1986 Fiat 126 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 126 models manufactured in 1986, based on 208 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 126 cars tested in 1986. Want to see how cars built in 1986 hold up over time?
View 1986 Fiat 126 vintage page → (73.5% current pass rate)1986 Fiat 126 MOT Analysis
The 1986 Fiat 126 has an MOT pass rate of 62.5% based on 208 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 36,745 miles on the odometer. With a 37.5% failure rate, the 1986 126 is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1986 Fiat 126 is Tyres, responsible for 4.3% of failures. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs range from £50–200 per tyre. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 1.4%. Brakes follows at 1.4%.
Top failures specific to 1986 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 | Tyres | 4.3% | 9 |
| 2 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 1.4% | 3 |
| 3 | Brakes | 1.4% | 3 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.0% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 36,745 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 1.18 | 4.3% | 9 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.39 | 1.4% | 3 |
| Brakes | 0.39 | 1.4% | 3 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.26 | 1.0% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1986 Fiat 126 has an MOT pass rate of 62.5% based on 208 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 36,745 miles on the odometer. With a 37.5% failure rate, the 1986 126 is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1986 Fiat 126, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to tyres: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating. With relatively low average mileage of 36,745 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Tyres — 4.3% of failures
Tyres issues account for 4.3% of MOT failures on 1986 Fiat 126 models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 1.4% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 1.4% of MOT failures on 1986 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.
Brakes — 1.4% of failures
Brakes issues account for 1.4% of MOT failures on 1986 Fiat 126 models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.