Fiat Multipla MOT Failures
An analysis of 27,817 real DVSA MOT tests on the Fiat Multipla — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: MK1 (1998–2010).
Where the Fiat Multipla fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Fiat Multipla is power steering fault — this model is 197 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 27,817 MOT tests, 6.7% of all Fiat Multipla tests recorded this as a failure.
Steering faults include worn track rod ends, power steering leaks, and rack wear. These are safety-critical — any play in the steering should be investigated immediately.
Other notable weak points include structural corrosion (97x the fleet average), coil springs broken (26x the fleet average), subframe bushes or mounts worn (13x the fleet average), and cable damaged or knotted (17x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Fiat Multipla'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 7 categories: Steering, Bodywork, Suspension, Brakes, Lights & Electrics and others. If you're inspecting a Fiat Multipla 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 Multipla'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 Multipla specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are power steering fault (197x the average) and structural corrosion (97x). vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (87x) and seat mounting fault (35x) also appear frequently.
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 Multipla specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are cable damaged or knotted (17x the average) and fluid leak (16x). structural corrosion (14x) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (13x) also appear frequently.
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 Multipla specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are cable, rod or joint insecure (70x the average) and coil springs broken (26x). emissions failure (25x) and fuel system leaking or a risk of fire (15x) also appear frequently.
The shift from power steering fault at lower mileages to cable, rod or joint insecure 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 Multipla specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Body structure corrosion reducing rigidity Dangerous
The Multipla suffers from severe structural corrosion that reduces the rigidity of the load-bearing assembly. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,500–£4,000.
Rear spring fracture Dangerous
The Multipla rear coil springs are prone to fracturing, with MOT data showing failures at 254.1 times the national average. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£200.
Suspension bushes and joints excessive wear Major
The Multipla suspension bushes and ball joints wear at an accelerated rate, with MOT failures occurring at 254.1 times the national average. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£150.
Suspension component corrosion Major
Suspension components on the Multipla suffer from excessive corrosion, with MOT failures at 271.9 times the national average. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Fiat Multipla common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Fiat Multipla
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Fiat Multipla:
Steering — check for power steering fault. Bodywork — check for structural corrosion. Suspension — check for coil springs broken, subframe bushes or mounts worn.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about body structure corrosion reducing rigidity and rear spring fracture. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,500. 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.
Looking at a specific Fiat Multipla?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Fiat Multipla MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Fiat Multipla?
Based on 27,817 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is power steering fault — at 197x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include structural corrosion and coil springs broken.
Is the Fiat Multipla reliable based on MOT data?
The Fiat Multipla has 18 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag body structure corrosion reducing rigidity as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Fiat Multipla most commonly fails on cable, rod or joint insecure and coil springs broken. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are power steering fault and structural corrosion.
How do I check a Fiat Multipla's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
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.