Tiny city van with a big payload punch
The Fiat Fiorino is a compact city van based on the Fiat Qubo/Nemo platform, aimed at urban delivery drivers and small businesses needing maximum manoeuvrability in tight streets. It competes with the Citroen Nemo and Peugeot Bipper as the smallest proper panel van you can buy. Popular with couriers, florists, and tradespeople working in congested city centres.
We track 5 known issues across the Fiat Fiorino range, with 1 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Fiat Fiorino? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
3rd_gen (2008–2021) — Petrol options included the 1.4 Fire, with 1.2 MultiJet, 1.3 MultiJet on the diesel side. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Coil spring fracture (£120–£200 to address).
Coil spring fractures occur at 17.5 times the national fleet average, affecting vehicles even at low mileages. The springs are prone to stress fractures, particularly on the rear axle where commercial loading cycles create fatigue. Fractured springs can cause sudden ride height changes and potentially dangerous handling characteristics.
A fractured coil spring creates unpredictable handling and can damage other suspension components or tyres through abnormal contact. In severe cases, spring fragments can interfere with wheel movement. The vehicle should not be driven with a confirmed spring fracture as it presents a safety risk.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The shock absorber mounting bushes on the Fiorino wear at an exceptionally high rate compared to other vehicles in this class. MOT data shows failure rates up to 65.3 times the national fleet average, with the problem affecting both front and rear suspension. The rubber bushes deteriorate due to the commercial vehicle duty cycle and relatively soft compound used. This creates a knocking noise over bumps and reduces handling precision.
Worn shock absorber bushes reduce ride quality and handling precision but do not present an immediate safety risk. If left unrepaired, the increased movement can accelerate wear of other suspension components. Replacement typically involves individual bush renewal rather than complete shock absorber replacement.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Common triggers include DPF system faults, EGR valve carbon build-up, and lambda sensor degradation. Many instances are related to incomplete DPF regeneration cycles in urban driving conditions.
While the engine typically remains driveable with the management light on, the underlying fault may cause increased fuel consumption, reduced power, or emissions test failure. DPF-related faults can lead to expensive filter replacement if ignored. Diagnostic investigation is essential to determine repair costs.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
Power steering system failures occur at rates up to 40.9 times the national fleet average, typically involving fluid leaks from the pump, reservoir, or high-pressure lines. The hydraulic power steering system is sensitive to fluid level and quality. Low fluid levels cause pump damage while contaminated fluid accelerates seal wear throughout the system.
Power steering failure makes the vehicle difficult to manoeuvre at low speeds but does not prevent driving. Complete pump failure can occur suddenly. Continued operation with low fluid will damage the expensive pump assembly. Early intervention with fluid top-up and leak repair is much cheaper than pump replacement.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The brake pedal rubber pad wears smooth or detaches at 51.4 times the national fleet average rate. This is primarily a commercial vehicle use issue where frequent heavy braking in urban delivery cycles wears the pedal surface faster than typical passenger car use. While not affecting braking performance, it can reduce pedal grip in wet conditions.
A worn or missing brake pedal pad does not affect the vehicle's stopping ability but can reduce driver control in wet conditions. Replacement is straightforward and inexpensive. This is typically flagged as an MOT advisory item rather than a failure.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Fiat Fiorino common problems page.
Based on 43k real DVSA MOT tests, the Fiat Fiorino fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is brake pedal anti-slip provision missing, loose ... at 51x the fleet average, followed by suspension component fractured or (45x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Fiat Fiorino MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 9k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing belt and tensioner (£350–£500).
See the full Fiat Fiorino service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Fiat Fiorino is a reasonable used buy provided you check for the issues outlined above. None of the problems we track are insurmountable, but they do reward buyers who inspect thoroughly and verify the service history before committing. The 2016-2020 facelifted models are the best, with an updated interior, improved Euro 6 emissions compliance, and refinements to the 1.3 Multijet engine. Earlier pre-2016 models are cheaper but more prone to DPF and timing chain issues. Avoid very early 2008-2010 cars which had the most reported problems.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Fiat Fiorino, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Fiat Fiorino issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.