At a Glance
Fiat has 204 identified common problems across 48 models, with the Cinquecento being the most affected model and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 15.2M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Fiat common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 15.2M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Fiat models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Fiat Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 48 Fiat models.
Punto
Most common: Suspension
500
Most common: Suspension
Ducato
Most common: Brakes
Panda
Most common: Suspension
Doblo
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Scudo
Most common: Brakes
Stilo
Most common: Suspension
Seicento
Most common: Brakes
Bravo
Most common: Brakes
Most Common Fiat MOT Failures
Every reason Fiat vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.11% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.70% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 5.84% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.57% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 5.31% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.81% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.74% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.14% |
| 9 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.54% |
| 10 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.22% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.15% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.95% |
| 13 | Driveshaft fault | 2.73% |
| 14 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.65% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.27% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.96% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 1.76% |
| 18 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.73% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.53% |
| 20 | Position lamp not working | 1.40% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.30% |
| 22 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.30% |
| 23 | Headlamp fault | 1.14% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 1.08% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 1.02% |
| 26 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.98% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.90% |
| 28 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.86% |
| 29 | Fog lamp not working | 0.86% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 0.81% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.80% |
| 32 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.80% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.72% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.68% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.52% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.52% |
| 37 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.37% |
| 38 | Airbag warning light on | 0.35% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.34% |
| 40 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.34% |
| 41 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.33% |
| 42 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.31% |
| 43 | Rear suspension fault | 0.31% |
| 44 | Front suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 45 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.28% |
| 46 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.28% |
| 47 | ABS fault | 0.28% |
| 48 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.27% |
| 49 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.27% |
| 50 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.26% |
| 51 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.23% |
| 52 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.21% |
| 53 | Brake pedal fault | 0.20% |
| 54 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.20% |
| 55 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 56 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Engine oil leak | 0.14% |
| 58 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.13% |
| 59 | Brake fluid leak | 0.13% |
| 60 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 62 | Steering free play excessive | 0.09% |
| 63 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.09% |
| 64 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.09% |
| 65 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 67 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 70 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 71 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.06% |
| 73 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.05% |
| 76 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 77 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 78 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 79 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 80 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 81 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 82 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 84 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 85 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 86 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 87 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 88 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 89 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 90 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 93 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 97 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 101 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 102 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 107 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 110 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 111 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 112 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 113 | Spare wheel fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 115 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 118 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 123 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 127 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 133 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 137 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 142 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 144 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 146 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 148 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 150 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 155 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 166 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 169 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 170 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 174 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 180 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 181 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 183 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 185 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 186 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 189 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 190 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 195 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 196 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 197 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 198 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 199 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 200 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 202 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 204 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 205 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
Showing all 205 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Fiat MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Fiat, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Fiat problems?
Based on analysis of 15.2M Fiat MOT tests from DVSA data, Fiat has 204 identified common problems across 48 models. The Fiat Cinquecento has the most recorded problems. Suspension issues are the most common category.
Which Fiat model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Fiat Cinquecento has the highest count with 58 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Fiat models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Fiat?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Fiat owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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