Used car guide

2003 Fiat Scudo: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Fiat Scudos, from 203 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 203 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

203MOT tests in 2025
48%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
4,800typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Fiat Scudos than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.1× usual
    Fiat Scudo
    20.2% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 14.3%, against 3.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
    Fiat Scudo
    17.2% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

By area

The share of 2003 Fiat Scudo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    55% 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
    42% 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
    41% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    40% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    26% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    19% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Looking at a Fiat Scudo?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022625Brakes 23%
2016121Lights and electrics 41%
2015262Lights and electrics 44%
2014316Lights and electrics 40%
2013388Lights and electrics 33%
2012439Lights and electrics 46%
2011503Lights and electrics 44%
2010371Lights and electrics 46%
2009433Suspension 46%
2008961Suspension 50%
2007880Suspension 56%
2006588Suspension 53%
2005433Suspension 55%
2004320Suspension 56%
2002132Suspension 48%
2001110Suspension 63%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Fiat Scudos registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score