At a Glance
The Fiat Stilo has 15 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Stilo (2001-2007) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 394K 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 Stilo 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 Stilo 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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Most Common Fiat Stilo MOT Failures
Every reason Fiat Stilo 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 | 19.42% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 12.78% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.19% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 6.59% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.04% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.02% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.71% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.75% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 3.38% |
| 10 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.04% |
| 11 | Driveshaft fault | 2.61% |
| 12 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.01% |
| 13 | Track rod end worn | 2.00% |
| 14 | Rear lamp not working | 1.94% |
| 15 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.84% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.77% |
| 17 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.58% |
| 18 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.47% |
| 19 | Front lamp not working | 1.45% |
| 20 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.07% |
| 21 | Parking brake condition | 0.72% |
| 22 | Horn not working | 0.62% |
| 23 | Fog lamp not working | 0.54% |
| 24 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.53% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.47% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.46% |
| 27 | ABS fault | 0.39% |
| 28 | Position lamp not working | 0.39% |
| 29 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.37% |
| 30 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.35% |
| 31 | Headlamp fault | 0.32% |
| 32 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.30% |
| 33 | Rear suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 34 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.29% |
| 35 | Airbag warning light on | 0.28% |
| 36 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.28% |
| 37 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.26% |
| 38 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.24% |
| 39 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 40 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.21% |
| 41 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.19% |
| 42 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.19% |
| 43 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 44 | Front suspension fault | 0.18% |
| 45 | Steering rack fault | 0.17% |
| 46 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.16% |
| 47 | Brake fluid leak | 0.16% |
| 48 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.15% |
| 49 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.14% |
| 50 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.13% |
| 51 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.13% |
| 52 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.12% |
| 53 | Indicator fault | 0.10% |
| 54 | Seat belt condition | 0.09% |
| 55 | Chassis condition | 0.08% |
| 56 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.07% |
| 57 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.07% |
| 58 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 59 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 60 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 61 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 62 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 63 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 65 | Speedometer fault | 0.05% |
| 66 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 67 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 68 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 69 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.04% |
| 70 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.04% |
| 71 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 72 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 74 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.03% |
| 75 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 77 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 79 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 80 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 81 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 82 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 84 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 86 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 88 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 89 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 91 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 92 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 95 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 99 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 100 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 102 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 106 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 108 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 113 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 115 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 119 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 134 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 138 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 141 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 148 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 149 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 151 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 152 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 153 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 162 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 164 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 167 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 172 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Fiat Stilo MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Fiat Stilo, 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 Stilo problems?
Based on analysis of 394K Fiat Stilo MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 15 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Coil spring broken or corroded". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Fiat Stilo generation has the most problems?
The Fiat Stilo Stilo (2001-2007) (2001–2007) has the highest number of identified common problems (19). 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 Stilo?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Fiat Stilo owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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