KNOWN FAULTS · Skoda

Skoda Fabia I (6Y) 1.4 / 1.9 TDI common problems.

2000–2007 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

PD TDI camshaft, injectors and cylinder headInjection / cylinder head

Engine / equipment: 1.2, 1.4, 1.9 and 2.0 TDI unit-injector (PD) engines, including the VW-sourced 2.0 CRD in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep
Period mentioned: 2000–2010
Symptoms: Growing noise from the cylinder head, power loss and rough running (cams and lifters); unstable idle, smoke or hesitation (injectors); on the 16-valve 2.0 TDI, coolant loss with no visible leak from a cracked head.
Possible cause described: The camshaft also drives the unit injectors and carries a heavy load: without VW 505.01 oil the lobes and lifters wear. 2.0 TDI PD injectors fail frequently. Some 16-valve 2.0 TDI heads (part number ending in A) crack; VW considered it fixed by the end of 2006.
Check for the garage: Check the oil history (VW 505.01), listen to the head, check injector balance rates with a diagnostic tool and, on the 16-valve 2.0 TDI, read the head part number (03G 103 351) and look for coolant loss.
Cost cited in the source: Camshaft and lifters: approx. €400–800; 2.0 TDI PD injectors: €900–2,000A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 120,000–200,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the air conditioning system described.

A/C not cooling: N280 valveClimate control

Engine / equipment: Air conditioning with clutchless compressor and N280 regulating valve (combustion VW, Audi, Seat, Cupra and Skoda from 2006)
Period mentioned: 2006–2026
Symptoms: The air does not cool or cools intermittently (for example only at motorway speed), and sometimes the compressor rattles with the A/C on. Codes 01232 (N280 valve), P2612 or 00898.
Possible cause described: The compressor regulates its output with the N280 solenoid valve, its most common failure point. Audi issued technical bulletins over a manufacturing fault in this valve on Sanden compressors. Its connector can also become brittle and corrode (especially without the engine undertray), or the wiring fails.
Check for the garage: Read the codes and N280 control current with VCDS or ODIS, measure its resistance (about 10 ohms) and check the connector and wiring before replacing parts. If the valve or compressor is replaced, the whole circuit must be flushed.
Cost cited in the source: N280 valve: a cheap part (about 30 dollars) where sold separately; new compressor with circuit flush: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: All versions.

Weak rear braking from brake shoe dust in the drums (Fabia I)Brakes

Engine / equipment: Škoda Fabia I (all versions)
Period mentioned: 2000–2007
Symptoms: The rear brakes are sometimes weak.
Possible cause described: AUTO BILD (June 2010): on the Fabia I, dust from the brake shoes builds up in the rear brake drum and makes it less effective. It recommends removing and cleaning it at the service.
Check for the garage: At every service, have the rear drums removed and cleaned and the shoes checked. If the car brakes weakly or unevenly, have the brakes checked before using it further.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: All versions.

Headlights that cannot be adjusted because the bulb is fitted wrongly (Fabia I)Lighting

Engine / equipment: Škoda Fabia I (all versions)
Period mentioned: 2000–2007
Symptoms: The headlights cannot be adjusted properly and shine in the wrong place, which the roadworthiness test usually picks up.
Possible cause described: AUTO BILD (June 2010): on the Fabia I the headlights often cannot be adjusted because the bulbs are fitted the wrong way.
Check for the garage: Before replacing the headlight, check that the bulb sits correctly in its holder; then have the headlights adjusted.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.