2018 Fiat 124: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Fiat 124?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Fiat 124 than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Number plate lights2.3× usual
  Fiat 124

  3.2% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 2018 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.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Fiat 124

  2.6% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Wheels2.6× usual
  Fiat 124

  2.1% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 2018 Fiat 124 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Fiat 124 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  21% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  9% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Fiat 124

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 2.3× as often on the 2018 Fiat 124 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2018 Fiat 124 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2018 Fiat 124 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?