Fiat Punto MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 79,583 MOT tests on the Fiat Punto carried out in 2023. 44% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Puntos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1995 to 2018. Compared with other cars of the same age, 1998 models did best (69% passed, +5.3 points against the average for 25-year-old cars), while 2014 models fared worst (60%, −12.1 points). Tested cars had covered 78,004 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 22.5% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 11.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 79,583
- First-time pass rate
- 56%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −15.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 78,004
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Punto?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Punto 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 319 | 73% | 84% | −10.9 points | 29,611 |
| 2017 | 1,266 | 75% | 82% | −6.7 points | 35,155 |
| 2016 | 1,719 | 72% | 79% | −6.5 points | 42,562 |
| 2015 | 2,498 | 67% | 75% | −8.8 points | 51,105 |
| 2014 | 3,752 | 60% | 72% | −12.1 points | 59,627 |
| 2013 | 4,637 | 57% | 68% | −11.7 points | 66,706 |
| 2012 | 6,459 | 57% | 66% | −8.2 points | 71,764 |
| 2011 | 6,527 | 56% | 63% | −6.7 points | 79,051 |
| 2010 | 8,481 | 57% | 60% | −3.5 points | 83,588 |
| 2009 | 7,205 | 55% | 59% | −3.5 points | 83,210 |
| 2008 | 8,116 | 52% | 57% | −5.3 points | 88,994 |
| 2007 | 11,489 | 51% | 57% | −5.5 points | 89,029 |
| 2006 | 8,113 | 52% | 56% | −4.4 points | 88,299 |
| 2005 | 2,178 | 55% | 56% | −1.7 points | 77,958 |
| 2004 | 2,962 | 51% | 56% | −5.2 points | 79,166 |
| 2003 | 1,752 | 52% | 57% | −5.0 points | 75,393 |
| 2002 | 1,039 | 51% | 58% | −6.3 points | 72,486 |
| 2001 | 471 | 55% | 59% | −3.2 points | 62,615 |
| 2000 | 183 | 55% | 61% | −5.4 points | 68,967 |
| 1999 | 106 | 55% | 62% | −7.8 points | 63,791 |
| 1998 | 117 | 69% | 64% | +5.3 points | 71,198 |
| 1997 | 65 | 65% | 64% | +0.1 points | 68,004 |
| 1995 | 53 | 58% | 66% | −8.0 points | 73,401 |
Why the Fiat Punto fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Punto | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.5% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 15.2% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.4% | 3.1% |
| Brakes | 9.4% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 8.7% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 7.8% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 7.2% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 3.9% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.2% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working11.3%
- 2fractured or broken5.6%
- 3has a major leak of exhaust gases4.4%
- 4Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.1%
- 5projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.9%
- 6efficiency below requirements3.5%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid3.3%
- 9does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
- 10ball joint has excessive play2.4%
Common Punto MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Punto, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.9% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 17.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.7% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 9.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.8% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.1% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 4.3% |
Tips to help your Punto pass
Based on where Puntos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 22.5% of Punto 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 · 9.4% of Punto 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Punto ULEZ compliant? See the Fiat Punto ULEZ check, or view all Fiat models.
Other Fiat models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 79,583 first MOT tests of the Fiat Punto 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 79,583 first MOT tests of the Fiat Punto.
What is the Fiat Punto MOT failure rate?
In our data, 44% of 79,583 first MOT attempts on the Fiat Punto ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Fiat Punto fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (22.5% of tests), suspension (15.2% of tests), noise, emissions and leaks (9.4% of tests).
Which Punto year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 1998 cars performed best: 69% passed first time, +5.3 points against the average for 25-year-old cars. The weakest was 2014, at 60% (−12.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Fiat Punto covered at its MOT?
The average was 78,004 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2018 cars averaged 29,611 miles and 1995 cars 73,401.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Fiat Punto?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.2% of Puntos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Punto's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 79,583 Puntos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 51% to 75% 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 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
- MOT · 4 min readDashboard warning lights and the MOT: which ones mean a fail?An engine, ABS or airbag light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, even if the car drives perfectly. Which lights testers check, and what to do first.Read the guide
Check any Punto's MOT history
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