Vehicle summary
ULEZ status is estimated based on fuel type and registration year. It may not reflect the actual emission standard of this vehicle. Check with TfL for a definitive answer.
At a glance
This 2003 Skoda Fabia Diesel 1896cc has had 20 MOT tests on record, passing 13 and failing 7 (65% pass rate). It has 148,831 miles on the clock, averaging 9,144 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. Common Skoda Fabia issues include 1. central locking system failures and 2. rear door seals leaking – water ingress into footwells.
MOT & Mileage History for DE53 WMU
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gaps in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Above average| Latest reading | 148,831 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 9,144 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
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Full MOT Test History 20 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Skoda Fabia
These are the most commonly reported problems on Skoda Fabia models (2000–2007), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
1. Central Locking System Failures
The locking motor—especially the one controlling boot opening—wears out or develops internal faults. Wiring can also corrode or break, particularly at connection points.[1] Poor earth connections are a documented issue on early models.[3] · Typical repair: £150–£350 per door/latch (parts £40–120, labour £100–200). Boot motor replacement: £200–400.
2. Rear Door Seals Leaking – Water Ingress into Footwells
The rubber seals around the rear doors degrade with age and UV exposure, allowing rainwater to enter the cabin. The seal material hardens and loses its compression over time. Drain holes at the base of rear doors can also become blocked.[3] · Typical repair: Seal replacement: £120–250 per door. Preventative cleaning of drain holes: £30–50.
3. Electrical Glitches – Persistent Warning Lights and Sensor Faults
Corroded earth connections (particularly under the battery and behind the near-side front wheel liner) cause voltage drop and sensor malfunction. Coolant temperature sensors corrode, triggering false low-coolant warnings. Bulb holders accumulate moisture and corrosion, causing flickering headlights and persistent bulb-failure warnings. Window switches develop microswitch failures.[3] · Typical repair: Cleaning/remaking earth connections: £80–150. Coolant sensor replacement: £40–80 (parts £15–30, labour £25–50). Bulb holder cleaning/replacement: £30–60 per location.
4. Dashboard Rattles and Creaks
Dashboard panels work loose at their mounting points due to vibration and age, causing annoying rattles and creaks, particularly over bumps.[1] · Typical repair: £60–120 (labour to locate and tighten/shim fasteners; very few parts needed)
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | DE53 WMU |
| Make | Skoda |
| Model | Fabia |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1896cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | DE — Chester, Deeside to Shrewsbury |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More DE53 W plates
Browse all DE53 W registrations from Chester.
About DE53 WMU
What car is DE53 WMU?
DE53 WMU is a silver Skoda Fabia, diesel (1896cc). First registered in Chester in 2003.
What is the mileage of DE53 WMU?
The last recorded mileage for DE53 WMU was 148,831 miles, recorded on 10 Mar 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has DE53 WMU passed its MOT?
DE53 WMU has had 20 MOT tests with a 65% pass rate (13 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 10 Mar 2021.
Is DE53 WMU ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, DE53 WMU is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2003, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is DE53 WMU?
DE53 WMU is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.