I have a Fabia 1.4 16v bought new in 2002. 12 months ago (mileage about 30,000) the EMS said I had a problem with a valve on the exhaust. Nothing was done as I was told the part needed ordering and I let it go. Now I have the same result from the EMS and after a compression test I'm told I need new piston rings. Shouldn't a car go for more than 30,000 (now 35,000 miles) before it needs new piston rings?

Yes and IIRC it is a known problem with the 1.4 engine.

The only problems is I can't remember if that is with the 8v or 16v.

Somebody will be along who knows omre soon, and welcome to brisky

Its the 16V engine that has the piston ring problem , (i.e. the Volkswagen 1.4 , not Skodas own 1.4 , which is the 8V) There's plenty of other owners who have had exactly the same scenario as you happen to them , and also others who are suffering extremely heavy oil consuption due to the same problem.

Ps Welcome along , hope you get the car sorted soon!

Could someone expand on this a bit - ie which 1.4 16v engine types are involved, thanks.

All of them bar the BBy and BBZ iirc.

All of them bar the BBy and BBZ iirc.

Thanks Lummox, I think that is what I had read once before, just a bit worried though and now you've put my mind to rest! On oil comsumption, I think you said one litre per 600 miles was acceptable - so that means my V6 Passat at 1500>2000 miles per litre is NOT being too greedy - it just likes a bit of oil!

Thats what VAG generally accept before a warranty claim would be considered.

Thanks for all the info - has anyone found a reference to the fault in something official on the net? I'm looking for all the help I can get to persuade the dealer to pay for most of the repairs needed.

The dealer may well have a bulletin on it. Cant say if its on the net or not.

For information I have checked which engine I have and its a BBZ - with faulty piston rings!

Hi there

I'm also interested in finding out what the official line is on such young cars with low mileage having such major engine problems as piston ring faults.

I have a 2002 1.4 16v Fabia and have just had to book it in to have the rings replaced. It'll cost upward of

Skoda may well contribute to the works with a good will gesture.

I don't think you have much comeback with the dealer who sold you it if its well out of warranty unfortunately :(

Yes and IIRC it is a known problem with the 1.4 engine.

The only problems is I can't remember if that is with the 8v or 16v.

Somebody will be along who knows omre soon, and welcome to brisky

More likley to be the 8v. I had the 16v and had no oil consumption problems

It only effects the 16v engines.

It only effects the 16v engines.

Looks like I got lucky and sold it in time then

Never had any problems with mine though....

Some have issues some dont, its hit and miss.

Personally I would look at how much oil is being used, if it isnt that much re route the engine breather so it doesnt go into the airbox, thus not filling the intake with oil and causing problems.

Hello all - first time here. I've got a 2002, 1.4, 16v Fabia Estate: it appears to be getting the piston ring problem. I'd be really interested in knowing how any of you people with similar problems got on. I'd also be keen to know where I can find out more about how this is a "known problem". Cheers - huvik

Hi there

I'm also interested in finding out what the official line is on such young cars with low mileage having such major engine problems as piston ring faults.

I have a 2002 1.4 16v Fabia and have just had to book it in to have the rings replaced. It'll cost upward of

Hello all - first time here. I've got a 2002, 1.4, 16v Fabia Estate: it appears to be getting the piston ring problem. I'd be really interested in knowing how any of you people with similar problems got on. I'd also be keen to know where I can find out more about how this is a "known problem". Cheers - huvik

I think if you read my reply to Jen it might be of help to you.

All 16Vs...

The Seat Ibiza I just bought had a new head gasket done last year under warranty.

1.4 16V BBY

All 16Vs...

The Seat Ibiza I just bought had a new head gasket done last year under warranty.

1.4 16V BBY

Were you asking the question, ie "all 16V ?" or stating that all 16V VAG engines were prone to this and other problems? The reason that I am asking is that my wife's BBY engined car has done 38,000 miles with no engine problems (yet) and Lummox reckoned that the piston ring problem generally did not affect the BBY engines - now you are suggesting that there is a good chance that head gasket problems are common place!

I had a 2000 16v that went for 80000 miles without piston ring problems, until some Beemer driver decided to slam into it - replaced with another 16v with the BBZ engine. Neither have had piston ring probs - I think it is hit and miss.

I had a 2001 with 50k with the same problem however the car was still under manufacturers warranty and the piston rings etc were all replaced. The car had been serviced by a Skoda dealer and Millers synthetic engine oil used after the 20k service. The garage stated it was a "known" problem.