Fiat Unclassified MOT Failures
An analysis of 40,566 real DVSA MOT tests on the Fiat Unclassified — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads.
Where the Fiat Unclassified fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Fiat Unclassified is wheel bearings worn — this model is 37 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 40,566 MOT tests, 8.38% of all Fiat Unclassified 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 lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a m... (139x the fleet average), subframe bushes or mounts worn (126x the fleet average), power steering fault (112x the fleet average), and vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (81x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Fiat Unclassified'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 5 categories: Suspension, Lights & Electrics, Steering, Bodywork, Seatbelts & Airbags. If you're inspecting a Fiat Unclassified 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 Unclassified'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 Unclassified specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are subframe bushes or mounts worn (126x the average) and power steering fault (112x). vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (81x) and lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not... (62x) 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 Unclassified specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a m... (139x the average) and power steering fault (70x). wheel bearings worn (26x) and structural corrosion (24x) 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 Unclassified specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are wheel bearings worn (15x the average) and exhaust system damage (7.7x). brake hoses perished or damaged (6.6x) and headlight fault (5.2x) also appear frequently.
The shift from subframe bushes or mounts worn at lower mileages to wheel bearings 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.
What to check before buying a Fiat Unclassified
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Fiat Unclassified:
Suspension — check for wheel bearings worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn. Lights & Electrics — check for lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a m..., lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not.... Steering — check for power steering fault.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Fiat Unclassified?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Fiat Unclassified MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Fiat Unclassified?
Based on 40,566 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is wheel bearings worn — at 37x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a m... and subframe bushes or mounts worn.
Is the Fiat Unclassified reliable based on MOT data?
The Fiat Unclassified has 12 categories where it fails more often than average. The main concern is wheel bearings worn. Always check a specific car's full history before buying.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Fiat Unclassified most commonly fails on wheel bearings worn and exhaust system damage. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are subframe bushes or mounts worn and power steering fault.
How do I check a Fiat Unclassified'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.