Skip to content
MotorFiable

Škoda carsCode NH

Škoda Rapid problems (2012–2019)

We have documented 3 engines for the Škoda Rapid; the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI and the 1.6 TDI have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2][3]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Skoda Rapid (2012-2019) has little documented in open sources: the 31 reports on fiches-auto.fr mainly mention noise from the rear shock absorbers, and the fiche records recalls for the driver's airbag inflator. It is a car with few reported mechanical faults outside the engine.[4]

Škoda Rapid (2012–2019)
Photo: M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468105.9out of 10

Škoda Rapid rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 16 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.7From 3.6 to 8.1 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension8.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights7.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.71 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Airbags and safety5.73 faults

Ranked 50 of 93 among the compact cars with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Škoda Rapid

  1. 1Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine · repair €700–€1,400
  2. 2Critical severity: Recalls for the driver's airbag inflatorAirbags and safety
  3. 3Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and air flow stabiliser1.6 TDI engine · free repair (recall)
  4. 4High severity: Timing belt and water pump1.6 TDI engine · repair €400–€1,500
  5. 5High severity: Variable-geometry turbo seized or with play1.6 TDI engine · repair €1,000

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

5 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Recall 69PB: driver's airbag inflator. See the campaigns for the Škoda Rapid

20 sourcesHow we work

1.2 and 1.4 TSI

Volkswagen 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI (EA111 and EA211) · Petrol

In the Rapid
2012–2019[5]
Name
1.2 TSI
Faults that affect it
2 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
64
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.2 TSI 86/90/105 hp (EA111, CBZA/CBZC/CBZB, 2009-2015)2009–2015 · 86–105 hp · CBZA, CBZC, CBZB

    With caution

    The chains and tensioners on the earliest units stretch early. It is a viable buy if there is an invoice for the revised timing kit, or if it starts from cold without rattling and the maintenance is up to date.[6][7]

Faults that affect the Rapid

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.2 and 1.4 TSI has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo wastegate actuator failureThe electric actuator that regulates turbo pressure (wastegate) can seize or fail on the 1.2 TSI and the EA211 engines: the car lights up the EPC warning light and goes into limp mode. Sometimes the actuator alone is enough; if the valve is damaged, the turbo is replaced.

Rapid 1.2 and 1.4 TSI pageAll versions and faults of the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI

1.6 TDI

Volkswagen 1.6 TDI (EA189 and EA288) · Diesel

In the Rapid
2012–2019[8]
Names
1.6 TDI CR 90 · 1.6 TDI CR 105
Faults that affect it
5 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
45
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.6 TDI common rail EA189 (2009-2015)2009–2015 · 75–105 hp · CAYA, CAYB, CAYC, CAYD, CAYE

    With caution

    The dieselgate scandal affects the whole series: check that the update (software and air flow stabiliser) has been done and that there are no symptoms of EGR, particulate filter, turbo or water pump problems.[9][10]

Faults that affect the Rapid

  1. Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlManipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and air flow stabiliserThe 1.6 TDI EA189 engines (2009-2015, 75-105 hp) carried software that reduced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) outside homologation tests. Unlike the 2.0 TDI, Volkswagen corrects this engine with the software update plus the fitting of an air flow stabiliser.Repair: €0
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming belt and water pumpThe 1.6 TDI drives its timing with a toothed belt. It is common for the water pump to be changed together with the kit: if the pump seizes first, it can drag the belt with it, with a risk of breakage and serious cylinder head damage.Repair (garage): €400–€1,500
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboVariable-geometry turbo seized or with playThe variable-geometry turbo on the 1.6 TDI EA189 can seize because of carbon deposits or wear on the shaft. The engine loses power, whistles or emits bluish smoke, and replacing the turbo costs around €1,000 if there is no additional damage.Repair (garage): €1,000
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve clogged with carbon depositsThe EGR valve accumulates carbon deposits, especially on short urban trips, until it seizes and no longer seals or opens precisely. The engine loses power and jerks; cleaning the valve costs considerably less than replacing it.Repair (garage): €100–€1,000
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter (DPF)In urban use and on short trips, the particulate filter does not complete regeneration and becomes saturated with soot. The DPF warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car may enter limp mode with a loss of power.Repair (garage): €200–€3,000

Rapid 1.6 TDI pageAll versions and faults of the 1.6 TDI

1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI

Safest option

Volkswagen 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI (EA211 / EA211 evo) · Petrol

In the Rapid
2017–2019[11]
Names
1.0 TSI 95 CV · 1.0 TSI 110 CV
Faults that affect it
3
Risk index on this car
19
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.0 TSI EA211 (CHZ, DKL, DKR; 2014 onwards)since 2014 · 82–115 hp · CHZA, CHZB, CHZC, CHZD, CHZE, CHZJ, CHZK, DKLA, DKLB, DKLC, DKLD, DKRA, DKRB, DKRC, DKRD, DKRE, DKRF

    Buy

    It has no documented systematic serious faults, and distances of 200,000 km without problems are cited. On 2018–2020 units, you only need to check that the injector recall was carried out.[1][2][3]

Faults that affect the Rapid

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingCoolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat moduleOn the EA211 the water pump and thermostat housing form a plastic module that, over the years, can crack or lose its seal and cause a slow loss of coolant. Keep an eye on the level: if it is ignored, it can end in overheating.
  2. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesLike any direct-injection engine, the 1.0 and 1.5 TSI can accumulate carbon on the intake valves and ports, especially with urban use. It is usually noticed between 80,000 and 120,000 km as a loss of power, rough running and higher consumption.Appears at around 80,000 km
  3. Low severityFrequency: RareInjectionLeaking injectors on the 1.0 TSI (2020 recall)In 2020 Volkswagen, Seat and Škoda recalled around 9,200 cars with three-cylinder TSI engines from the 2018–2020 model years: their injectors could drip petrol into the chamber after the engine was switched off and exceed emission limits. The injectors are replaced.

Rapid 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI pageAll versions and faults of the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI

Faults of the Škoda Rapid outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Škoda Rapid

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 2,653 inspections of 1,061 cars registered between 2012 and 2019, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.3%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.3%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 15% of inspections; in cars of its age, 14.3%.

    Average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.9% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.5%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 1.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.7%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 3.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.9%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 16.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.1%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Škoda Rapid

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI (2012–2019)

Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)

Critical severity

Turbo wastegate actuator failure

Medium severity

If it has the 1.6 TDI (2012–2019)

Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and air flow stabiliser

Medium severity

Timing belt and water pump

High severity

Variable-geometry turbo seized or with play

High severity

EGR valve clogged with carbon deposits

Medium severity

Clogged particulate filter (DPF)

Medium severity

If it has the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI (2017–2019)

Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module

Medium severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves

Low severity

Leaking injectors on the 1.0 TSI (2020 recall)

Low severity

Wear parts for the Škoda Rapid

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Škoda Rapid?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Own a Škoda Rapid? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Škoda Rapid reliable?

We have documented 3 engines for the Škoda Rapid; the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI and the 1.6 TDI have high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Skoda Rapid (2012-2019) has little documented in open sources: the 31 reports on fiches-auto.fr mainly mention noise from the rear shock absorbers, and the fiche records recalls for the driver's airbag inflator. It is a car with few reported mechanical faults outside the engine.

Which Škoda Rapid engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines we have documented, the safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI, with a «Buy» verdict. It has no documented systematic serious faults, and distances of 200,000 km without problems are cited. On 2018–2020 units, you only need to check that the injector recall was carried out.[1][2][3]

What problems does the Škoda Rapid have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Skoda Rapid (2012-2019) has little documented in open sources: the 31 reports on fiches-auto.fr mainly mention noise from the rear shock absorbers, and the fiche records recalls for the driver's airbag inflator. It is a car with few reported mechanical faults outside the engine. The most important documented faults are: recalls for the driver's airbag inflator (airbags and safety, critical severity), recall for the front seatbelt pretensioner (2016) (airbags and safety, high severity), recall for the child safety lock on the rear doors (airbags and safety, medium severity) and steering that binds or catches: rack replacement (action 48L7) (steering, high severity).[4]

What faults does the Škoda Rapid have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111) (1.2 and 1.4 TSI, critical severity), manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and air flow stabiliser (1.6 TDI, medium severity), timing belt and water pump (1.6 TDI, high severity), variable-geometry turbo seized or with play (1.6 TDI, high severity) and EGR valve clogged with carbon deposits (1.6 TDI, medium severity).

What is the best year to buy a Škoda Rapid?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2019 (8.0/10); the worst rated is 2015 (5.5/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Škoda Rapid have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 5 campaigns for the Škoda Rapid, such as recall 69PB: driver's airbag inflator (2026). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[4]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Zuverlässigkeit der TSI-Motoren von 1.0 bis 2.0: welche Jahrgänge und Generationen Probleme machenAutohled · Motoring press · published 15 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  2. VW EA211: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 26 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  3. Rückruf bei VW, Seat und Skoda: Neue Einspritzanlage für TSI-Motorkfz-betrieb (Vogel Communications) · Motoring press · published 29 July 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  4. Skoda Rapid 2012-2019: problemas y retiradas (31 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Motores EA111 1.2 TSI Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotorDinámico · Other source · published 26 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Bei älteren VW 1.2 TSi-Motoren: Gefahr einer Längung der Steuerkettefebi bilstein (blog técnico) · Technical documentation · published 28 January 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  7. Probleme und Schwachstellen beim 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI (EA111)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Other source · published 1 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  8. Škoda Rapid (2012)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. VW EA211Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  12. Problema en la distribución en motores TSi del Grupo VAGBlog Mecánicos · Other source · published 13 February 2014 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. EPC-Leuchte: LadedruckstellerSEAT Ibiza Forum (foro) · Owners' forum · published January 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  14. Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra la correa de distribuciónMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Bomba de agua del coche, qué es, función y cuándo cambiarlaAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 10 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  16. Cómo saber si el turbo está roto o a punto de romperseMotor.es · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  17. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  18. Filtro de partículas: ¿mejor limpiar o sustituir?Autofácil · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  19. Del 1.9 TDI al 1.5 TSI, así es el motor que ha cambiado la historia reciente de VolkswagenMotor.es · Motoring press · published 7 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  20. Llamadas a revisión de un vehículoDirección General de Tráfico (DGT) · Official body · published 18 June 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish