2012 Fiat Bravo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Fiat Bravo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Fiat Bravo diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  10.9% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  9.3% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  9% All 2012 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.7% of all 2012 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.7× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  5.3% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2012 Fiat Bravo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Fiat Bravo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Tyres
  41% 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.

• Brakes
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  23% 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
  9% 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
  9% 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 2012 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2012 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?