2021 Skoda Superb L — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 629 MOT tests analysed for the 2021 Skoda Superb L, the most common recorded failure areas were tyres, suspension and lighting & signalling. Its pass rate of 90.5% was in line with the average for cars of a similar age (91.3%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 12.8% in the 90-120k group versus 5.8% in the 0-30k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 6.0% | 38 |
| 2 | Suspension | 2.9% | 18 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 2.5% | 16 |
| 4 | Visibility | 1.4% | 9 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 0.9% | 6 |
| 6 | Brakes | 0.9% | 6 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shock absorbers | 19 |
| 2 | Headlamp aim | 17 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 11 |
| 4 | Washers | 7 |
| 5 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 6 |
| 6 | Brake pads | 5 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 21.0% | 132 |
| 2 | Brakes | 14.1% | 89 |
| 3 | Suspension | 11.0% | 69 |
| 4 | Other defects | 6.2% | 39 |
| 5 | Visibility | 4.3% | 27 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 1.3% | 8 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 206 | 5.8% |
| 30-60k | 251 | 8.8% |
| 60-90k | 100 | 15.0% |
| 90-120k | 47 | 12.8% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 424 | 10.4% |
| Petrol | 205 | 7.8% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 290 | 7.9% |
| 2025 | 299 | 12.0% |
What to check before buying a 2021 Superb L
Before buying a 2021 Skoda Superb L, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Tyres accounted for 6.0% of tests for this year.
- Tyres (6.0% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Suspension (2.9% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Lighting & signalling (2.5% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2021 Skoda Superb Ls pass their MOT?
90.5% of the 629 2021 Skoda Superb L MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 9.5% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Skoda Superb L?
Tyres, recorded in 6.0% of tests, followed by suspension (2.9%).
Does the 2021 Superb L get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.8% in the 0-30k band to 12.8% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 629 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.