2006 Fiat Idea — MOT failures & pass rate
951 MOT tests on the 2006 Fiat Idea are in this dataset, and 72.2% of them passed. All cars of a similar age fail at 27.2%, so the 2006 Idea sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and body, structure & corrosion.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (13.3%) and suspension (12.2%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, individual direction indicators and wipers — headlamp aim alone was recorded 63 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 23.0% in the 30-60k band and 31.9% in the 120-150k band, a 9.0-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 34.7% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 30.4% of tests failed in 2021 against 33.0% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 13.3% | 126 |
| 2 | Suspension | 12.2% | 116 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 10.2% | 97 |
| 4 | Tyres | 6.9% | 66 |
| 5 | Visibility | 6.9% | 66 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 6.5% | 62 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 63 |
| 2 | Individual direction indicators | 49 |
| 3 | Wipers | 49 |
| 4 | Catalyst emissions | 42 |
| 5 | Shock absorbers | 41 |
| 6 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 41 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 34.7% | 330 |
| 2 | Tyres | 31.8% | 302 |
| 3 | Brakes | 20.9% | 199 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 20.7% | 197 |
| 5 | Other defects | 15.6% | 148 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 12.5% | 119 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 209 | 23.0% |
| 60-90k | 346 | 26.0% |
| 90-120k | 280 | 32.5% |
| 120-150k | 72 | 31.9% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 578 | 29.1% |
| Diesel | 373 | 25.7% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 319 | 30.4% |
| 2022 | 234 | 26.9% |
| 2023 | 173 | 24.3% |
| 2024 | 122 | 22.9% |
| 2025 | 103 | 33.0% |
What to check before buying a 2006 Idea
On a 2006 Idea, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 13.3% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (13.3% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (12.2% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Body, structure & corrosion (10.2% of tests): The one to take seriously on older cars — corrosion to structural areas can be costly and is an MOT failure. Typical repair: £200–£1,500+.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2006 Fiat Ideas pass their MOT?
72.2% of the 951 2006 Fiat Idea MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 27.8% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2006 Fiat Idea?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 13.3% of tests, followed by suspension (12.2%).
Does the 2006 Idea get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 23.0% in the 30-60k band to 31.9% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 951 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.