Fiat Swift MOT pass rate and common problems
93.7% of 10,929 Fiat Swift MOT tests pass.
The Swift passes its MOT 93.7% of the time — well above the average across all Fiat models, which sits at 74.3%.
The Fiat Swift passes its MOT 93.7% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Fiat Swift?
This is the average across every Fiat Swift 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 96.7% at 0–3 years to 77.0% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 96.7% | 422 | 10,364 miles |
| 3–6 years | 94.9% | 5,410 | 14,127 miles |
| 6–10 years | 92.7% | 4,807 | 18,789 miles |
| 10–15 years | 89.7% | 155 | 33,274 miles |
| 15+ years | 77.0% | 135 | 50,648 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Fiat Swift
The most common reason the Fiat Swift fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 59.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 59.2% | Not working |
| Visibility | 31.8% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Brakes | 15.5% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 11.5% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Tyres | 6.6% | Has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure |
| Suspension | 4.8% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.4% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 2.7% | Component leaking |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.8% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Steering | 0.7% | Leaking |
Buying a used Fiat Swift: what to check
These checks follow the Fiat Swift’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 Swift comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 89.7% to 77.0%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 94.4% down to 87.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 59.2% of failed Fiat Swift MOTs.
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. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 31.8% of failed Fiat Swift MOTs. 6.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.9% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 15.5% of failed Fiat Swift MOTs. 9.0% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 1.4% at 0–3 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.
4. Seat belts and airbags
Recorded in 11.5% of failed Fiat Swift MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 1.9% of tests at 10–15 years failed on seat belts and airbags.
Pull every seat belt out fully and let it retract. Check the buckles latch and release, and that the airbag warning light goes out after starting.
5. Tyres
Recorded in 6.6% of failed Fiat Swift MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 1.3% of tests at 10–15 years failed on tyres.
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.
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 Auto Trail — 93.5% pass rate
- Fiat Grande Punto — 62.9% pass rate
- Fiat Scudo — 59.9% pass rate
- Fiat Fiorino — 68.8% pass rate
- Fiat Bravo — 57.7% pass rate
- Fiat Qubo — 69.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Fiat Swift?
- 93.7% of Fiat Swift MOT tests pass, based on 10,929 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Fiat Swift?
- The most common reason the Fiat Swift fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 59.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Fiat Swift?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Fiat Swift are lights and electrics; windscreen and wipers; brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Fiat Swift?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; windscreen and wipers; brakes; seat belts and airbags; tyres. 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 Swift'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.