2014 Fiat Qubo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Shock absorbers2.8× usual
  Fiat Qubo

  14.5% All 2014 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 1.1% of all 2014 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.

• Coil springs2.5× usual
  Fiat Qubo

  14.4% All 2014 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.2%, 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 Qubo diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  36% 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
  35% 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
  16% 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 mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 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 2.8× as often on the 2014 Fiat Qubo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2014 Fiat Qubo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?