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Common problems by part

Skoda Scala lights and electrics problems

DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 10,020 MOT tests · Updated

At 3 years, 1.9 in 100 MOT tests of the Skoda Scala failed on lights and electrics, against 2.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 10,020 MOT tests) [1].

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  • Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 190 MOT tests with a fail
  • By age: seen at 4 ages from 3 to 6 years, 24,182 MOT tests
  • Most common fail: Headlamp aim: too low, 0.6 per 100 MOT tests

Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.

What the MOT tests show

What we know

1.9 fails per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 2.9 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 3 (all test years). That is about average.

Why it matters

A lights and electrics fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.

What to check

Walk round with the lights, indicators, brake lights and hazards on (ask someone to press the pedal) and check every dashboard warning light goes out after starting.

Skoda Scala lights and electrics fails by age

Skoda Scala lights and electrics fails per 100 MOT tests by ageSolid line: the Skoda Scala. Dashed line: all cars the same age. The table below lists every value.0243 years: 1.9 per 100 (all cars 2.9), 10,020 MOT tests34 years: 1.7 per 100 (all cars 3.1), 7,716 MOT tests45 years: 1.9 per 100 (all cars 3.7), 4,858 MOT tests56 years: 2.0 per 100 (all cars 4.7), 1,588 MOT tests6
Fails per 100 MOT tests by age, all first-use years pooled. Skoda Scala All class 4 vehicles the same age
AgeMOT testsFails per 100All class 4 vehicles the same age
310,0201.92.9
47,7161.73.1
54,8581.93.7
61,5882.04.7

All first-use years of the Skoda Scala pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.

What fails in the lights and electrics at 3 years

Fails

  • Headlamp aim: too low: 0.6 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.6. Adjust headlamp aim: estimated £16–£39 (0.2–0.5 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts) Headlamp aim too low MOT fail
  • Headlight aimed too high: 0.5 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.9. Adjust headlamp aim: estimated £16–£39 (0.2–0.5 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts) Headlamp aim too high MOT fail
  • Rear fog lamp: not working: 0.4 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.1. Replace exterior lamp bulb (position, stop, indicator, fog, reverse, number plate): estimated £11–£47 (0.1–0.5 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £3–£8) Rear fog lamp not working MOT fail

Adjust headlamp aim cost

Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.

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  • Model risks for this year and fuel
  • What similar cars did at their next MOT
  • Repairs ahead
  • Viewing checklist

See a sample report

How to check on a test drive

Walk round with the lights, indicators, brake lights and hazards on (ask someone to press the pedal) and check every dashboard warning light goes out after starting.

Check one Skoda Scala, not the average

The figures here describe Skoda Scala cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.

Other Skoda Scala problems

Lights and electrics on rival models

Questions people ask

Does the Skoda Scala have more lights and electrics problems than other cars?

1.9 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 2.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 10,020 MOT tests).

How common are Skoda Scala lights and electrics problems?

1.9 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 10,020 MOT tests).

What is the most common Skoda Scala lights and electrics fail?

0.6 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years: Headlamp aim: too low (61 MOT tests with it).

Sources

  1. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 24,182 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
  2. Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.

Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare