Overview

Released in Australia in July 2015, the Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon was a light, five-door wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda Fabia Wagon was powered by 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engines with 66 kW and 81 kW outputs that were mated to five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions, respectively.

EA211 engine

The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engines were part of Volkswagen’s EA211 engine family and had a die-cast aluminium block with cast iron liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, a single scroll turbocharger, an intercooler integrated in the induction pipe, double overhead camshafts driven by a toothed belt, variable intake camshaft timing (over a range of 50 degrees relative to the crankshaft), four valves per cylinder, direct injection (up to 200 bar) via five-hole nozzles and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

To minimise fuel consumption, the 1.2-litre engine had a ‘Start-Stop’ function which enabled it to shut down when the Fabia was stationary in traffic. The Fabia also had Skoda’s ‘Brake Energy Recuperation’ which increased alternator output when the vehicle is braking or coasting to more efficiently charge the battery.

Body and dimensions

The platform for the Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon was a combination of Volkswagen’s MQB and PQ26 architectures. Compared to the Skoda 5J Fabia Combi which preceded it, the NJ Fabia Wagon was 10 mm longer (at 4257 mm), 90 mm wider (1732 mm) and had a 5 mm longer wheelbase (2470 mm). The Fabia Wagon had a cargo capacity of 505 litres, though this increased to 1370 litres when the rear seats were folded down.

Suspension and steering

The Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower triangular links. For the torsion beam rear suspension, the coil springs were located outside the telescopic shock absorbers. Furthermore, the NJ Fabia Wagon had electrohydraulic rack-and-pinion steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda Fabia Wagon included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensionsers and load limiters.

For Australia, the Fabia Wagon was fitted– as standard – with Skoda’s ‘Front Assist with City Emergency Braking’ which used a radar sensor to measure the distance to traffic ahead. If the Fabia Wagon was closing too fast on the vehicle ahead, Front Assist operated in three stages:

• Warnings: provided a visual warning, followed by an audible tone;
• Preparation: brought the brake pads into contact with the brake discs in preparation for an emergency stop; and,
• Activation: the brakes were briefly applied – effectively ‘jolting’ the occupants – to alert the driver. If the driver failed to respond, Front Assist would apply the brakes automatically to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.

An extension of Front Assist, City Emergency Braking operated at speeds between 5 km/h and 30 km/h to monitor the area ahead of the Fabia Wagon for vehicles and pedestrians.

The Skoda Fabia Wagon was also fitted with a multi-collision brake function which would apply the brakes after an initial collision to a residual speed of 10 km/h in order to prevent a secondary collision.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2014 Skoda NJ Fabia 1.2 TSI hatchback received a five star safety rating which included an 81 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 81 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection of the driver’s head, thighs and feet were rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection were rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact test and pole tests, head protection was rated as good, though chest and abdomen protection were rated as adequate.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing was applied to the Skoda Fabia Wagon and resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.16 out of 37.

Features: Fabia 66TSI and 81TSI

Standard features for the Skoda Fabia Wagon 66TSI included 15-inch ‘Dentro’ steel wheels with 6J x 15-inch 185/60 R15 tyres, a six speaker Arkamys surround sound system, Skoda’s ‘Bolero’ media system with a 6.5-inch touch screen, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/SD card), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, air conditioning, daytime running lights, rear fog lights, rear parking sensors with optical display, leather steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear floor mats, a cargo cover, silver roof rails, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and an immobiliser. As standard, the Fabia also featured Skoda’s ‘SmartLink’ smartphone connectivity system which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Skoda Fabia Wagon 81TSI was further equipped with 15-inch ‘Mato’ alloy wheels, cruise control with speed limiter and a front armrest with storage compartment.

Related links

• Specifications: Skoda NJ Fabia and Fabia Wagon (July 2015)
• Skoda Australia: Skoda Fabia Wagon
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda NJ Fabia

Overview

Released in September 2011, the Skoda 5J Fabia was a light, five-door hatchback (the 5J Fabia Combi has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda 5J Fabia range initially consisted of the 77TSI variant, which was powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. In June 2012, the range was expanded with the 132TSI variant, powered by a 1.4-litre ‘twincharger’ (turbo- and super-charged) petrol engine.

Engines

Of these engines,

• The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine had a roller chain-driven single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, direct injection, a water-colled intercooler (integrated into the intake manifold) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Maximum boost pressure for the turbocharger was 1.6 bar (23.2 psi); and,
• The 1.4-litre ‘twincharged’ petrol engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The mechanical supercharger compressor, driven at 1.5 times the speed of the crankshaft, mainly operated at engine speeds below 2400 rpm with boost pressure of 1.2 bar. The turbocharger, however, operated fully from medium rpm with the engine map disengaging the supercharger at 3500 rpm.

Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions (DCTs).

Dimensions and suspension

The Skoda 5J Fabia was 4000 mm long, 1642 mm wide, 1498 mm tall and had a 2465 mm long wheelbase. Cargo capacity was 300 litres with the rear seats in position, though this increased to 1165 litres when they were folded down. Furthermore, the Skoda Fabia had MacPherson strut front suspension (with lower triangular links) and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda 5J Fabia included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2007 Skoda Fabia fitted with a 1.2-litre petrol engine received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 31.84 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants and chest protection for the driver was rated as adequate. In the side impact test, the Fabia would have received maximum points but for the rear door moving from the primary latch to the secondary latch position.

Features: Fabia 77TSI and 132TSI RS

Standard features for the Skoda Fabia 77TSI included 15-inch steel wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power windows and heated mirrors, a 12 volt power outlet, tinted windows, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Compared to the 77TSI, the Fabia 132TSI RS was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a cooled storage compartment, contoured front sports seats, rear parking sensors and rear cargo cover. Visually, the 132TSI RS could be identified by its mesh grille, painted brake calipers and chrome exhaust outlet.

Fabia Monte Carlo

To correspond with the Fabia’s release, a Monte Carlo edition was released. Compared to the standard Fabia 77TSI, the Monte Carlo was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, contoured sports seats, leather trim, rear privacy glass, steel pedals, silver kick plates and black painted roof, wheel arches, side protection mouldings and spoiler.

Brochures

• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia (October 2011)
• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia RS (July 2012)
• Brochure: Skoda 5J Fabia (May 2014)

Related links

• Press Kit: Skoda 5J Fabia and Fabia Combi (June 2012)
• Technical Specifications: Skoda 5J Fabia RS and Fabia Combi RS (June 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda 5J Fabia

Overview

Released in Australia in July 2015, the Skoda NJ Fabia was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda Fabia was powered by 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engines with 66 kW and 81 kW outputs that were mated to five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions, respectively.

EA211 engine

The Skoda Fabia’s 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engines were part of Volkswagen’s EA211 engine family and had a die-cast aluminium block with cast iron liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, a single scroll turbocharger, an intercooler integrated in the induction pipe, double overhead camshafts driven by a toothed belt, variable intake camshaft timing (over a range of 50 degrees relative to the crankshaft), four valves per cylinder, direct injection (up to 200 bar) via five-hole nozzles and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

To minimise fuel consumption, the 1.2-litre engine had a ‘Start-Stop’ function which enabled it to shut down when the Fabia was stationary in traffic. The Fabia also had Skoda’s ‘Brake Energy Recuperation’ which increased alternator output when the vehicle is braking or coasting to more efficiently charge the battery.

Body and dimensions

The platform for the Skoda NJ Fabia was a combination of Volkswagen’s MQB and PQ26 architectures. Compared to the Skoda 5J Fabia , the NJ Fabia was 8 mm shorter at 3992 mm, 90 mm wider (1732 mm), 32 mm lower (1467 mm) and had a 5 mm longer wheelbase (2470 mm). With a spare wheel fitted, boot capacity for the NJ Fabia was 305 litres; with the rear seats folded, however, cargo capacity increased to 1125 litres.

Suspension and steering

The Skoda NJ Fabia had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower triangular links. For the torsion beam rear suspension, the coil springs were located outside the telescopic shock absorbers. Furthermore, the NJ Fabia had electrohydraulic rack-and-pinion steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Skoda Fabia included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensionsers and load limiters.

For Australia, the Fabia was fitted– as standard – with Skoda’s ‘Front Assist with City Emergency Braking’ which used a radar sensor to measure the distance to traffic ahead. If the Fabia was closing too fast on the vehicle ahead, Front Assist operated in three stages:

• Warnings: provided a visual warning, followed by an audible tone;
• Preparation: brought the brake pads into contact with the brake discs in preparation for an emergency stop; and,
• Activation: the brakes were briefly applied – effectively ‘jolting’ the occupants – to alert the driver. If the driver failed to respond, Front Assist would apply the brakes automatically to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.

An extension of Front Assist, City Emergency Braking operated at speeds between 5 km/h and 30 km/h to monitor the area ahead of the Fabia for vehicles and pedestrians.

The Skoda Fabia was also fitted with a multi-collision brake function which would apply the brakes after an initial collision to a residual speed of 10 km/h in order to prevent a secondary collision.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the 2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI received a five star safety rating which included an 81 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 81 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection of the driver’s head, thighs and feet were rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection were rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact test and pole tests, head protection was rated as good, though chest and abdomen protection were rated as adequate.

Features: Fabia 66TSI and 81TSI

Standard features for the Skoda Fabia 66TSI included 15-inch ‘Dentro’ steel wheels with 6J x 15-inch 185/60 R15 tyres, a six speaker Arkamys surround sound system, Skoda’s ‘Bolero’ media system with a 6.5-inch touch screen, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/SD card), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, air conditioning, daytime running lights, rear fog lights, rear parking sensors with optical display, leather steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear floor mats, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and an immobiliser. As standard, the Fabia also featured Skoda’s ‘SmartLink’ smartphone connectivity system which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Skoda Fabia 81TSI was further equipped with 15-inch ‘Mato’ alloy wheels, cruise control with speed limiter and a front armrest with storage compartment.

Related links

• Specifications: Skoda NJ Fabia and Fabia Wagon (July 2015)
• Skoda Australia: Skoda Fabia Hatch
• Wikipedia.org: Skoda NJ Fabia

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon

2015-18 model year Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon: Takata driver’s airbag recall

In July 2018, a recall was issued for 2015-18 model year Skoda NJ Fabia Wagons. In these vehicles, the Takata-supplied driver’s airbag contained propellant wafers that could degrade over time due to the absorption of moisture. If the vehicle was in a collision that triggered the airbag, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal airbag inflator housing to explode/rupture, such that metal fragments would be projected through the airbag material and into the cabin – these metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury or fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16909.

2018 model year Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon: driver airbag may not fully inflate

In July 2019, recall campaign 69Y9 was issued for 2018 model year Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon vehicles. In some instances, the front driver airbag may not inflate to its fully capacity fast enough in the event of a collision and this increased the risk of injury to the driver. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17652.

2021 Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon: welding of rear middle backrest frame

In January 2022, recall campaign 72M5 was issued for 2021 Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue with the welding of the rear middle backrest frame, there may be a reduction in the performance of the attached seat belt. In the event of a collision, this condition increased the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005025.

Problems and faults: Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon.

Recalls: Skoda 5J Fabia

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Skoda 5J Fabia

2013 model year Skoda 5J Fabia: DQ200 DSG and electroyltic corrosion

In March 2014, a recall was issued for 2013 model Skoda Fabia vehicles that were fitted with seven-speed DQ200 Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSGs). In these vehicles, sulphur in the gear oil and an inorganic heat stabiliser in the plastic parts of the mechatronic unit could cause metallic surfaces to suffer from electrolytic corrosion, particularly in conditions with high temperatures and humidity. Conducting particles could then settle between the circuit paths of the control unit and cause a short circuit and blow the gearbox fuse. If the fuse were to blow, the clutch would open and freewheel, resulting in a sudden and total loss of power to the wheels. Although other vehicle systems such as steering and braking would continue to function, the loss of power may pose a hazard to occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2014/14013.

2013-15 model year Skoda 5J Fabia: Takata driver’s airbag recall

In July 2018, a recall was issued for 2013-15 model year Skoda Fabia vehicles. In these vehicles, the Takata-supplied driver’s airbag contained propellant wafers that could degrade over time due to the absorption of moisture. If the vehicle was in a collision that triggered the airbag, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal airbag inflator housing to explode/rupture, such that metal fragments would be projected through the airbag material and into the cabin – these metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury or fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16909.

2013-15 model year Skoda 5J Fabia DSG: pressure accumulator crack and loss of power

In October 2019, recall campaign 35E1 was issued for 2013-15 model year Skoda 5J Fabia vehicles. Due to a production fault, a crack in the transmission’s pressure accumulator (within the mechatronics housing) could occur. If the pressure accumulator cracked, oil and pressure would be lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox. If this occurred, the transmission of engine power would be interrupted, similar to depressing the clutch in a vehicle with a manual transmission – this increased the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17887. AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the recalled vehicles had seven-speed DQ200 DSG transmissions.

Problems and faults: Skoda 5J Fabia

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

2011 Skoda 5J Fabia 1.2 TSI: stretched timing chains (CBZ engines)

Models and engines affected
For Skoda 5J Fabia 1.2 TSI vehicles with CBZA, CBZB and CBZC engines that were manufactured prior to 18 June 2011, the timing chain was susceptible to elongation (or stretching). In Australia, however, the only model that was potentially affected was the Skoda Fabia 77TSI. Symptoms of a stretched timing chain include:

• A rattling noise from the engine bay; and,
• If the timing chain skips teeth on its sprocket, the valve timing may be disturbed. This could cause rough running, illumination of the ‘check engine’ light and, at worst, contact between the valves and pistons which causes serious engine damage.

If the engine warning light illuminates, the vehicle should not be driven.

Repair kit
Since the original timing chain (part no. 03F 109 158B) was susceptible to elongation, Volkswagen released a repair kit (part no. 03F 198 229 A) which included:

• A reinforced chain (part no. 03F 109 158 K); and,
• A new chain guard with anti-jump teeth (initially, part no. 03F 109 210 C and, subsequently, part no. 03F 109 210 D).

Whilethe 03F 198 229A repair kit prevented the timing chain from stretching, there may still be a rattling noise heard in the first five seconds after start up from the hydraulic chain tensioner since it takes time to accumulate oil pressure. Since the spring inside the chain tensioner loosens over time, this rattling noise is more likely to be heard on older, higher mileage 1.2 TSI engines.

June 2011 production changes
This revised chain and chain guard were incorporated into production from 18 June 2011 – this corresponds to engines numbers after:

• CBZ* 462774 (for Mlada Boleslav production); and,
• CBZ* 714253 (for Salzgitter production).

The production location can be determined by inspecting the sticker on the boost pressure pipe or on the intercooler (‘M’ for Mlada Boleslav or ‘S’ for Salzgitter).

November 2011 production changes
On 7 November 2011, new versions of the CBZ engines were introduced (part no. 03F 103 101 B). For the post-November 2011 CBZ engines, changes included:

• A wider timing chain (part no. 03F 109 158 G);
• New chain guides (03F 109 509 and 03F 109 469 E);
• A black chain tensioner (changed material and size); and,
• An improved upper sprocket (changed materials and tooth design).

As such, the post-November 2011 1.2 TSI are not susceptible to the start-up rattle noise of the earlier engines. For reference purposes, however, the timing chain repair kit for these engines has the part no. 03F 198 158 B.

Pre-2012 Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI (CBZ): shim and ECU update

For pre-2012 Skoda 5J Fabia vehicles with the 1.2 TSI engine (engine codes CBZA, CBZB and CBZC), the Mahle Rotary Electronic Actuator (REA) may malfunction due to the variable nozzle turbine (VNT) sticking as a result of carbon build-up. This may cause the following symptoms:

• The Electronic Power Control (‘EPC’) warning light would illuminate and the vehicle would enter ‘limp home’ mode;
• When slowing down in second gear (for example, prior to cornering or entering a roundabout), the driver may experience delayed power delivery when trying to subsequently accelerate; and,
• Error code P334B (Charge Pressure Control Actuator – Mechanical Malfunction) may be logged when driving, particularly when lifting off after heavy acceleration.

For Australia, potentially affected vehicles were limited to the 5J Fabia 77TSI (CBZB).

To fix,

• A 2 mm shim was to be fitted between the wastegate actuator and the turbo body; and,
• The engine control unit (ECU) was to be updated to calibrate the new actuator position.

It is understood that the ECU re-programming also provided more progressive power delivery. For Skoda vehicles, these measures were implemented as service campaign 24W6.

Some owners experienced rough running subsequent to these measures being implemented. While dealers advised that this should resolve itself within 800 kilometres (500 miles), owners have reported that this has not always been the case.

Pre-2011 Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI: #3 cylinder HT lead failure

For pre-2011 Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI models, the high tension (HT) lead for cylinder three passes close to the exhaust manifold. Due to the heat of the exhaust manifold and the lack of insulating material for the HT lead, the lead can be damaged and cause the following symptoms:

• The Electronic Power Control (‘EPC’) warning light illuminates and the vehicle enters ‘limp home’ mode;
• Rough running; and/or,
• Loss of power.

It is understood that the HT leads on post-2012 1.2 TSI engines had heat-resistant sleeves at the coil end to protect against heat radiated from the exhaust manifold.

Skoda 5J Fabia RS: 1.4 Twincharger (TSI) engine and stretched timing chains

In an autobild.de article published in April 2012, a Volkswagen employee admitted that its 1.4 ‘Twincharger’ TSI engine was susceptible to stretched timing chains. According to Volkswagen, worn stamping tools caused:

• The holes in the chain links to miss the targeted manufacturing tolerances; and,
• Small burrs on the chain links that would cause abrasive wear to the timing chain.

If the timing chain stretched, the change in the engine’s camshaft timing could cause the valves and pistons to collide such that the engine would have to be re-built or replaced. A common symptom of a stretched timing chain is a rattling noise from the engine bay (see video below).

It is understood that the manufacturing defect was rectified for post-2012 1.4 TSI ‘Twincharger’ engines, though Volkswagen has not identified the production dates or engine codes of affected engines. As such, the 132 kW 1.4 TSI CAVE/CTHE engine in the Skoda 5J Fabia vRS – and which was shared with the Polo GTi and Golf GT – may be susceptible to this problem. According to Volkswagen, the number of poorly manufactured chains was in the ‘low hundreds’.

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Skoda NJ Fabia

2015-18 model year Skoda NJ Fabia: Takata driver’s airbag recall

In July 2018, a recall was issued for 2015-18 model year Skoda NJ Fabia vehicles. In these vehicles, the Takata-supplied driver’s airbag contained propellant wafers that could degrade over time due to the absorption of moisture. If the vehicle was in a collision that triggered the airbag, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal airbag inflator housing to explode/rupture, such that metal fragments would be projected through the airbag material and into the cabin – these metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury or fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16909.

2018 model year Skoda NJ Fabia: driver airbag may not fully inflate

In July 2019, recall campaign 69Y9 was issued for 2018 model year Skoda NJ Fabia vehicles. In some instances, the front driver airbag may not inflate to its fully capacity fast enough in the event of a collision and this increased the risk of injury to the driver. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17652.

2021 Skoda NJ Fabia: welding of rear middle backrest frame

In January 2022, recall campaign 72M5 was issued for 2021 Skoda NJ Fabia vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue with the welding of the rear middle backrest frame, there may be a reduction in the performance of the attached seat belt. In the event of a collision, this condition increased the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005025.

Problems and faults: Skoda NJ Fabia

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Skoda NJ Fabia

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Skoda NJ Fabia.

Released in Australia in July 2015, the Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon was a light, five-door wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda Fabia Wagon was powered by 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engines with 66 kW and 81 kW outputs that were mated to five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions, respectively… Read full Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon review

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Released in September 2011, the 5J Fabia was a light, five-door hatchback (the 5J Fabia Combi had been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive 5J Fabia range initially consisted of the 77TSI variant, which was powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. In June 2012, the range was expanded with the 132TSI variant, powered by a 1.4-litre ‘twincharger’ (turbo- and super-charged) petrol engine… Read full Skoda 5J Fabia review

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Released in Australia in July 2015, the Skoda NJ Fabia Wagon was a light, five-door wagon. Manufactured in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, the front-wheel drive Skoda Fabia Wagon was powered by 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engines with 66 kW and 81 kW outputs that were mated to five-speed manual and seven-speed double clutch transmissions, respectively… Read full Skoda NJ Fabia review

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Euro NCAP: 2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI – crash and AEB testing

In Euro NCAP testing, the 2014 Skoda Mk.3 Fabia 1.2 TSI received a five star safety rating which included an 81 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 81 per cent child occupant protection rating. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

Carbuyer: 2015 Skoda Fabia review

Note

Please note these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.