2009 Fiat Scudo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Fiat Scudo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Fiat Scudo than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4.6× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  22.2% All 2009 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.2%, against 2.3% of all 2009 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.9× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  25.7% All 2009 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  14.2% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Brake lights2.2× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  11.1% All 2009 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 4.2% of all 2009 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 2009 Fiat Scudo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Fiat Scudo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  23% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Fiat Scudo

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2009 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2009 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2009 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?