2016 Fiat Qubo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Fiat Qubo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Fiat Qubo diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Coil springs3.5× usual
  Fiat Qubo

  11.2% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 2.1% of all 2016 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.

• Shock absorbers2.3× usual
  Fiat Qubo

  8.5% All 2016 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Fiat Qubo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Fiat Qubo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Suspension
  23% 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.

• Brakes
  16% 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
  7% 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
  6% 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
  4% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2016 Fiat Qubo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2016 Fiat Qubo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?