2014 Fiat Punto diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Fiat Punto diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Fiat Punto diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Track rod ends4.9× usual
  Fiat Punto

  19.1% All 2014 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 2% of all 2014 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.

• Coil springs3.6× usual
  Fiat Punto

  20.4% All 2014 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3% of all 2014 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.

Common 2014 Fiat Punto diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Fiat Punto diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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
  38% 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
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  23% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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.

Known faults on the 2014 Fiat Punto 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.

• Cooling system and head gasket failures

  All engines

  Cooling problems and head gasket failures are reported, sometimes needing a new engine on cars only three years old.

  At the viewing: Check the coolant level, watch the temperature gauge, and look for white smoke.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat Punto (2012-2018) reliability

• Clunking suspension

  All engines

  Clunking from the suspension can be costly to fix.

  At the viewing: Drive over bumps and listen.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat Punto (2012-2018) reliability

• Electrical, starting and battery faults

  All engines

  ECU and electrical faults affect starting and the air con, and batteries don't last long.

  At the viewing: Start it several times and check the air con.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat Punto (2012-2018) reliability

• Loose trim

  All engines

  Interior trim and seat coverings come loose and wear.

  At the viewing: Look over the interior.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat Punto (2012-2018) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Fiat Punto diesel

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

1. Has it had any cooling or head gasket work?
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2014 Fiat Punto diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2014 Fiat Punto diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?