Fiat Ducato known problems and what to check
What goes wrong on a used Fiat Ducato, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides and what to check before you buy one.
The 2018 Fiat Ducato
Too few Fiat Ducato cars first registered in 2018 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Fiat Ducato as a whole.
What to check on a 2018 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.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
202620252023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020082007
What usually goes wrong with a Fiat Ducato?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2007–2014 · 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.
- Cars registered 2007–2014 · 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.
- Cars registered 2007–2014 · 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.
- Cars registered 2007–2014 · 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.
- Cars registered 2007–2014 · Diesel
Clogged EGR
A clogged EGR system causes misfires and white smoke.
At the viewing: Look for smoke and listen for misfires.
- Cars registered 2007–2014 · 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 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?
Looking at a Fiat Ducato?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score