2018 Fiat Panda diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Fiat Panda first registered in 2018 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 294 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 294 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2018 Fiat Panda diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2018 Fiat Panda diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes23% 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.
- Suspension20% 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.
- Lights and electrics15% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering2% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Known faults on the 2018 Fiat Panda diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Manual gearbox
Noisy clutch or gearbox
Some cars have a loud noise from the clutch or gearbox, put down to a faulty clutch.
At the viewing: Listen with the clutch up and down at idle, and pulling away.
- All engines
Boot lock failing
The electric boot lock sometimes stops working and has to be replaced.
At the viewing: Open the boot several times.
- All engines
Dashboard rattle
Loose dashboard brackets rattle, usually on the passenger side.
At the viewing: Listen on a rough road.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Fiat Panda diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Fiat Panda?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Fiat Panda compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 550 | Tyres 15% |
| 2021 | 1,475 | Tyres 18% |
| 2020 | 4,658 | Tyres 18% |
| 2019 | 7,586 | Tyres 21% |
| 2017 | 10,413 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 14,349 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 23,427 | Suspension 31% |
| 2014 | 23,577 | Suspension 34% |
| 2013 | 22,219 | Suspension 38% |
| 2012 | 18,874 | Suspension 43% |
| 2011 | 15,786 | Suspension 57% |
| 2010 | 25,882 | Suspension 58% |
| 2009 | 29,120 | Suspension 57% |
| 2008 | 14,021 | Suspension 57% |
| 2007 | 14,873 | Suspension 57% |
| 2006 | 11,524 | Suspension 57% |
| 2005 | 8,835 | Suspension 58% |
| 2004 | 7,429 | Suspension 57% |
| 2003 | 215 | Suspension 58% |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | 126 | Suspension 48% |
| 1992 | 146 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 1991 | 112 | Suspension 34% |
| 1990 | 122 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Fiat Panda cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score