Fiat Fullback MOT Failures

An analysis of 10,691 real DVSA MOT tests on the Fiat Fullback — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: GEN1 (2016–2019).

Where the Fiat Fullback fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Fiat Fullback is anti-roll bar links worn — this model is 7.5 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 10,691 MOT tests, 1.42% of all Fiat Fullback tests recorded this as a failure.

Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.

Other notable weak points include abs fault (7.2x the fleet average) and front or rear fog lamp emitted colour, position... (30x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Fiat Fullback's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 2 categories: Suspension, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Fiat Fullback before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Fiat Fullback's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

Under 60,000 miles

At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.

For the Fiat Fullback specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are front or rear fog lamp emitted colour, position... (30x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (5.0x).

60,000 to 100,000 miles

This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.

For the Fiat Fullback specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (7.2x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (6.3x).

Over 100,000 miles

High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.

For the Fiat Fullback specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (7.2x the average) and abs fault (5.2x).

The shift from front or rear fog lamp emitted colour, position... at lower mileages to anti-roll bar links worn at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Fiat Fullback specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Brake pipe corrosion (GEN1) Dangerous

Steel brake pipes on the Fullback are susceptible to accelerated corrosion, particularly where they pass through the chassis rails and around suspension mounting points. Affects GEN1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.

Front suspension component wear (GEN1) Major

Front suspension bushes, ball joints, and track rod ends show accelerated wear on the Fullback, with MOT data indicating failures at The problem appears most severe between 80,000-100,000 miles but is documented from 40,000 miles onwards. Affects GEN1; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.

Front shock absorber failure (GEN1) Major

Front shock absorbers fail at 7.2x the fleet average, typically through seal failure leading to oil leakage. Affects GEN1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£350.

Brake imbalance across axles (GEN1) Major

Brake force imbalance across axles occurs at 4.2x the fleet average, typically manifesting between 20,000-40,000 miles. Affects GEN1; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£200.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Fiat Fullback common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Fiat Fullback

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Fiat Fullback:

Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, abs fault. Lights & Electrics — check for front or rear fog lamp emitted colour, position....

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about brake pipe corrosion and front suspension component wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.