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SM53 CXL

2003 Skoda Fabia

Silver Diesel 1896cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires9 Nov 2026
Tests31 (20 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate64.5%

Mileage

248,794 mi
Last recorded248,794 miles
Recorded on24 Oct 2025
Typical for 2003 Skoda Fabia65,642 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationSM53 CXL
MakeSkoda
ModelFabia
Year2003
ColourSilver
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine1,896cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

20 pass 11 fail
Pass 24 Oct 2025 248,794 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Pass 25 Oct 2024 236,516 miles

Front Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ()

Fail 23 Oct 2024 236,406 miles

Nearside Rear Inner Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Inner Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Front Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ()

Pass 26 Oct 2023 219,935 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Items removed from driver's view prior to test ()

Rear Exhaust silencer slightly loose outer skin loose (8.1.1 (b) (i))

Rear Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ()

Pass 9 Nov 2022 204,515 miles

Offside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Fail 1 Nov 2022 204,111 miles

Central Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Pass 19 Oct 2021 188,304 miles

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Fail 18 Oct 2021 188,304 miles

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Pass 5 Nov 2020 176,580 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect slight misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Fail 4 Nov 2020 176,578 miles

Nearside Front Outer Steering locking device ineffective lock nut for track rod end loose (2.1.3 (d))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage insecurely attached (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect lens (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Outer Steering locking device ineffective lock nut for track rod end loose (2.1.3 (d))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect lens (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Brake cable guide defective and affecting operation park brake cable (1.1.15 (d))

Offside Rear Brake insecure brake backplate detached from mounting (1.1.21 (c))

Offside Rear Brake relay lever has restricted free movement park brake leaver on calliper (1.1.15 (e))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect slight misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Pass 5 Nov 2019 165,440 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 4 Nov 2019 165,436 miles

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 26 Oct 2018 151,616 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 26 Oct 2018 151,614 miles

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Nearside Front All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 8 Nov 2017 140,751 miles

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Inner Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Rear Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ()

engine check lamp illuminated on dashboard

rear tailgate not opening

Fail 7 Nov 2017 140,746 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Nearside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Nearside Rear Brake relay lever has restricted free movement caliper /park brake leaver (3.5.1k)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure inner sidewall (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure inner sidewall (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure inner sidewall (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Rear passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1c)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Items removed from driver's view prior to test ()

Nearside Inner Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test ()

engine check lamp illuminated on dashboard

rear tailgate not opening

Pass 9 Nov 2016 128,558 miles
Fail 9 Nov 2016 128,558 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 10 Nov 2015 116,331 miles

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Rear tyre split on inner sidewall

Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

engine management light on dasboard

items removed from view

rear brake discs pitted on outer face

Fail 10 Nov 2015 116,330 miles

Nearside Front Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Offside Front Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Rear Brake lever has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)

Offside Rear Tyre(s) incorrect because a lightweight or space saving wheel is fitted (4.1.A.1b)

Offside Rear passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1c)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Rear tyre split on inner sidewall

Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

engine management light on dasboard

items removed from view

rear brake discs pitted on outer face

Pass 20 Oct 2014 104,118 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Nearside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 20 Oct 2014 104,118 miles

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Rear passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1c)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Nearside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Passenger seat(s) missing at time of test

Rear Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 22 Oct 2013 92,285 miles

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 22 Oct 2013 92,285 miles

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Pass 29 Oct 2012 80,573 miles
Pass 27 Oct 2011 68,450 miles
Pass 25 Oct 2010 56,654 miles
Pass 19 Oct 2009 48,137 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Pass 15 Oct 2008 40,595 miles
Pass 17 Oct 2007 34,224 miles
Pass 17 Oct 2006 24,678 miles

How Reliable is the Skoda Fabia?

Based on 4,863,673 MOT tests across 365,048 vehicles.

76.0%
Pass Rate
5,664
Miles/Year
26
Year Lifespan
365,048
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 104,456
Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement 68,301
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 61,646
Stop lamp not working 51,458
position lamp(s) not working 39,215
Full Skoda Fabia reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

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SM53 CXL is a 2003 Skoda Fabia in Silver with a 1,896cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 64.5%.

Across all 2003 Skoda Fabia models, the average MOT pass rate is 72.1% with a typical mileage of 65,642 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Skoda Fabia fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 104,456 recorded failures. If you're considering buying SM53 CXL, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Skoda Fabia typically stays on UK roads for around 26 years. At 23 years old, this Skoda Fabia is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of SM53 CXL?

You can check the full history of SM53 CXL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was SM53 CXL registered?

SM53 CXL is a 2003 Skoda Fabia, first registered on 24 October 2003.

Is SM53 CXL safe to buy?

The MOT history for SM53 CXL shows 31 tests with a 64.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does SM53 CXL have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on SM53 CXL. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.