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Fiat Seicento car check

Find out if a Seicento has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

MOT failure rate
31.1%94k tests
Known problems
5across 178
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Seicento are you looking at?

Each Seicento generation has its own weak spots. Here are the known problems.

  1. Subframe mounting point corrosion

    Safety risk 178

    The steel mounting points where the front subframe attaches to the body shell are prone to severe corrosion on the Seicento, particularly around the rear subframe mounting bushes. The thin steel construction and poor factory rust protection mean these critical structural areas corrode through completely, compromising the attachment of suspension components and steering rack. This is a well-documented failure mode that has led to MOT failures at 61.9 times the national fleet average. Once the mounting point structure is compromised, welded repair is often uneconomical relative to the car's value.

    What to check: Inspect underneath the front of the car around the subframe mounting points, particularly at the rear bushes where the subframe attaches to the body. Look for rust staining, flaking metal, or visible holes in the mounting bracket areas. Check for any previous welded repairs - these often fail aga...

  2. Brake system efficiency failure

    Safety risk 178

    The Seicento suffers from multiple brake system defects that cause it to fail MOT brake efficiency tests at up to 172.8 times the national fleet average. The most common causes are seized brake calipers, corroded brake lines, and uneven pad wear leading to brake imbalance across axles. The small brake components and thin brake lines are particularly susceptible to corrosion in UK conditions. This creates a genuine safety hazard as braking distances become unpredictable and the car may pull severely under braking.

    What to check: Check brake fluid level and colour - dark or contaminated fluid indicates internal corrosion or seal failure. Inspect visible brake lines under the car for rust, kinking, or swelling. Pay particular attention to rear axle brake lines which corrode first. Check brake pedal feel - it should be firm...

  3. Front suspension component corrosion

    Wear item 178

    Front suspension components on the Seicento corrode and fail at 69.4 times the national fleet average. The most commonly affected parts are lower wishbone arms, anti-roll bar links, and track rod ends, all of which use thin steel construction with inadequate rust protection. Corrosion typically begins at ball joint boots and spreads to the main component structure. Failed components cause excessive play in the front suspension, affecting steering precision and potentially leading to complete separation of steering or suspension components.

    What to check: Inspect lower wishbone arms for rust, particularly around ball joint areas and where arms attach to subframe. Check anti-roll bar drop links for corrosion and play - these should be solid with no visible movement when pushed by hand. Examine track rod end boots for splits or deterioration that al...

  4. Shock absorber failure

    Wear item 178

    Shock absorbers fail on the Seicento at 51.2 times the national fleet average, typically through seal failure leading to oil leakage. The front MacPherson strut units are particularly prone to seal degradation, while rear shock absorbers often fail due to corrosion of the main body tube. Failed shock absorbers severely compromise ride quality and vehicle stability, particularly during cornering and emergency braking situations.

    What to check: Visually inspect all four shock absorbers for oil leakage - look for dark staining on the shock body or accumulated dirt stuck to leaked oil. Push down firmly on each corner of the car and release - the car should return to normal height with minimal bouncing. More than one bounce indicates shock...

  5. CV joint boot deterioration

    Wear item 178

    CV joint boots fail at 28.0 times the national fleet average on the Seicento due to poor quality rubber compounds that deteriorate rapidly in UK weather conditions. Split boots allow water and dirt contamination of the CV joint, leading to accelerated wear and eventual joint failure. This is primarily a maintenance issue but can progress to expensive driveshaft replacement if left unaddressed. The outer CV joints are most commonly affected.

    What to check: Inspect CV joint boots at both ends of each front driveshaft for cracks, splits, or tears in the rubber. Check for grease contamination around the wheel area which indicates boot failure and grease escape. Look for dirt or water staining inside damaged boots. Ensure boot clips are secure and not ...

Seicento MOT results

31.1%

of Seicento MOT tests end in a fail, from 93,902 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Braking effort inadequate at a wheelBrakes
  2. Anti-roll bar links wornSuspension
  3. Suspension component damaged or corrodedSuspension

Check the Seicento you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

Seicento questions

Is the Fiat Seicento reliable?

31.1% of Seicento models fail their MOT based on 93,902 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being subframe mounting point corrosion. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Fiat Seicento?

The most serious known issues are subframe mounting point corrosion, brake system efficiency failure, front suspension component corrosion. Our car check flags whether a specific Seicento has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Fiat Seicento has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Fiat Seicento has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Seicento has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Fiat Seicento for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Fiat Seicento HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Seicento faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

What does a Fiat Seicento fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Seicento is braking effort inadequate at a wheel. 31.1% of Seicento models fail overall, based on 93,902 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

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Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.