2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Fiat Punto MOT pass rate and common faults

2,196 MOT tests in 2024. 51.6% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time51.6%
Failed or needed repairs48.4%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,196 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.1%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.7%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.0%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.7%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.5%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    108 marked dangerous
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
  9. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.1%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics37.1%
  2. Suspension23.2%
  3. Body & chassis16.9%
  4. Brakes16.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks13.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.7%
  7. Tyres8.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags7.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened28.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.8%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened10.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Fiat Punto?

In 2024, 51.6% of 2004 Fiat Punto cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,196 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Fiat Punto?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Fiat Punto reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).