Motoring Today

Fiat 500 MOT reliability

Reliability from 25 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 6 Fiat 500 cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 86%. 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
86%
Valid MOT
6 / 6
Median MOT left
6 mo
Top failure
Tyres

With a national MOT pass rate of 74.16% from over 300,000 real UK tests, the Fiat 500 performs broadly in line with expectations for its segment and age. However, a deeper look into the DVSA data reveals common failure points. The most frequent issue, accounting for 32% of all failures, is with suspension components. This is closely followed by lighting and electrical problems at 23%, and then brakes at 16%. For a used Fiat 500 buyer, these statistics highlight key areas for pre-purchase inspection. Suspension issues, particularly prevalent in city cars, can manifest as knocking noises over bumps, uneven tyre wear, or a generally bouncy ride. It's crucial to check for these during a test drive. Lighting and electrical failures often relate to blown bulbs, faulty wiring, or sensor issues, so ensure all lights, indicators, and interior electrics are functioning correctly. Brake problems can range from worn pads and discs to caliper issues, making it vital to check for smooth, effective braking without excessive pedal travel or squealing. It's important to remember that an MOT pass rate reflects the condition of vehicles presented for test, not an absolute measure of lifetime reliability. Failures typically cluster with a vehicle's age, mileage, and how well it has been maintained, rather than being an inherent fault of the badge itself. Motoring Today currently lists 6 Fiat 500s, with prices starting from £6,495, or a representative £145 per month. Finance is subject to status.

86First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
6 / 6
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
6 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
2
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Fiat 500

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 25 Fiat 500 cars with DVSA test history in our stock (57 recorded failure items, 21 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres2137%
Suspension916%
Brakes712%
Lighting & electrical611%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)611%
Other59%

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?
Based on 307,690 national DVSA MOT tests, the Fiat 500 has a pass rate of 74.16%. This figure comes directly from real national MOT test data for this model.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Fiat 500?
The top failure categories are Suspension at 32%, Lighting & electrical at 23%, Brakes at 16%, Tyres at 14%, and Visibility (windscreen & wipers) at 9% of all failures.
Is the Fiat 500 a reliable car?
An MOT pass rate reflects the condition of cars presented for testing, not overall lifetime reliability. Failures often increase with a vehicle's age and can be influenced by maintenance and how well it has been looked after, rather than being an inherent fault of the model.
What should I check before buying a used Fiat 500?
Pay close attention to the suspension for any knocks or creaks, check all lights and electrical components, inspect the brakes for wear, ensure tyres have adequate tread, and examine the windscreen for chips and wipers for effectiveness, as these are common MOT failure areas.
How many Fiat 500s are currently for sale and what's the cheapest price?
There are currently 6 Fiat 500s available, with prices starting from £6495. A representative finance example is available from £145 per month; finance is subject to status.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Fiat 500?
Across 25 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