2008 Fiat Ducato: known problems and what to check
Too few Fiat Ducato cars first registered in 2008 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2008 Fiat Ducato, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2008 Fiat Ducato
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Steering, axle and brake recalls
Recalls covered steering racks short of lubricant that got stiffer (5,427 vans), loose rear axle U-bolts, the spare wheel carrier, brake hoses, wiper motors letting in water, and tyre valves.
At the viewing: Ask a Fiat dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Diesel
Oil pump failure
A sudden oil pressure warning usually means the oil pump has failed. Stop straight away.
At the viewing: Make sure the oil light goes out promptly.
- All engines
Leaking steering rack
The steering rack leaks fluid and the steering gets heavier. New seals fix it.
At the viewing: Check the steering is light and look for fluid leaks.
- Diesel
Surging and stalling
A faulty fuel pump pressure regulator causes surging, stalling and a dead throttle.
At the viewing: Drive it and check it responds smoothly.
- Diesel
Clogged EGR
A clogged EGR system causes misfires and white smoke.
At the viewing: Look for smoke and listen for misfires.
- All engines
Coolant sensor failure
Coolant gets into the temperature sensor and it fails, bringing on overheating warnings.
At the viewing: Watch the temperature gauge on the drive.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Fiat Ducato
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Fiat dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Has it ever shown an oil pressure warning?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2008 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Looking at a Fiat Ducato?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Fiat Ducato compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | – | Too few tests |
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | – | Too few tests |
| 2013 | – | Too few tests |
| 2012 | – | Too few tests |
| 2011 | – | Too few tests |
| 2010 | – | Too few tests |
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score