Family hatchback · 1996–2015 cars
Fiat Bravo reliability
The Fiat Bravo fails 48.7% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 21,733 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Fiat Bravo before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 48.7%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 21,733
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,900
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Fiat Bravo ages
Each point is the share of Fiat Bravos of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Fiat Bravo | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 41.9% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 37.1% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 45.8% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 44.7% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 50.3% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 50.4% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 50.4% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 50.2% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 48.7% | 43.4% |
By year
The best and worst Fiat Bravo years
2010 cars come out best and 2011 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 467 | 38.8% | 28% more fails | 78,475 |
| 2012 | 901 | 42.2% | 25% more fails | 84,176 |
| 2011 Bravo | 1,472 | 46.6% | 27% more fails | 89,573 |
| 2010 Bravo | 2,324 | 44.8% | 16% more fails | 91,838 |
| 2009 Bravo | 5,023 | 49.2% | 23% more fails | 92,521 |
| 2008 Bravo | 6,375 | 51.3% | 22% more fails | 97,649 |
| 2007 Bravo | 4,805 | 50% | 17% more fails | 97,687 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Fiat Bravo
Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 100% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension22.1%41% above avg
- Lights and electrics17.3%6% below avg
- Brakes13.9%37% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure12.4%100% above avg
- Tyres9.9%34% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.8%82% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.5%37% above avg
- Steering6.2%99% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags2.2%34% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 8.33% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 4.4% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Stop lamp not working 4.07% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 4.03% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.95% of tests
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
- 6
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.73% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 7
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.35% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 8
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.31% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Fiat Bravo's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit18.57%
- Brake disc pitted or scored14.39%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive10.55%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking10.16%
- Brake pads wearing thin8.63%
- Exhaust has minor gas leak8.31%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Fiat Bravo
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Fiat Bravo covers about 7,900 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol64.9%
- Diesel35.1%
- Electric0%
Most common colours
Blue, Grey, Black, Red, Silver
Average engine size: 1.5 litres.
Compare
How the Fiat Bravo compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Audi S3 | 17.5% | 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Infiniti Q30 | 14.9% | 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen Bora | 41.4% | 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| SEAT Toledo | 30% | 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai Coupe | 48% | 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 39.2% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Fiat Bravo | 48.7% | 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Fiat models.
Questions
Fiat Bravo questions, answered
Is the Fiat Bravo reliable?
On MOT results, the Fiat Bravo is below average: it fails 48.7% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 56 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.
What fails most on a Fiat Bravo MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Fiat Bravo are coil spring fractured or broken (8.33% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (4.4% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.07% of tests). By area, suspension fails 22.1% of its tests.
Which Fiat Bravo year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2010 cars do best (16% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2011 cars do worst (27% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Fiat Bravo do a year?
A typical Fiat Bravo covers about 7,900 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Fiat Bravo before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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