2011 Fiat Bravo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Fiat Bravo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Fiat Bravo diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  20.3% All 2011 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  24.6% All 2011 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  15.7% All 2011 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  11.8% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 3.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Headlights2.2× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  10.8% All 2011 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2011 Fiat Bravo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Fiat Bravo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  41% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  39% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Fiat Bravo diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2011 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2011 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2011 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?