Fiat Tipo MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 12,167 MOT tests on the Fiat Tipo carried out in 2023. 25% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Tipos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2016 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2020 models did best (84% passed, −3.5 points against the average for 3-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (71%, −10.8 points). Tested cars had covered 45,696 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 8.7% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "does not clear the windscreen effectively", on 3.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 12,167
- First-time pass rate
- 75%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +3.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 45,696
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Tipo?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Tipo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,048 | 84% | 88% | −3.5 points | 23,664 |
| 2019 | 1,635 | 81% | 86% | −5.2 points | 31,160 |
| 2018 | 2,042 | 76% | 84% | −7.8 points | 40,655 |
| 2017 | 6,189 | 71% | 82% | −10.8 points | 53,151 |
| 2016 | 1,171 | 74% | 79% | −4.8 points | 54,344 |
Why the Fiat Tipo fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Tipo | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8.7% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 6.6% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.5% | 4.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 5.2% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 5.2% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.1% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.6% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.2% | 1.8% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
- 2fractured or broken3.2%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick3.1%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
- 5has a serious fluid leak3.0%
- 6ball joint excessively worn2.1%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.8%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
- 9not working on dipped beam1.3%
- 10has ply or cords exposed1.1%
Common Tipo MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Tipo, 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 | 18.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.4% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 9.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.7% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 4.0% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.3% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.0% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.5% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.0% |
Tips to help your Tipo pass
Based on where Tipos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Visibility · 5.5% of Tipo 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.
Lights and electrics · 5.2% of Tipo 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Tipo ULEZ compliant? See the Fiat Tipo ULEZ check, or view all Fiat models.
Other Fiat models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 12,167 first MOT tests of the Fiat Tipo 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 12,167 first MOT tests of the Fiat Tipo.
What is the Fiat Tipo MOT failure rate?
In our data, 25% of 12,167 first MOT attempts on the Fiat Tipo ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Fiat Tipo fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (8.7% of tests), tyres (6.6% of tests), visibility (5.5% of tests).
Which Tipo year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2020 cars performed best: 84% passed first time, −3.5 points against the average for 3-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 71% (−10.8 points).
How many miles had a typical Fiat Tipo covered at its MOT?
The average was 45,696 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 23,664 miles and 2016 cars 54,344.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Fiat Tipo?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 18.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.6% of Tipos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Tipo's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 12,167 Tipos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 71% to 84% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- 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
Check any Tipo's MOT history
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