Used car guide

2017 Fiat Talento: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Fiat Talentos, from 578 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

578MOT tests in 2025
61%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
11,400typical miles a year
10.9×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Fiat Talentos than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Track rod ends10.9× usual
    Fiat Talento
    21.8% All 2017 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 13.8%, against 0.9% of all 2017 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
    14.9% All 2017 cars
    3.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 0.7% 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.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints11.6× usual
    Fiat Talento
    9.3% All 2017 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 0.3% 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.

  • Coil springs3.3× usual
    Fiat Talento
    9.5% All 2017 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2% 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.

  • Number plate lights3.6× usual
    Fiat Talento
    8.7% All 2017 cars
    2.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.7% of all 2017 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.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    47% 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
    28% 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.

  • 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    24% 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
    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
    8% 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.

Looking at a Fiat Talento?

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Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Fiat Talentos registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score