2016 Fiat Talento: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Fiat Talento?

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

• Number plate lights5.8× usual
  Fiat Talento

  15.7% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Track rod ends6.4× usual
  Fiat Talento

  14.8% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 1.1% of all 2016 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.

• Shock absorbers4× usual
  Fiat Talento

  14.8% All 2016 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints11.5× usual
  Fiat Talento

  9.2% All 2016 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 0.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2016 Fiat Talento MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  43% 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 electrics
  29% 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
  25% 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.

• Tyres
  20% 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.

• 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
  7% 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 Talento

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

1. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2016 Fiat Talento as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the 2016 Fiat Talento as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2016 Fiat Talento as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?