Fiat 124 MOT pass rate and common problems
89.6% of 4,723 Fiat 124 MOT tests pass.
The 124 passes its MOT 89.6% of the time — well above the average across all Fiat models, which sits at 74.3%.
The Fiat 124 passes its MOT 89.6% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Fiat 124?
This is the average across every Fiat 124 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Fiat’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 91.9% at 3–6 years to 83.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 91.9% | 1,303 | 25,846 miles |
| 6–10 years | 88.9% | 3,341 | 30,803 miles |
| 10–15 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 15+ years | 83.5% | 79 | 74,122 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Fiat 124
The most common reason the Fiat 124 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 38.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 38.5% | Not working |
| Brakes | 36.8% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Visibility | 22.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 21.1% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Suspension | 14.4% | Fractured or broken |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.8% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | Fixing missing |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 0.5% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Steering | 0.5% | Gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
Buying a used Fiat 124: what to check
These checks follow the Fiat 124’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Fiat 124 comes between 6–10 years and 15+ years old, from 88.9% to 83.5%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 87.0% down to 70.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 38.5% of failed Fiat 124 MOTs. 13.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.6% at 3–6 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 36.8% of failed Fiat 124 MOTs. 12.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 3.6% at 3–6 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 22.9% of failed Fiat 124 MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 21.1% of failed Fiat 124 MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Suspension
Recorded in 14.4% of failed Fiat 124 MOTs.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Fiat service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Fiat models
- Fiat Bravo — 57.7% pass rate
- Fiat Qubo — 69.6% pass rate
- Fiat Roller Team — 91.5% pass rate
- Fiat Fullback — 87.1% pass rate
- Fiat 500e — 89.2% pass rate
- Fiat Motorhome — 75.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Fiat 124?
- 89.6% of Fiat 124 MOT tests pass, based on 4,723 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Fiat 124?
- The most common reason the Fiat 124 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 38.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Fiat 124?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Fiat 124 are lights and electrics; brakes; windscreen and wipers. 13.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.6% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Fiat 124?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; windscreen and wipers; tyres; suspension. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Fiat 124's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Fiat service history guide for how to check and keep one.