2010 Fiat Bravo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Fiat Bravo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Fiat Bravo than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Exhaust system2.6× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  18.4% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  12.2% All 2010 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 3.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Ball joint1.8× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  11.1% All 2010 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 3.3% of all 2010 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  8.2% All 2010 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.2% of all 2010 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.

• Steering swivel joints4.8× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  4.3% All 2010 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.2% of all 2010 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.

Common 2010 Fiat Bravo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Fiat Bravo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  39% 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
  38% 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
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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 2010 Fiat Bravo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2010 Fiat Bravo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2010 Fiat Bravo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2010 Fiat Bravo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?