2018 Fiat Fullback 2.4L Diesel · SH13 RED

A pattern of recurring minor lighting defects defines the MOT history of this 2018 Fiat Fullback, with registration plate lamp failures appearing on four of the six recorded tests. The most recent examination on 14 August 2026 was a pass, but it carried two minor items: an inoperative rear registration plate lamp and a severely deteriorated offside front inner drive shaft CV boot. Across the full six-test history, this vehicle has never failed an MOT, which is a positive baseline, but the persistence of the same registration plate lighting issue year after year suggests a wiring or earth fault rather than an isolated bulb failure. The CV boot deterioration flagged in 2026 is a more mechanically significant item, as a split boot will allow grease to escape and contaminants to enter the joint, leading to accelerated wear of the constant velocity joint itself. Both advisories from 2024 relate only to obscured inspection conditions rather than mechanical defects, so they can be disregarded for roadworthiness purposes. The recorded mileage of 138,881 miles against an eight-year age equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 17,360 miles, which is well above typical private vehicle usage and points to sustained commercial or high-mileage private operation. The mileage progression between tests is broadly linear rather than showing gaps or stagnation, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use throughout its life rather than left standing for extended periods. For a vehicle of this mileage, the cumulative wear on braking components, suspension bushes, coil springs, wheel bearings, drivetrain mounts, and the clutch or transmission is considerable, even though the MOT record alone will not necessarily surface wear items that have not yet reached defect thresholds. Given the diesel-powered commercial-grade nature of the Fullback, the high mileage also means closer attention should be paid to turbocharger condition, intercooler piping, and the integrity of the exhaust system and emissions equipment. Given the persistent registration plate lamp issue, a prospective buyer should inspect both the lamp units themselves and the wiring and earth points feeding them, as simply replacing bulbs may not resolve the underlying fault. The deteriorated inner CV boot on the offside front is the most pressing mechanical concern and warrants a physical inspection from underneath the vehicle to confirm whether the boot has split or merely hardened with age, and to check for grease loss around the joint. On a test drive, listen for a clicking or knocking noise from the offside front during full lock turns at low speed, which would indicate that CV joint wear has already progressed beyond cosmetic deterioration. Also examine the area around the boot for flung grease on the suspension arm or wheel arch liner as further evidence of failure. The high annual mileage figure should prompt a thorough physical examination of components that the MOT test does not fully assess. On a road test, pay attention to brake pedal feel, looking for sponginess or judder under firm application which could indicate worn discs or binding calipers given the mileage. Listen for clonks or thuds from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which may point to worn bushes, drop links, or tired coil springs. Inspect the underside closely for any signs of oil leakage from the engine, gearbox, transfer box, or differential, as seals on high-mileage commercial vehicles of this type commonly weep. Finally, check for any diesel leaks around the fuel filter housing and injector pipes, and verify that the exhaust is secure and free of corrosion at the mounting points, as these areas endure significant thermal stress and will be the most likely to require attention on a pickup of this age and usage profile.