1997 · 27 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1997 Fiat Ducato MOT pass rate and common faults

889 MOT tests in 2024. 57.6% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time57.6%
Failed or needed repairs42.4%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 889 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.6%
  2. Horn: not working5.1%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.7%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.7%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  6. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.7%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
  8. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.3%
  9. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.1%
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics46.6%
  2. Brakes27.6%
  3. Body & chassis20.4%
  4. Suspension16.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.2%
  6. Tyres4.3%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.6%
  2. Wheel bearings: has excessive play22.5%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.1%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak8.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Fiat Ducato?

In 2024, 57.6% of 1997 Fiat Ducato cars passed their MOT first time, across 889 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Fiat Ducato?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; horn: not working; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Fiat Ducato reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).