1997 Fiat Ducato · 1,487 MOT tests
1997 Fiat Ducato reliability
1997 Fiat Ducatos fail 43% of first MOT tests, 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 Ducato years (1,487 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Fiat Ducatos: 25.8%)
- 43%
- first-time fail rate (all Fiat Ducatos: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 68,957
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,487
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 49% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 12.2% of tests fail here (88% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 55% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Fiat Ducato
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics24.3%
- Brakes16%
- Suspension13.4%
- Body, chassis and structure12.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors12.2%
- Seat belts and airbags3.1%
- Tyres3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Horn not working 6.52%
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.99%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 5.65%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 5.31%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Windscreen washers not working 4.1%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Rear fog lamp not working 3.63%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Common advisories
Wheel bearing slight play (22.46%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.56%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.75%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.07%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.2%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (6.86%)
Other years
Every Fiat Ducato year
The full picture: Fiat Ducato reliability. Before you pay for any Fiat Ducato, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1997 Fiat Ducato reliable?
1997 Fiat Ducatos fail 43% of first MOT tests, 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 Ducato years (1,487 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Fiat Ducato MOT?
Most often horn not working (6.52% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.99% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (5.65% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Fiat Ducato have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Fiat Ducato shows 68,957 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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