2001 Skoda Fabia Comfort from UK and Ireland - Comments

This has shed a lot of light on the problems I have with my Skoda.

Effectively I think we may as well just ignore the erratic engine management light as it comes on and of as it pleases.

My 'power' windows are of constant irritation as they choose to work only when they want.

There is a constant rattling noise under the car that has been there 2 years now, but not stopped it from working...

So either spend shed loads of cashing fixing these 'problems' or just ride with it and be sensible, check the car regularly and treat it as you would one before all the amazing warning lights were introduced!

Happy driving guys.

My Fabia had the flickering lights, which was cured by replacing the steering angle sensor. My knocking noise at the front was caused by worn suspension bushes and anti-roll bar. Engine management light on was caused by coolant temperature sensor and thermostsat housing. The lambda problem was cured by the local Skoda garage also. They upgraded the software in my engine control module. My 03 1.4l now runs like a dream. I should have left it to the Skoda dealer in the first place, which would have saved me 7 months of heartache.

The 'Which' special car survey for 2009 rate owner satisfaction for Skoda as 'very good' and make no mention of the faults listed, repeatedly, in the previous comments regarding the Skoda Fabia. I was just to purchase an 02 Elegance estate car based on their information and I am so glad that I visited this site first.

How can companies be allowed to behave like this?

I bought a Skoda Fabia Y reg 3 days ago.

The engine warning light is staying on and the coolant light is now coming on.

I have checked the water etc, seems fine,

what do you think is the best thing for me to do?

Thanks for any help.

Here is a letter sent to the MD of Skoda UK drawing his attention to the varied problems encountered by Fabia owners. I stressed that the current Skoda policy of ignoring such common faults and merely telling owners to visit a Skoda dealer was not working because Skoda dealers do not have a common view on what rectification is necessary.

Mr Hazlewood does not think this matter deserves his attention and he passed my letter onto a lesser mortal who replied with the following suggestion:

"The issues you experience with your car can only be resolved by taking the vehicle to your nearest Skoda retailer."

We continue to go round in circles (assuming the steering angle sensor is still working)

COPY OF LETTER TO SKODA UK.

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.