At a Glance
The Fiat Brava has 30 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Brava (1995-2002) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 296K 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Fiat Brava common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Fiat Brava generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Fiat Brava Generations
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Most Common Fiat Brava MOT Failures
Every reason Fiat Brava 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 14.87% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 13.53% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 6.44% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 5.11% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 4.65% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.36% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.36% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.31% |
| 9 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.04% |
| 10 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.66% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.57% |
| 12 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.13% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.81% |
| 14 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.76% |
| 15 | Driveshaft fault | 2.59% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 1.88% |
| 17 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.83% |
| 18 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.74% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.53% |
| 20 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.38% |
| 21 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.03% |
| 22 | Rear lamp not working | 0.83% |
| 23 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.67% |
| 24 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.66% |
| 25 | Steering rack fault | 0.52% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.52% |
| 27 | Chassis condition | 0.50% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 0.49% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.46% |
| 30 | Indicator fault | 0.44% |
| 31 | Horn not working | 0.39% |
| 32 | Parking brake condition | 0.36% |
| 33 | Brake fluid leak | 0.33% |
| 34 | Rear suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 35 | Front suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 36 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.29% |
| 37 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 38 | ABS fault | 0.19% |
| 39 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.19% |
| 40 | Position lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 41 | Airbag warning light on | 0.18% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.17% |
| 43 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.17% |
| 44 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.13% |
| 45 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 46 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 47 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.11% |
| 48 | CV joint worn | 0.11% |
| 49 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.08% |
| 50 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.08% |
| 51 | Body security fault | 0.08% |
| 52 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 53 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 54 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 55 | Power steering ram fault | 0.06% |
| 56 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 57 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 58 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 59 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.04% |
| 60 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 61 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 62 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.04% |
| 63 | Brake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 64 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 65 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 66 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.03% |
| 67 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 68 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 69 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 70 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 71 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 72 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.02% |
| 73 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 74 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 75 | Brake caliper fault | 0.02% |
| 76 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.02% |
| 77 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 78 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 80 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.02% |
| 81 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 82 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 83 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 84 | Headlamp fault | 0.01% |
| 85 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.01% |
| 86 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.01% |
| 87 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 88 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 89 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 90 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 91 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 92 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 94 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 95 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 96 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 97 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 98 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 99 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 101 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 102 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 103 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Rear fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 105 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 107 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 110 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 111 | Wheel bearing worn | <0.01% |
| 112 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 122 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 123 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 124 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 131 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 142 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 143 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 144 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 152 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 152 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Fiat Brava MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Fiat Brava, 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 Brava problems?
Based on analysis of 296K Fiat Brava MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 30 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Fiat Brava generation has the most problems?
The Fiat Brava Brava (1995-2002) (1995–2002) has the highest number of identified common problems (37). Click the generation card above for the 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 Brava?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Fiat Brava owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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