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Skoda · Compact · 2013–2019 Custom Search

Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 8 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

122–125 PS

1.4L TSI Benzin

122 hp with DSG — the quick Spaceback

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

105–110 PS

1.2L TSI Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

105–110 PS

1.2L TSI Benzin

4 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH is available with 4 engine variants — from 54 to 125 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L TDI · Diesel· 90–116 PS Engine Change
2013 2019
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
2013 2019
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
2015 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.2L HTP · Petrol· 75 PS
2013 2015
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
1.2L TSI · Petrol· 86–110 PS Engine Change
2013 2019
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
2013 2017
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
2014 2019
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
2014 2019
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
1.4L TSI · Petrol· 122 PS
2013 2017
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses

The Skoda 1.6L TDI (Diesel, 90–116 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CAYC (2013–2019, Stay Away!) and CAYC (2013–2019, Stay Away!) and CRKB (2015–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L TDI!

The Skoda 1.2L HTP (Petrol, 75 PS) has the CGPA (1.2L HTP) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Skoda 1.2L TSI (Petrol, 86–110 PS) comes with 4 different engines: CBZA (2013–2019, Stay Away!) and CBZB (2013–2017, Stay Away!) and CJZC (2014–2019, Be Careful) and CJZD (2014–2019, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L TSI!

The Skoda 1.4L TSI (Petrol, 122 PS) has the CAVE (1.4L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Warped and rusty brake discs

Brake discs warp and rust quickly. MOT statistics show an above-average frequency of scored brake discs. Seized rear callipers promote uneven wear.

Symptoms: Steering wheel vibration when braking, pulsating brake pedal, grinding noise, vehicle pulling to one side under braking.
from 60,000 km
Low
Front brake discs warp

The front brake discs warp from approximately 30,000 km through overheating, particularly with frequent braking downhill or under load.

Symptoms: Judder in the steering wheel when braking, pulsating brake pedal, uneven brake pad wear.
from 30,000 km
Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH (2013–2019) — 27 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: CBZA (1.2L TSI), CBZB (1.2L TSI), CAVE (1.4L TSI), CAYC (1.6L TDI). Typical issues affect Brakes, Steering, Electronics, Body. Considered reliable: CJZD (1.2L TSI).

Rapid Spaceback (CAYC, 2013–2019) — Stay Away!: EGR valve wear and failure, Emissions scandal mandatory software update (EA189), Diesel particulate filter blockage. Power: 90 PS.

Rapid Spaceback (CAYC, 2013–2019) — Stay Away!: EGR valve wear and failure, Emissions scandal mandatory software update (EA189), Diesel particulate filter blockage. Power: 105 PS.

Rapid Spaceback (CRKB, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Injector failure (Continental type), Turbocharger bearing wear, EGR valve: coking and failure. Power: 116 PS.

Rapid Spaceback (CBZA, 2013–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing chain elongation — design fault, Turbocharger seal wear, Elevated oil consumption. Power: 86 PS.

Rapid Spaceback (CGPA, 2013–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Elevated oil consumption from valve stem seals, Throttle body dirty or failed. Power: 75 PS.

Rapid Spaceback (CBZB, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain elongation and chain tensioner, Turbocharger seizure (first generation), Elevated oil consumption. Power: 105 PS.

Rapid Spaceback (CAVE, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch (notorious), Turbocharger / supercharger clutch failed, Elevated oil consumption (piston rings). Power: 122 PS.

Rapid Spaceback (CJZC, 2014–2019) — Be Careful: Camshaft adjuster defect / timing belt failure, Timing chain wear on early build years, Valve carbon build-up from direct injection. Power: 90 PS.

What to watch out for with the Skoda Rapid Spaceback? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH have? +
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH has 27 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: CJZD (1.2L TSI). The most reliable engine is the CJZD (1.2L TSI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the CAVE (1.4L TSI). Problem engine: CBZB (1.2L TSI) — stay away!
Which Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 90 kW TSI with DSG in the Spaceback: responsive, comfortable, the best engine for this format.
Is the Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH — 4 of 8 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH? +
The Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH is available with engine variants from 54 to 125 hp. Petrol: CBZA (1.2L TSI), CGPA (1.2L HTP), CBZB (1.2L TSI), CAVE (1.4L TSI), CJZC (1.2L TSI), CJZD (1.2L TSI). Diesel: CAYC (1.6L TDI), CRKB (1.6L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee