Skoda Fabia 5J
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
105–110 PS
1.2L TSI Benzin
1.2 TSI — quick in a small package
Fun to Drive!101–105 PS
1.6L MPI Benzin
3 weaknesses
Good Choice105–110 PS
1.2L TSI Benzin
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Skoda Fabia 5J is available as Hatchback and Combi — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Skoda Fabia 5J is available with 5 engine variants — from 54 to 110 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Skoda 1.4L TDI PD (Diesel, 69–80 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BNM (2007–2010, Be Careful) and BWB (2007–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L TDI PD!
The Skoda 1.9L TDI PD (Diesel, 98–105 PS) has the BJB (1.9L TDI PD) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.
The Skoda 1.2L HTP (Petrol, 54–64 PS) has the CGPA (1.2L HTP) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.
The Skoda 1.4L MPI (Petrol, 80–86 PS) has the CGGB (1.4L MPI) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.
The Skoda 1.6L MPI (Petrol, 105 PS) has the BSE (1.6L MPI) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust on tailgate — licence plate lights and handle recess Moisture enters the tailgate through the licence plate lights and the handle recess. Corrosion spreads under the paint and causes blistering. Symptoms: Paint bubbles on the tailgate, rust around licence plate lighting and handle, damp interior tailgate trim. from 90,000 km | Low | |
| Rust blisters at wheel arches Stone chips and road salt cause corrosion on the rear wheel arches. Without treatment, rust spreads under the paint. Symptoms: Small rust blisters at the wheel arch edges, paint flaking in the spray water area. from 100,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2024
Older Fabia model years show notable weaknesses at the MOT inspection in brakes and lighting. Oil leaks and corroded exhaust systems increase noticeably with vehicle age.
2023-11Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 40 weaknesses have been documented for the Skoda Fabia 5J (2007–2014) — 32 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: CBZA (1.2L TSI), CBZB (1.2L TSI), CAYC (1.6L TDI). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Brakes, Electronics. Considered reliable: BSE (1.6L MPI).
Fabia (BNM, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Camshaft wear (PD-typical), Timing belt failure → engine damage, EGR valve carbon build-up. Power: 69–75 PS.
Fabia (BWB, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Camshaft wear (PD-typical), Timing belt failure → engine damage, Camshaft sensor failed. Power: 75–80 PS.
Fabia (BJB, 2007–2010) — Be Careful: Unit injectors worn, Connecting rod bearing failure, EGR valve blocked. Power: 98–105 PS.
Fabia (CFWA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Fuel filter cap cracked (recall 20V7), Rail pressure failure (P0087/P0191), DPF blockage in short-trip driving. Power: 75 PS.
Fabia (CAYC, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: EGR valve wear and failure, Emissions scandal mandatory software update (EA189), Diesel particulate filter blockage. Power: 90 PS.
Fabia (CAYC, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: EGR valve wear and failure, Emissions scandal mandatory software update (EA189), Diesel particulate filter blockage. Power: 105 PS.
Fabia (CGPA, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Elevated oil consumption from valve stem seals, Throttle body dirty or failed. Power: 54–64 PS.
Fabia (CGGB, 2007–2014) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure, Timing belt failure → valve damage, Ignition coil failed. Power: 80–86 PS.
Fabia (CBZA, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain elongation — design fault, Turbocharger seal wear, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 86–90 PS.
Fabia (CGPA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Elevated oil consumption from valve stem seals, Throttle body dirty or failed. Power: 60 PS.
Fabia (CGPA, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Elevated oil consumption from valve stem seals, Throttle body dirty or failed. Power: 69 PS.
Fabia (CBZB, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain elongation and chain tensioner, Turbocharger seizure (first generation), Elevated oil consumption. Power: 105–110 PS.
What to watch out for with the Skoda Fabia? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Skoda Fabia 5J have? +
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Which Skoda Fabia 5J engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee