2019 Fiat Talento: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Fiat Talento?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Fiat Talento than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Shock absorbers5.5× usual
  Fiat Talento

  10.9% All 2019 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.3% of all 2019 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 joints35× usual
  Fiat Talento

  7% All 2019 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.1% of all 2019 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.

• Track rod ends9.1× usual
  Fiat Talento

  6.4% All 2019 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.3% of all 2019 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.

Common 2019 Fiat Talento MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Fiat Talento MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  30% 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
  23% 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
  19% 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
  19% 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
  8% 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
  3% 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 2019 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 2019 Fiat Talento as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 35× as often on the 2019 Fiat Talento as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 9.1× as often on the 2019 Fiat Talento as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?