1978 Fiat 126 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 126 models manufactured in 1978, based on 42 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1978 Fiat 126 MOT Analysis
The 1978 Fiat 126 has an MOT pass rate of 57.1% based on 42 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 35,085 miles on the odometer. With a 42.9% failure rate, the 1978 126 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1978 Fiat 126 is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 7.1% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Visibility is the second most common issue at 4.8%. Steering follows at 2.4%.
Top failures specific to 1978 models only. The overall 126 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 7.1% | 3 |
| 2 | Visibility | 4.8% | 2 |
| 3 | Steering | 2.4% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 2.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 35,085 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 2.04 | 7.1% | 3 |
| Visibility | 1.36 | 4.8% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.68 | 2.4% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.68 | 2.4% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1978 Fiat 126 has an MOT pass rate of 57.1% based on 42 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 35,085 miles on the odometer. With a 42.9% failure rate, the 1978 126 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1978 Fiat 126, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. With relatively low average mileage of 35,085 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 7.1% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 7.1% of MOT failures on 1978 Fiat 126 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Visibility — 4.8% of failures
Visibility issues account for 4.8% of MOT failures on 1978 Fiat 126 models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Steering — 2.4% of failures
Steering issues account for 2.4% of MOT failures on 1978 Fiat 126 models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.