2017 Fiat Tipo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Fiat Tipo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Fiat Tipo diesel than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Shock absorbers5.4× usual
  Fiat Tipo

  16.6% All 2017 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 0.5% of all 2017 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.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Fiat Tipo

  18.5% All 2017 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Engine warning light4.8× usual
  Fiat Tipo

  5.3% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Coil springs3× usual
  Fiat Tipo

  6.3% All 2017 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 1.5% of all 2017 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints6.1× usual
  Fiat Tipo

  4.3% All 2017 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.2% of all 2017 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 2017 Fiat Tipo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Fiat Tipo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  28% 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
  27% 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
  11% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Fiat Tipo 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 5.4× as often on the 2017 Fiat Tipo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2017 Fiat Tipo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2017 Fiat Tipo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?