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Fiat Stilo car check

Find out if a Stilo 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
32.9%131k tests
Known problems
5across 192
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Stilo are you looking at?

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

  1. Structural corrosion around suspension mounting points

    Safety risk 192

    The load-bearing structure around suspension component mounting points suffers from severe corrosion that compromises structural integrity. MOT data shows this affects prescribed areas within 30cm of subframe and spring mounting points at rates up to 9.5 times the national average. This is a known weakness of the Stilo's bodyshell design, where water traps and inadequate protection lead to structural deterioration. The issue affects safety-critical mounting points and can render the vehicle dangerous to drive.

    What to check: Inspect the areas around the front suspension top mounts for rust staining, flaking paint, or visible holes. Look particularly at the inner wing areas where the suspension turrets mount. Check the rear suspension mounting points on the trailing beam for corrosion, especially around the spring sea...

  2. Suspension component corrosion and damage

    Wear item 192

    Suspension components on the Stilo suffer from excessive corrosion and damage, failing MOT tests at rates up to 22.1 times the national average. This affects control arms, suspension bushes, joints, and associated components across all engine variants. The issue is particularly severe on 1.6-litre petrol models and becomes progressively worse with age and mileage, indicating poor corrosion protection in the original design.

    What to check: Inspect all visible suspension arms for surface rust, flaking metal, or structural damage. Pay particular attention to the lower control arms which are most exposed to road spray. Check suspension bushes for cracking, perishing, or complete failure - look for rubber that has separated from its me...

  3. Excessive fluid leakage

    Engine damage risk 192

    Multiple fluid systems on the Stilo develop leaks that are significant enough to pose environmental hazards or safety risks. MOT data shows failure rates up to 16.2 times the national average, particularly affecting the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Common sources include engine oil seals, power steering systems, brake fluid lines, and cooling system components. The issue typically manifests between 40,000-80,000 miles.

    What to check: Check the ground beneath the car for stains or puddles after it has been parked overnight. Note the colour and location - black/brown indicates oil, green/pink suggests coolant, clear fluid could be brake fluid or power steering fluid. Inspect visible seals around the engine for oil weepage, part...

  4. Suspension bush and joint wear

    Wear item 192

    Suspension pins, bushes, and joints wear excessively on the Stilo, with MOT failure rates up to 13.1 times the national average. The 1.9-litre diesel appears most affected, likely due to increased weight and torque. This includes control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, ball joints, and stub axle components. The issue becomes progressively worse with age and is exacerbated by the corrosive environment that affects other suspension components.

    What to check: Inspect rubber bushes in the suspension arms for cracking, tearing, or complete separation from their metal housings. Check ball joint boots for splits or grease leakage. Look for excessive play in visible suspension joints by attempting to move components by hand. Examine anti-roll bar drop link...

  5. Exhaust system deterioration

    Wear item 192

    The exhaust system on the Stilo suffers from premature corrosion and structural failure, with MOT failure rates up to 10.3 times the national average. This affects all engine variants but is most severe on the 1.4-litre petrol models. The system is prone to developing leaks at joints, corrosion of the silencer boxes, and failure of flexible sections. Short journey use and moisture retention contribute to accelerated deterioration.

    What to check: Visually inspect the visible exhaust system for rust holes, damaged sections, or hanging components. Pay particular attention to the rear silencer and any joints. Check exhaust mounting points and rubber hangers for deterioration or failure. Look for black soot deposits around potential leak points.

Stilo MOT results

32.9%

of Stilo MOT tests end in a fail, from 130,632 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Seat mounting faultSeatbelts & Airbags
  2. Fluid leakExhaust & Emissions
  3. Emissions failureExhaust & Emissions

Check the Stilo 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

Stilo questions

Is the Fiat Stilo reliable?

32.9% of Stilo models fail their MOT based on 130,632 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being structural corrosion around suspension mounting points. 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 Stilo?

The most serious known issues are structural corrosion around suspension mounting points, suspension component corrosion and damage, excessive fluid leakage. Our car check flags whether a specific Stilo has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Fiat Stilo 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 Stilo 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 Stilo 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 Stilo 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 Stilo 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 Stilo 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 Stilo fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Stilo is seat mounting fault. 32.9% of Stilo models fail overall, based on 130,632 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.