Used Skoda Scala 2019-present reliability
Category: Family car
The Skoda Scala is spacious, comfortable and really affordable when bought used. It's a great buy.
What should I look for in a used Skoda SCALA hatchback?
Most Scalas listed for sale will be within the Skoda franchised dealer network and will have been reconditioned to look like new before resale, so there isn't much to add here.
However, make sure that the dealer has applied the latest infotainment software update; there have been a few bugs in the system (our Scala long term test car had a few) that caused the infotainment to freeze.
What are the most common problems with a used Skoda SCALA hatchback?
Emergency call system
There have been two recalls issued relating to the emergency call system, which automatically sends an SOS signal to the emergency service when the 'SOS' button is pushed, or when the system deems it prudent (such as when the airbags are deployed in a collision). However, a software issue on examples made between 10 July 2019 and 7 February 2020 could prevent the system from functioning correctly and will require an update at a Skoda dealer.
In addition to this, some Scalas built between 28 August and 17 September 2019 will need to have the online connectivity unit (OCU) that is a part of this feature replaced as part of the second recall.
Is a used Skoda SCALA hatchback reliable?
The Scala didn't appear in the latest What Car? Reliability survey, however, Skoda as a brand managed an excellent 12th place finish out of 30 car manufacturers, so hopefully, the Scala will be equally dependable. The similar Fabia finished 21st out of 28 cars in the small car class, while the larger 2013-2020 Skoda Octavia finished in ninth place with a diesel engine and 11th place with a petrol one in the family car class, out of 37 models. However, the present 2020-onwards Octavia finished in a disappointing 35th place.
If you'd like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
