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Fiat Doblo Mk1 (2001-2009) reliability

At a glance

Fiat Doblo Mk1 built around 2008: about average at the MOT

Fiat Doblo Mk1 models built around 2008 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Fiat Doblo Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

33% of MOT tests on Fiat Doblo Mk1 models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Fiat Doblo Mk1 models built around 2008 involves the tyres.

Fiat Doblo Mk1
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2001-2009MPVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 11,804 tests of Doblo models registered 2001-2009.

About 1 in 9 Doblo Mk1 MOTs (11.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,580 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Doblo Mk1 MOTs (8.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 2,580 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
90428.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,16530.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,58032.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,37733.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,64234.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,04935.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
63537.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
33435.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
11835.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.

How the Doblo Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the Doblo Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 26,370 tests across 8 Fiat models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFiat average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
90428.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,16530.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,58032.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,37733.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,64234.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,04935.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
63537.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
33435.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
11835.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Doblo Mk1.

  1. 1

    Toyota Alphard

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.2%
    Dangerous
    5.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 32.8% for the Fiat Doblo Mk1, both built around 2008.

    2,023 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.5%
    Dangerous
    5.4%

    Lower fail rate: 21.1%, against 32.8% for the Fiat Doblo Mk1, both built around 2008.

    1,330 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Nissan Elgrand

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.5%
    Dangerous
    8.2%

    Lower fail rate: 23.1%, against 32.8% for the Fiat Doblo Mk1, both built around 2008.

    2,345 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Volkswagen Caddy

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.4%
    Dangerous
    6.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.8%

    Lower fail rate: 29.5%, against 32.8% for the Fiat Doblo Mk1, both built around 2008.

    6,217 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

87%of all Fiat Doblo cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

19 recalls in all

4 of the 19 Doblo Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 3 more

Top concerns

  • Airbag may deploy unitentionally
  • Vehicle stability maybe affected
  • Manufacturers plate information incorrect

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Doblo Mk1 cars built around 2008

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 259 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
65%
Emissions
49%
Drivetrain
12%
Steering
7%
Bodywork
6%

Wear items

Lighting
59%
Tyres
56%
Brakes
43%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 15% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel Doblo tests (not specific to Mk1).

1.0 to 1.4 litres34.3%869 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres32.7%973 tests
How Doblo Mk1 cars have aged

How Doblo Mk1 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%40%121416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (1,547 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (1,456 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (1,362 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (1,195 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (1,054 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (2,396 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (2,155 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (1,881 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (1,578 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (1,321 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (2,793 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (2,441 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (2,111 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (1,761 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (1,407 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (1,913 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (1,652 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (1,428 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,144 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (989 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (1,390 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (1,142 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (908 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 36.3% (755 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (590 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.0% (1,187 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (907 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 36.7% (744 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 36.9% (553 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 36.3% (432 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (705 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (533 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (415 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 37.0% (324 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (238 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 36.3% (325 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (246 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (168 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (126 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 36.7% (98 tests, 2025 data)2002
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension65%58%57%65%
Brakes43%47%53%61%
Emissions49%46%52%56%
Tyres56%56%61%67%
Lighting59%65%71%77%
Drivetrain12%12%14%15%
Bodywork6%8%4%5%
Steering7%4%6%7%
Corrosion15%15%16%18%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 259 to 378 cars at each age.

Mk1 variants compared

Doblo Mk1 variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each Doblo Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • DOBLO33.0%1,550 tests
  • DOBLO CARGO36.0%292 tests

Petrol

  • DOBLO31.2%733 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Fiat Doblos of this age

This list covers every Fiat Doblo built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    25.3%
    Advisory: 868Fail: 73 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    15.9%
    Advisory: 427Fail: 7 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.8%
    Advisory: 431Fail: 115 (21% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    14.7%
    Advisory: 377Fail: 138 (27% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    14.7%
    Advisory: 319Fail: 96 (23% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,580 tests

Looking at a Fiat Doblo Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Fiat Doblo Mk1 (2001-2009) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 2,580 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 11,804 MOT tests on Fiat Doblos first registered between 2001-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.