Motoring Today

Fiat 500 MOT reliability

Reliability from 27 Fiat 500 cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons, and how much MOT life is left.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Fiat 500 at MOT?

Across 5 Fiat 500 cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 73%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 6 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are tyres, suspension and brakes, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
73%
Valid MOT
5 / 5
Median MOT left
6 mo
Top failure
Tyres

The Fiat 500 has a national DVSA MOT pass rate of 74.16%, based on 307,690 real UK tests. The most common reasons for failure are led by Suspension issues, accounting for 32% of all failures. This is followed by Lighting & electrical at 23%, Brakes at 16%, Tyres at 14%, and Visibility (windscreen & wipers) at 9%. These figures highlight areas that prospective buyers should pay particular attention to, as they represent the most frequent issues encountered during MOT inspections. For those considering a used Fiat 500, these common failure categories offer a clear guide for pre-purchase checks. Suspension problems might manifest as unusual noises over bumps, a less comfortable ride, or uneven tyre wear, so check for these signs and inspect shock absorbers and springs. Lighting and electrical issues could range from blown bulbs to more complex wiring faults, making it vital to test all lights and indicators. Brake problems can be identified by spongy pedal feel, grinding noises, or the car pulling to one side when braking, so a thorough road test is advisable. Always inspect tyre tread depth and condition, and ensure wipers clear the windscreen effectively without streaking. It's important to remember that an MOT pass rate reflects the condition of cars *as presented* for test, not necessarily their lifetime reliability. Failures typically cluster with a vehicle's age and how well it has been maintained, rather than being solely indicative of the badge itself. Currently, Motoring Today lists 5 Fiat 500 models, with prices starting from £5,795, or from a representative monthly payment of £129.

73First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
5 / 5
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
6 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
0
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Fiat 500

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 27 Fiat 500 cars with DVSA test history in our stock (60 recorded failure items, 22 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres2237%
Suspension1017%
Brakes712%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)712%
Lighting & electrical610%
Other58%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Fiat 500 cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used Fiat 500?
For a used Fiat 500, the MOT pass rate is 74.16%, based on 307,690 real national DVSA MOT tests across the UK.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Fiat 500?
The most frequent MOT failure categories for the Fiat 500 are Suspension at 32%, Lighting & electrical at 23%, Brakes at 16%, Tyres at 14%, and Visibility (windscreen & wipers) at 9%.
Is the Fiat 500 reliable?
An MOT pass rate reflects the condition of cars presented for testing, not comprehensive long-term reliability. Failures on any model often become more common with increasing age and insufficient maintenance, so individual car condition is key.
What should I check before buying a used Fiat 500?
Before purchasing, pay close attention to the suspension, ensure all lights and electricals function correctly, check the brakes for wear and proper operation, inspect tyre condition and tread depth, and test the windscreen wipers and washer jets.
How many used Fiat 500s are currently for sale and what's the cheapest price?
There are currently 6 used Fiat 500s for sale. The cheapest available model is priced from £5,795, or from £129 per month (representative example, subject to status).
What are the most common MOT failures on the Fiat 500?
Across 27 Fiat 500 cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are tyres, suspension and brakes (tyres account for 37% of recorded failures).

More Fiat 500 resources