Fiat Ducato MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 95,993 MOT tests on the Fiat Ducato carried out in 2023. 23% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Ducatos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1986 to 2022. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (80% passed, +20.0 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 1989 models fared worst (48%, −23.7 points). Tested cars had covered 46,434 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 11.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.7% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 95,993
- First-time pass rate
- 77%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +5.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 46,434
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Ducato?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Ducato MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 346 | 84% | 93% | −9.4 points | 26,408 |
| 2021 | 773 | 89% | 91% | −1.8 points | 54,282 |
| 2020 | 4,768 | 90% | 88% | +1.9 points | 22,090 |
| 2019 | 6,514 | 89% | 86% | +2.7 points | 24,635 |
| 2018 | 6,291 | 89% | 84% | +4.4 points | 27,001 |
| 2017 | 5,987 | 89% | 82% | +6.9 points | 30,180 |
| 2016 | 5,078 | 87% | 79% | +8.4 points | 36,769 |
| 2015 | 4,322 | 86% | 75% | +10.1 points | 36,652 |
| 2014 | 3,348 | 82% | 72% | +10.8 points | 39,819 |
| 2013 | 3,060 | 83% | 68% | +14.4 points | 41,285 |
| 2012 | 3,203 | 82% | 66% | +16.5 points | 43,205 |
| 2011 | 3,438 | 81% | 63% | +17.8 points | 47,935 |
| 2010 | 3,591 | 80% | 60% | +20.0 points | 47,795 |
| 2009 | 3,701 | 79% | 59% | +19.9 points | 46,264 |
| 2008 | 5,303 | 76% | 57% | +18.2 points | 53,647 |
| 2007 | 5,501 | 73% | 57% | +16.2 points | 58,590 |
| 2006 | 4,768 | 69% | 56% | +13.1 points | 56,148 |
| 2005 | 4,930 | 67% | 56% | +11.0 points | 54,556 |
| 2004 | 4,165 | 64% | 56% | +8.5 points | 53,815 |
| 2003 | 3,420 | 65% | 57% | +8.0 points | 56,529 |
| 2002 | 2,354 | 63% | 58% | +5.4 points | 59,378 |
| 2001 | 1,968 | 61% | 59% | +2.1 points | 61,973 |
| 2000 | 1,660 | 59% | 61% | −1.8 points | 66,148 |
| 1999 | 1,459 | 61% | 62% | −1.3 points | 68,877 |
| 1998 | 1,182 | 59% | 64% | −5.0 points | 71,917 |
| 1997 | 923 | 60% | 64% | −4.5 points | 75,280 |
| 1996 | 703 | 56% | 65% | −9.0 points | 80,026 |
| 1995 | 433 | 58% | 66% | −8.0 points | 85,401 |
| 1994 | 387 | 54% | 66% | −12.6 points | 93,517 |
| 1993 | 347 | 58% | 67% | −8.6 points | 93,741 |
| 1992 | 459 | 51% | 68% | −16.8 points | 98,001 |
| 1991 | 373 | 56% | 70% | −14.4 points | 98,521 |
| 1990 | 397 | 56% | 71% | −15.3 points | 89,274 |
| 1989 | 281 | 48% | 72% | −23.7 points | 88,719 |
| 1988 | 294 | 50% | 71% | −20.9 points | 89,671 |
| 1987 | 138 | 57% | 72% | −14.5 points | 85,479 |
| 1986 | 78 | 54% | 71% | −17.5 points | 87,855 |
Why the Fiat Ducato fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Ducato | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 6.9% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 5.0% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 4.8% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.3% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.9% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 1.7% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.4% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.7% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.7%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
- 3efficiency below requirements2.6%
- 4prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
- 5excessively binding1.6%
- 6too low1.5%
- 7corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.2%
- 8projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.1%
- 9not working1.0%
- 10constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%
Common Ducato MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Ducato, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.1% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.8% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 3.6% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 3.4% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 3.1% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.0% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 2.9% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 2.4% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 2.3% |
Tips to help your Ducato pass
Based on where Ducatos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 11.8% of Ducato tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 6.9% of Ducato tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Visibility · 4.8% of Ducato tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Ducato ULEZ compliant? See the Fiat Ducato ULEZ check, or view all Fiat models.
Other Fiat models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 95,993 first MOT tests of the Fiat Ducato carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 95,993 first MOT tests of the Fiat Ducato.
What is the Fiat Ducato MOT failure rate?
In our data, 23% of 95,993 first MOT attempts on the Fiat Ducato ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Fiat Ducato fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (11.8% of tests), brakes (6.9% of tests), suspension (5.0% of tests).
Which Ducato year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 80% passed first time, +20.0 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 1989, at 48% (−23.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Fiat Ducato covered at its MOT?
The average was 46,434 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2022 cars averaged 26,408 miles and 1986 cars 87,855.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Fiat Ducato?
"has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure" was recorded on 6.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 1.7% of Ducatos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Ducato's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 95,993 Ducatos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 48% to 90% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Ducato's MOT history
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