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Fiat Van Finance Mis-Selling — FCA Investigation

Last updated: 26 February 2026

Fiat vans, manufactured in Italy, were frequently sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) investigation period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This period saw widespread scrutiny of motor finance practices across various manufacturers and lenders, including those financing Fiat vehicles. ## How Fiat Vans Were Financed During this time, Fiat vans were commonly financed through a variety of providers such as Black Horse, Lombard, Close Brothers Motor Finance, and Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions. These agreements typically included PCP plans that allowed customers to make lower monthly payments with an option to buy the vehicle at the end of the agreement for a predetermined amount known as the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV). Hire Purchase (HP) agreements, on the other hand, required higher monthly payments but allowed full ownership upon completion. ## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation The FCA's investigation uncovered significant issues related to discretionary commission arrangements between vehicle finance brokers and lenders. These practices involved financial incentives that could have influenced salespeople to push certain products over others, potentially leading to unfair treatment of consumers. As a result, it was estimated that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) (FCA, March 2026).5 billion (FCA estimate). ## How to Check Your Agreement If your agreement was signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, there is a possibility that it falls under the scope of the investigation. if you noticed unusually high fees or felt pressured into choosing specific finance products from lenders like Black Horse, Lombard, Close Brothers Motor Finance, or Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, your agreement may have been affected. ## How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free If you suspect that your Fiat van finance agreement is impacted by the FCA investigation, you can complain directly to your lender without needing a claims management company. Common lenders such as Black Horse, Lombard, Close Brothers Motor Finance, and Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions offer free complaint processes through which you can raise concerns about any unfair treatment or financial mis-selling issues related to your finance agreement. You do not need a claims management company; contacting the lender directly is straightforward and often more efficient. By submitting your complaint to the lender first, you may be able to resolve any issues quickly and receive appropriate compensation if applicable. ## Sources and References - Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates on affected agreements, total cost, and average payout. - Office for National Statistics Census 2021 - Motor Finance Ombudsman (MFO) guidelines

FCA Compensation: FCA Scheme Figures

The FCA confirmed on 30 March 2026 that 12.1 million motor finance agreements are covered by the FCA redress scheme. The FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per agreement, with a total of £7.5 billion set aside for consumers. The scheme covers PCP and HP agreements entered into between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.

Two separate schemes apply: post-2014 agreements (implement by 30 June 2026) and pre-2014 agreements (implement by 31 August 2026). The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company.

Fiat MOT Pass Rate — 2024 Data

Across 834,599 MOT tests in 2024, Fiat vehicles have an overall pass rate of 77.2%. This is close to the national average of 79.6%. DVSA data covers 170 Fiat models with sufficient test volume.

Overall pass rate: 77.2%
Total MOT tests (2024): 834,599
Models with data: 170
National average: 79.6%

Best Fiat models for MOT pass rate

Fiat Benimar: 93.7% pass rate (587 tests)
Fiat 500 Dolcevita Mhev: 93.5% pass rate (4,372 tests)
Fiat Auto Trail: 93.0% pass rate (9,114 tests)
Fiat Adria: 92.9% pass rate (732 tests)
Fiat Swift: 92.9% pass rate (5,720 tests)

Fiat models with lowest MOT pass rate

Fiat Stilo: 67.8% pass rate (875 tests)
Fiat Bravo: 67.5% pass rate (6,204 tests)
Fiat Sedici: 67.2% pass rate (1,272 tests)
Fiat Scudo: 67.1% pass rate (9,232 tests)
Fiat Multipla: 64.5% pass rate (983 tests)

Fiat MOT Reliability Trend (2022-2024)

Fiat MOT pass rates have declined slightly, from 78.1% in 2022 to 77.2% in 2024 (-0.9 percentage points).

2022: 78.1% pass rate (960,687 tests)
2023: 77.8% pass rate (964,377 tests)
2024: 77.2% pass rate (834,599 tests)

Based on 2,759,663 MOT tests across three years (DVSA open data).

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is motor finance mis-selling involving Fiat vans?

Motor finance mis-selling refers to situations where consumers are sold financial products or services that do not suit their needs, often through unfair, aggressive, or misleading practices. In the context of Fiat vans, this could involve being pushed into high-cost credit agreements for purchasing or leasing a van when more affordable options were available.

How many Fiat van finance agreements might have been mis-sold?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates that there are 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) in the UK market, some of which may involve Fiat vans. While specific figures for mis-selling involving Fiat vans are not available, it is part of a broader issue affecting the entire motor finance sector.

What should I do if I suspect my Fiat van finance agreement was mis-sold?

If you believe your Fiat van finance agreement may have been mis-sold to you, you can complain directly to your lender for free. This is an important first step in seeking resolution without the need for a claims management company.

What are some signs that my Fiat van financing might be mis-sold?

Signs of potential mis-selling include being pressured into a high-interest loan, not fully understanding the terms and conditions of your agreement, or finding out later that there were more affordable options available. Mis-selling can also occur if you received incorrect advice about your financial situation.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.