Model reliability

Fiat Punto reliability

The Fiat Punto fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 45.8% of 54,639 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

6 to 10 years old

37% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 13,936 MOT tests of Fiat Puntos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 3× as oftenSprings6.9% vs 2.4%Fix about £150

Fails 2× as oftenHeadlamp aim5.8% vs 2.5%Fix about £30

Fails 5× as oftenSteering linkage components5.4% vs 1.1%

Fails 3× as oftenPosition lamps4.9% vs 1.5%Fix about £30

Advised 6× as oftenSprings8.6% vs 1.5%Fix about £150

Advised 6× as oftenSteering linkage components7.6% vs 1.3%

Advised 5× as oftenExhaust system6.7% vs 1.4%Fix about £150

Advised 3× as oftenFluid leaks5.6% vs 2.2%

Over 10 years old

45.8% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 54,639 MOT tests of Fiat Puntos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 92% more oftenExhaust emissions9.8% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 43% more oftenHeadlamp aim7.7% vs 5.4%Fix about £30

Fails 40% more oftenPosition lamps7.4% vs 5.3%Fix about £30

Fails 51% more oftenStop lamp5.9% vs 3.9%Fix about £30

Advised 3× as oftenSprings19.8% vs 6.3%Fix about £150

Advised 73% more oftenFluid leaks17.5% vs 10.1%

Advised 34% more oftenTyre condition13.9% vs 10.4%Fix about £90

Advised 2× as oftenExhaust system12% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Safety recalls

13 DVSA recalls for the Fiat Punto

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2017/22918 Aug 2017Built 2016–2017Front seat belt pretensioner may malfunction during deployment

Due to a non-conformity in the supplier's production process the front seat belt pretensioner could malfunction in the event of a collision.

Fix: Correct operation will be restored by applying a service kit designed for this purpose. Affected vehicles will be recalled to have this fitted.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 1,168 vehicles

R/2014/0057 Jan 2014Built 2013Vehicle may roll away

It has been identified that the hand brake lever may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. It could result in the vehicle rolling away.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the hand brake assembly with a new quality controlled assembly

Recalled models: PUNTO · 4 vehicles

R/2012/1397 Dec 2012Built 2012Braking efficiency may be reduced

A connector on the brake servo pipe may fail and cause a loss of vacuum assistance necessitating the driver to include additional effort when braking.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a new brake servo pipe.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 3,095 vehicles

R/2011/02328 Mar 2011Built 2009–2010Fire may occur

The layout of the ABS wiring maybe incorrect in the area of the battery holding unit. The wiring may on some vehicles maybe trapped and pinched exposing wiring in some area. this may cause damage and in extreme cases a potential risk of fire.

Fix: Repair to inspect and repair the wiring using industry accepted soldered connectors

Recalled models: PUNTO GRANDE · 8,138 vehicles

R/2010/1171 Oct 2010Built 2009–2010The wrong airbag may deploy in a collision

In the case of a side impact the wrong airbag could deploy as a result of a software non-compliance.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to apply a software update.

Recalled models: PUNTO GRANDE · 29,130 vehicles

R/2008/1819 Jan 2009Built 2008Fuel may leak from manifold

Fuel may leak as on some engines the fuel manifolds may not be to specification. If the fuel manifold leaks it is possible that a loss of power could occur and the engine cut out.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect the fuel manifold and check it for conformity to specification. Where necessary replace the fuel manifold.

Recalled models: PUNTO GRANDE · 1,893 vehicles

R/2007/01220 Apr 2007Built 2006Engine power may be lost

It is possible that breakage of the ancillary devices pulley on the crankshaft may occur. Should this happen there is the possibility that engine power and functions such as power assisted steering and braking assistance may be lost.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the crankshaft pulley inspected and changed should this be necessary.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 1,474 vehicles

R/2001/10517 Aug 2001Built 1994–1995Unintended deployment of air bag

Possible water ingress into the electronic control unit (ECU) could result in unintentional deployment of the drivers air bag and passengers air bag where fitted.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check for water ingress into the ECU and replace if necessary. Fit water protection to the ECU in all cases.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 5,168 vehicles

R/2001/0861 Aug 2001Built 1993–1997Corrosion of metal brake pipes

Prolonged exposure to the effects of road salt corrosion may result in perforation of the metal brake pipes and a consequential loss of braking efficiency.

Fix: Replace corroded brake pipes and apply corrosion prevention treatment to all brake pipes.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 248,486 vehicles

R/2000/08026 Jul 2000Built 1999–2000Fuel vapour re- circulation pipe may become damaged

The fuel vapour re-circulation pipe could foul against the air-conditioning compressor pulley resulting in possible damage to the pipe and the risk of fire.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and reposition re-circulation pipe away from compressor pulley.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 2,016 vehicles

R/1998/02711 May 1998Built 1997Seat belt pre tensioners may fail to activate

On some Punto vehicles it has been found that the seat belt pre-tensioners may fail to activate although normal activation of the seat belt is assured.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles to shorten the safety tabs in the inertia reel.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 24,504 vehicles

R/1995/05427 Jul 1995Built 1994–1995Possible damage to brake pipes

On ABS equipped Punto vehicles contact may take place between the brake compensator springs and the rear (metal) brake pipes. This could damage the pipes causing loss of brake fluid and reducing the efficiency of the service brake.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and secure the subject brake pipes to eliminate the possibility of any contact with the compensator springs. Any brake pipes found to be damaged will be replaced.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 695 vehicles

R/1995/03830 May 1995Built 1994–1995Incorrect spare wheel

Some vehicles with alloy wheels may have been supplied with an unsuitable space saver spare wheel. If fitted this spare wheel could cause interference with braking system components.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace any unsuitable spare wheels with correctly specified versions.

Recalled models: PUNTO · 239 vehicles

Show all 13 recalls

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Fiat Punto before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Fiat Punto reliability

13 DVSA recalls for the Fiat Punto

Checking a Fiat Punto before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.