At a Glance
The Fiat Panda has 22 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk2 (2003-2012) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 1.3M 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 Panda 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 Panda 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Fiat Panda owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Fiat Panda owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Fiat Panda?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Fiat Panda Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Fiat Panda MOT Failures
Every reason Fiat Panda 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 17.73% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 14.43% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 9.85% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.04% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 5.30% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.09% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 3.73% |
| 8 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.94% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 2.33% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.24% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.18% |
| 12 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.81% |
| 13 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.71% |
| 14 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.66% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.59% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 1.43% |
| 17 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.39% |
| 18 | Front lamp not working | 1.19% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.95% |
| 20 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.95% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 0.90% |
| 22 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.88% |
| 23 | Driveshaft fault | 0.86% |
| 24 | Position lamp not working | 0.84% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.77% |
| 26 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.76% |
| 27 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.56% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.52% |
| 29 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.50% |
| 30 | Rear lamp not working | 0.46% |
| 31 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.40% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.40% |
| 33 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.38% |
| 34 | Chassis condition | 0.36% |
| 35 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.35% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.33% |
| 37 | Indicator fault | 0.31% |
| 38 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.31% |
| 39 | Parking brake condition | 0.30% |
| 40 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.29% |
| 41 | ABS fault | 0.29% |
| 42 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.28% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.25% |
| 44 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.24% |
| 45 | Steering rack fault | 0.24% |
| 46 | Brake lever fault | 0.24% |
| 47 | Horn not working | 0.22% |
| 48 | Engine oil leak | 0.22% |
| 49 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.21% |
| 50 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.20% |
| 51 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.20% |
| 52 | Airbag warning light on | 0.19% |
| 53 | Propshaft fault | 0.17% |
| 54 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.15% |
| 56 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.14% |
| 57 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.13% |
| 58 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 60 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.12% |
| 61 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 62 | Brake fluid leak | 0.10% |
| 63 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 64 | Rear suspension fault | 0.09% |
| 65 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.09% |
| 67 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 68 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 69 | Brake caliper fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Front suspension fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 72 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 73 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 74 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 75 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 81 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 84 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 85 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 87 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 88 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 93 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 94 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 95 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 97 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 100 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 101 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 103 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 105 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 106 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 108 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 110 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 114 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 115 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 116 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 117 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 120 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 122 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 123 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 125 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 127 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 135 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 137 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 138 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 139 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 141 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 145 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 154 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 167 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 169 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 172 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 174 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 175 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 180 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 181 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 182 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 183 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 184 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
Showing all 185 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Fiat Panda MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Fiat Panda, 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.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Fiat Panda problems?
Based on analysis of 1.3M Fiat Panda MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 22 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Shock absorber worn or leaking". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Fiat Panda generation has the most problems?
The Fiat Panda Mk2 (2003-2012) (2003–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (27). 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 Panda?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Fiat Panda owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
Popular makes with common problems
Popular models with common problems
Ford Transit Connect
113 problems
Suzuki Vitara
71 problems
Fiat Cinquecento
74 problems
Nissan Vanette
69 problems
Land Rover Series
73 problems
Vauxhall Combo
68 problems
Mg Mgb
88 problems
Nissan Navara
90 problems
Citroen C15
80 problems
Land Rover Discovery
105 problems
Toyota Hilux
70 problems
Land Rover Defender
162 problems
