2004 Fiat Panda · 10,017 MOT tests
2004 Fiat Panda reliability
2004 Fiat Pandas fail 49.8% of first MOT tests, 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 17 Panda years (10,017 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2004 Fiat Panda?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Fiat Pandas: 35.2%)
- 49.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Fiat Pandas: 35.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 77,089
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,017
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 9.9% of tests fail here (64% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 7% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Fiat Panda
Fail rate by area
- Suspension23.1%
- Brakes18.4%
- Lights and electrics17.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10.5%
- Tyres9.9%
- Body, chassis and structure9.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 7.06%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.46%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 5.09%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 4.33%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 4.23%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.06%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.43%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.39%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (17.4%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.5%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (8.42%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.86%)
Other years
Every Fiat Panda year
The full picture: Fiat Panda reliability. Before you pay for any Fiat Panda, 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 2004 Fiat Panda reliable?
2004 Fiat Pandas fail 49.8% of first MOT tests, 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 17 Panda years (10,017 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Fiat Panda MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (7.06% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.46% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (5.09% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Fiat Panda have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Fiat Panda shows 77,089 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Check a 2004 Fiat Panda free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.