1982 Fiat 126 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 126 models manufactured in 1982, based on 84 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1982 Fiat 126 MOT Analysis
The 1982 Fiat 126 has an MOT pass rate of 52.4% based on 84 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 32,358 miles on the odometer. With a 47.6% failure rate, the 1982 126 is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1982 Fiat 126 is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 2.4% of failures. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs range from £100–1,000+. Non-component advisories is the second most common issue at 2.4%. Suspension follows at 2.4%.
Top failures specific to 1982 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 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 2.4% | 2 |
| 2 | Non-component Advisories | 2.4% | 2 |
| 3 | Suspension | 2.4% | 2 |
| 4 | Visibility | 2.4% | 2 |
| 5 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 2.4% | 2 |
| 6 | Brakes | 2.4% | 2 |
| 7 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.2% | 1 |
| 8 | Tyres | 1.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 32,358 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.74 | 2.4% | 2 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.74 | 2.4% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.74 | 2.4% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.74 | 2.4% | 2 |
| Body & Structure | 0.74 | 2.4% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.74 | 2.4% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.37 | 1.2% | 1 |
| Tyres | 0.37 | 1.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1982 Fiat 126 has an MOT pass rate of 52.4% based on 84 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 32,358 miles on the odometer. With a 47.6% failure rate, the 1982 126 is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1982 Fiat 126, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help. With relatively low average mileage of 32,358 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 2.4% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 2.4% of MOT failures on 1982 Fiat 126 models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Non-component advisories — 2.4% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 2.4% of MOT failures on 1982 Fiat 126 models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Suspension — 2.4% of failures
Suspension issues account for 2.4% of MOT failures on 1982 Fiat 126 models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.