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Fiat Panda Mk2 (169) (2004-2011) reliability

At a glance

Fiat Panda Mk2 (169) built around 2011: about average at the MOT

Fiat Panda Mk2 (169) models built around 2011 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Fiat Panda Mk2 (169) right now?

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

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Fiat Panda Mk2 (169) models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 31% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Fiat Panda Mk2 (169) models built around 2011 involves the suspension.

Fiat Panda Mk2 (169)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2011HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 53,294 tests of Panda models registered 2004-2011.

About 1 in 12 Panda Mk2 (169) MOTs (7.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 8,290 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 Panda Mk2 (169) MOTs (7.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 8,290 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (169) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,75829.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,29030.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
13,59831.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
8,81531.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5,85533.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5,29633.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,05233.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,16134.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,46934.2%

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 20 years old.

How the Panda Mk2 (169) compares

At each age below, see how the Panda Mk2 (169) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 49,930 tests across 9 Fiat models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFiat average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,75829.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,29030.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
13,59831.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
8,81531.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5,85533.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5,29633.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,05233.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,16134.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,46934.2%

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.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

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 hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Panda Mk2 (169).

  1. 1

    Toyota IQ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.9%
    Dangerous
    4.1%

    Lower fail rate: 20.6%, against 30.6% for the Fiat Panda Mk2 (169), both built around 2011.

    3,673 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Honda Insight

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    5.8%

    Lower fail rate: 25.7%, against 30.6% for the Fiat Panda Mk2 (169), both built around 2011.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,777 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Nissan Pixo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    6.1%

    Lower fail rate: 27.4%, against 30.6% for the Fiat Panda Mk2 (169), both built around 2011.

    3,339 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Hyundai i10

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.8%
    Dangerous
    7.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 27.2%, against 30.6% for the Fiat Panda Mk2 (169), both built around 2011.

    21,068 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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

95%of all Fiat Panda 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% · About 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

17 recalls in all

6 of the 17 Panda Mk2 (169) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Possibility of fire
  • Fuel may leak
  • Loss of steering control

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

How Panda Mk2 (169) cars have aged

How Panda Mk2 (169) 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%101214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (5,025 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (4,929 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (4,677 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (4,541 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (4,248 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (9,098 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (8,790 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (8,395 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (7,995 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (7,291 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (8,640 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (8,104 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (7,603 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (6,997 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (6,235 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (5,104 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (4,769 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (4,293 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (3,684 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (3,179 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (5,699 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (5,172 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (4,534 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (3,923 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (3,294 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (4,664 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (4,097 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (3,575 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (3,042 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (2,460 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (3,622 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (3,057 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (2,640 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (2,179 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (1,815 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (3,265 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (2,710 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (2,319 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (1,931 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (1,469 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
Mk2 (169) variants compared

Panda Mk2 (169) variants built around 2011

The fail rate for each Panda Mk2 (169) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • PANDA30.7%7,971 tests

Diesel

  • PANDA29.6%318 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Fiat Pandas of this age

This list covers every Fiat Panda built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (169) 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

    26.2%
    Advisory: 2,977Fail: 422 (12% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    26.0%
    Advisory: 3,648Fail: 141 (4% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    24.3%
    Advisory: 2,008Fail: 1,027 (34% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    14.8%
    Advisory: 1,103Fail: 247 (18% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    13.7%
    Advisory: 1,244Fail: 81 (6% of the times it was found)

Based on 8,290 tests

Looking at a Fiat Panda Mk2 (169) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Fiat Panda Mk2 (169) (2004-2011) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 8,290 14-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 53,294 MOT tests on Fiat Pandas first registered between 2004-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.