2008 Fiat Punto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Fiat Punto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Fiat Punto than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  Fiat Punto

  27.1% All 2008 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 3.9% of all 2008 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.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Fiat Punto

  18.8% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.9× usual
  Fiat Punto

  8.5% All 2008 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 2.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Sidelights1.7× usual
  Fiat Punto

  12.3% All 2008 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 6.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Individual direction indicators2.5× usual
  Fiat Punto

  7.8% All 2008 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2008 Fiat Punto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Fiat Punto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  37% 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
  30% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  23% 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
  21% 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.

Known faults on the 2008 Fiat Punto

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.

• Steering failure recall

  Some cars

  There have been several recalls, the most serious for possible steering failure.

  At the viewing: Ask a Fiat dealer to confirm every recall was done.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat Grande Punto (2006-2011) reliability

• Doors that drop or won't open

  All engines

  Doors can drop, not stay shut, or have opening mechanisms that fail and lock people in or out.

  At the viewing: Open and shut every door from inside and out.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat Grande Punto (2006-2011) reliability

• Loose trim and temperamental electrics

  All engines

  The glovebox, door cards and headlining can squeak or fall off, and the electrics can be temperamental.

  At the viewing: Look over the interior and test the electrics.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat Grande Punto (2006-2011) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Fiat Punto

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

1. Has the steering recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Fiat Punto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2008 Fiat Punto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2008 Fiat Punto as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?