Van · 2001–2021 cars
Fiat Doblo reliability
The Fiat Doblo fails 36.1% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 155,981 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Fiat Doblo before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 36.1%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 155,981
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 10,000
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Fiat Doblo fails its first MOT more often than average. 36.1% of first-time tests failed, against 28.4% for all cars. Against cars of the same age and mileage, it has 17% more MOT fails. The 2013 model year did best, with 13% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. Be extra careful with 2020 cars, which show 76% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage.
Check these before you buy. Exhaust, emissions and leaks are the weakest area, with 98% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage, so look for leaks. Look underneath for coil springs that are cracked or broken, the most common failure at 5.05% of tests. Check tyre tread is above 1.6mm and look for exposed ply or cords. Test the wipers too, as they fail at 2.31% of tests.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Fiat Doblo ages
Each point is the share of Fiat Doblos of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Fiat Doblo | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 25% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 26.8% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 29% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 31.4% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 34% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 32.5% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 31.9% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 33% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 36.3% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 42.6% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 40.9% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 42.8% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 43.8% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 45.6% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 48.3% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 48.8% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 53% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 49.8% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 50.9% | 41.4% |
By year
The best and worst Fiat Doblo years
2013 cars come out best and 2020 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 446 | 29.4% | 103% more fails | 42,070 |
| 2020 Doblo | 1,809 | 25.9% | 76% more fails | 38,971 |
| 2019 Doblo | 4,601 | 27.3% | 73% more fails | 45,439 |
| 2018 Doblo | 6,657 | 26.6% | 60% more fails | 48,418 |
| 2017 Doblo | 8,324 | 30.7% | 58% more fails | 59,454 |
| 2016 Doblo | 11,589 | 33% | 44% more fails | 72,100 |
| 2015 Doblo | 16,179 | 34.3% | 33% more fails | 79,400 |
| 2014 Doblo | 20,684 | 35.7% | 25% more fails | 79,278 |
| 2013 Doblo | 24,546 | 25.1% | 13% fewer fails | 64,822 |
| 2012 Doblo | 7,695 | 43.1% | 26% more fails | 95,379 |
| 2011 Doblo | 7,275 | 43.3% | 17% more fails | 103,838 |
| 2010 Doblo | 6,935 | 41.7% | 10% more fails | 100,507 |
| 2009 Doblo | 5,816 | 39.3% | 5% more fails | 76,291 |
| 2008 Doblo | 7,766 | 42.8% | 5% more fails | 94,580 |
| 2007 Doblo | 8,727 | 46.4% | 9% more fails | 103,983 |
| 2006 Doblo | 6,386 | 45.6% | 5% more fails | 107,189 |
| 2005 Doblo | 4,238 | 50.4% | 14% more fails | 112,322 |
| 2004 Doblo | 3,250 | 50.3% | 13% more fails | 112,281 |
| 2003 Doblo | 1,951 | 50.9% | 16% more fails | 116,089 |
| 2002 | 900 | 51% | 16% more fails | 121,053 |
| 2001 | 207 | 49.8% | 17% more fails | 103,555 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Fiat Doblo
Its weak spot is exhaust, emissions and leaks: 98% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.7%55% above avg
- Lights and electrics15%20% above avg
- Tyres7.7%15% above avg
- Brakes7.2%3% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.9%98% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.9%21% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure5.8%53% above avg
- Steering1.5%29% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags1%7% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.05% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.64% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.31% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.23% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 5
Stop lamp not working 2.19% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 6
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.14% of tests
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
- 7
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.06% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 8
Position lamp not working 2.02% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Fiat Doblo's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit15.71%
- Brake disc pitted or scored7.52%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive6.91%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking6.75%
- Coil spring showing some corrosion4.39%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear3.55%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Fiat Doblo
- 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
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced 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 Doblo covers about 10,000 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
- Diesel87%
- Petrol13%
- LPG0%
- Other0%
- Electric0%
Most common colours
White, Red, Blue, Grey, Silver
Average engine size: 1.5 litres.
Compare
How the Fiat Doblo compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Fiat Ducato | 25.8% | 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Boxer | 26.5% | about average for its age |
| Mercedes-Benz Vito | 33.7% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Fiat Doblo | 36.1% | 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Expert | 36.6% | 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën Dispatch | 41.6% | 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Kangoo | 46.4% | 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every van ranked in the van reliability index, or all Fiat models.
Questions
Fiat Doblo questions, answered
Is the Fiat Doblo reliable?
On MOT results, the Fiat Doblo is below average: it fails 36.1% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 21 of 40 van models in our index.
What fails most on a Fiat Doblo MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Fiat Doblo are coil spring fractured or broken (5.05% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.64% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.31% of tests). By area, suspension fails 15.7% of its tests.
Which Fiat Doblo year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2013 cars do best (13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2020 cars do worst (76% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Fiat Doblo do a year?
A typical Fiat Doblo covers about 10,000 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 Doblo 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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