Fiat

Fiat Tipo (2018)

2,001 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.1% first-time pass rate

2018 Fiat Tipo

CarHunch analysed 2,001 real MOT records for the 2018 Fiat Tipo. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2018 Fiat Tipo passes its MOT slightly above the UK average at 83.1%, which is a decent sign, but the 29.4% of vehicles that have recorded a dangerous defect is a real concern for buyers—that's well above typical and suggests some systemic issues worth investigating. Petrol and diesel variants perform similarly (83.4% and 82.5% respectively), so fuel choice won't meaningfully affect reliability here.

At 34,927 miles median, these cars are relatively lightly used for their age, yet they're averaging 1.21 failures and 7.1 advisories per test, indicating wear accumulates quickly. Before buying used, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks the brake system, suspension, and electrics—the high dangerous defect rate suggests these areas need scrutiny beyond a standard MOT pass.

The 2018 Fiat Tipo has a decent first-time pass rate (83.1%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
83.1%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
29.4%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.21
Over 6.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
35k
Middle half: 26k–47k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 7.1 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 2,001 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 2,001 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 51.9%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Suspension & steering 37.9%
Offside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil · Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil · Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 29.2%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 22.1%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,001 Fiat Tipo cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2018 Fiat Tipo

Based on MOT data from 2,001 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 29.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (63%) 1,261 83.4% 1.18
Diesel (37%) 738 82.5% 1.27

Colour Breakdown

Based on 31,878 Fiat Tipo vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 24%
7,640
White 23.6%
7,536
Red 18.7%
5,966
Silver 9.2%
2,932
Grey 9.1%
2,906
Black 7.7%
2,458
Green 6.2%
1,975
Bronze 0.9%
271
Beige 0.2%
65
Maroon 0.1%
45
Purple 0.1%
43
Turquoise 0.1%
41

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 Fiat Tipo vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

34,927
typical
25,782
low mileage
46,606
high mileage

Half of all 2018 Fiat Tipo vehicles fall between 25,782 and 46,606 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 25,782 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
25,782–46,606 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 Fiat Tipos sit.
Over 62,918 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 Fiat Tipo — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 Fiat Tipos are still on the road.

Strong survival — 1,900 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 98% of the peak.

1,933 1,900 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

6.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.21
Avg failures per vehicle
7.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Fiat Tipo: All Tipo years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2018 Fiat Tipo stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing