, lower wishbone plastic (big) bushings. All these jobs done, and there is still an irritating sound from the front suspension. May have to replace the anti-roll bar with a new modified one to stop lateral movement. Can’t see what else it could be, as the shocks are good and the ball joints are good.

22nd Jul 2011, 16:36

Fabia's do activate the central locking automatically as an anti hijack feature - usually when they get to about 20 mph. Worth warning hitchers if you ever see one before it happens. Pulling the door opener twice overrides the central locking. Hope this helps...

17th Aug 2011, 09:10

I see that your power steering light takes notion to come on and off. I had this problem when I first bought my car (2nd hand). It lasted for a while, then one day I had no power steering, so just be aware that this could be your power steering pump, because that's what went on mine. The power steering pump was an absolute mess when it was removed from my car.

20th Aug 2011, 10:53

I have a Fabia 1.9 TDI Estate Elegance bought December 2003 brand new. I have just clocked 150,000 miles, and I have to say what a brilliant economical car this has been. First worn part came to light today when I took the car to have brake pads checked, in that the right front back bush has worn. Replacement part cost £13. The garage will fit it Tuesday for me.

I hope to get another 50,000 miles out of this car before I send it to the graveyard.

23rd Sep 2011, 01:26

I've just bought a second hand Skoda Fabia, and within miles of getting home, had warning lights. This is not good Skoda LOL.

30th Sep 2011, 15:39

I have owned a Skoda Fabia Comfort 16v for the last 6 years. The last 3 years my car has been a regular customer at our local garage having sensors fitted and costing me a fortune! The engine management light has been on several times, and like others have said, by re-starting the car, the light will go out. My driver's side window wouldn't open, and when I was lucky enough to get it open, it wouldn't go back up! I've also had the engine management light problem and the flickering light problem.

I have had the steering rack renewed twice in the time I have had the car, and recently the power steering warning light has come on and the steering is heavy, but when you restart the car, everything is OK! We just have no idea what the problem can be; it's driving us mad! The worrying thing is, is the car really safe to drive?

One comfort is I have discovered others are suffering the same problems! I have never had so many bills in all my life to run a car. I feel really annoyed about the whole thing. I'm in a catch twenty two; I can't afford a new car, and I can't afford all these bills either. I think it's so unfair, and the main dealers should take some responsibility for what is happening. I would never have another Skoda, even if I was given one, so what have they gained in the long run by not helping people with the cost of correcting these faults with the Fabia?

2nd Oct 2011, 15:36

I also have had all the same problems; flashing head lights, doors which leak, all sorts of lights on the dash coming on, knocking noises when I turn. But one that I haven't read about is that my front windows switch over when you push the button to open them! And my radio in the car will cut in and out when it wants to.

People think I've gone crazy when I tell them about my car! I am fed up with spending out with these things, and these Skoda places charge so much, I have gone to four different ones for things like services, and my car on three times has came back with more problems or they haven't done things when they have written on paper that they have, eg. once they snapped my brake disc and wouldn't do anything about it, another was my back wiper spay wasn't working; I got told that they would have to order a new part (the pip just needed pushing back on).

After this I now don't take my car to anyone apart from a family friend who does all the work on my car for me, and is a lot cheaper! If anything like a light comes on now, I don't take that much notice. Every so often, something will happen, and I just think it's part of the car, and I look at as like a child trying everything they can to get attention!

24th Oct 2011, 07:47

Where is the steering angle sender for the Skoda Fabia?

9th Nov 2011, 15:44

I own Skoda Fabia 2003 1.4 8V Comfort. Had the same problems with warning lights and power steering as other owners.

Replaced the battery with Bosch one for £60, and so far had 8 months with no problems. Keeping my fingers crossed.

20th Dec 2011, 05:27

Bought a 2002 Reg 1.4 8v Classic in Oct with 86K miles, so didn't expect perfection.

Drives OK, but a bit gutless, especially up hills, and poor fuel economy, despite having had a full service.

Temperature gauge seemed OK initially, but has since become very erratic, suggesting the need for a new thermostat and sender unit, which will hopefully then help improve fuel consumption.

The other big niggle is water seeping onto near side rear carpet due to leaking door carrier seals. Have tried to fix by following excellent advice on Briskoda web site, but obviously haven't done it properly, so will wait for better weather, as there's insufficient width within my garage to fully open the door.

All in all, reasonably satisfied so far... which is probably tempting fate.

22nd Apr 2012, 07:32

I have the same problems with mine. I think I bought your old Fabia.

20th Dec 2012, 14:09

Your problem with rear footwell leaking is a known fault with the rear doors leaking.

Take the inside door panel off and seal all around the metal plate; this will solve it.