2011 Fiat Qubo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Shock absorbers1.9× usual
  Fiat Qubo

  13.2% All 2011 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.8% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Windscreen1.8× usual
  Fiat Qubo

  5.7% All 2011 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 2011 Fiat Qubo diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  39% 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
  33% 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
  21% 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
  21% 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
  11% 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
  11% 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 Qubo 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2011 Fiat Qubo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2011 Fiat Qubo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?