2017 Fiat Ducato 2.3L Diesel · BA66 BYM

The 2017 Fiat Ducato’s most recent MOT tests, conducted just five months ago on 16 February 2026, reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite identical mileage readings of 248,327 miles. Both tests on that date resulted in a fail—despite the same vehicle and mileage—suggesting either a technical error in the system or, more likely, a critical but intermittent fault that evaded detection during the initial pass. The absence of recorded defects in either attempt implies the issue may be subtle—potentially related to exhaust emissions, binding brakes, or a sensor malfunction rather than overt mechanical failure. The vehicle’s 2025 tests, conducted at 232,387 miles, similarly show two failures on consecutive days, reinforcing the suspicion of a recurring, non-obvious problem. While the 2024 test at 211,862 miles passed without issue, this does not negate the urgency of the recent failures, which occur within a narrow window of high mileage. The Ducato’s mileage progression of approximately 27,592 miles annually over nine years is unusually high for its age, suggesting either intensive commercial use or prolonged periods of neglect. The gap between tests—consistently around 12 months—indicates regular MOT compliance, but the repeated failures at identical mileage readings in 2025 and 2026 are anomalous. Such behaviour often points to a component failing just before or during testing, rather than progressive wear. The lack of intermediate mileage readings means there is no data to confirm whether the vehicle was driven significantly between tests or remained stationary, though the high annual mileage implies active use rather than storage. Given the pattern of failures, a prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the exhaust system, particularly the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors, as these are common causes of emission-related MOT failures. The repeated failures at identical mileage also warrant checking for intermittent brake issues, such as binding calipers or worn brake pads that only fail under specific conditions. Structural integrity should be assessed, particularly around the chassis and suspension mounts, given the Ducato’s commercial use history, which may accelerate corrosion or bush wear. The absence of recorded defects in passing tests does not preclude underlying problems—buyers should verify the vehicle’s history for service records, as the MOT data alone does not reveal maintenance beyond test compliance.