Used car guide

1998 Fiat Scudo: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Fiat Scudo first registered in 1998: we looked at the 112 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 112 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

112MOTs of 1998 cars, done in 2023–2025
59%pass first time (all 1998 cars: 65%)
4,600typical miles a year
46%had suspension flagged

Common 1998 Fiat Scudo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Fiat Scudo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    46% 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.

  • Brakes
    37% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    31% 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.

  • Tyres
    30% 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
    30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Steering
    16% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Fiat Scudo

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Fiat Scudo?

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 Scudo compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022625Brakes 23%
2016365Lights and electrics 39%
2015812Lights and electrics 39%
20141,009Lights and electrics 37%
20131,262Lights and electrics 34%
20121,444Lights and electrics 43%
20111,753Lights and electrics 43%
20101,315Lights and electrics 44%
20091,538Suspension 45%
20083,563Suspension 46%
20073,359Suspension 53%
20062,418Suspension 52%
20051,689Suspension 53%
20041,273Suspension 52%
2003845Suspension 53%
2002517Suspension 51%
2001483Suspension 55%
2000358Suspension 60%
1999214Suspension 50%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Fiat Scudo cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score