Motoring Today

Fiat 500 MOT reliability

Reliability from 21 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 92%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 7 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
92%
Valid MOT
6 / 6
Median MOT left
7 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.

92First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
6 / 6
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
7 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 21 Fiat 500 cars with DVSA test history in our stock (35 recorded failure items, 16 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres1749%
Suspension720%
Brakes39%
Other26%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)26%
Emissions & exhaust26%

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 307690 national DVSA MOT tests, the Fiat 500 has a pass rate of 74.16%.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Fiat 500?
The most common MOT failures for the Fiat 500 are Suspension (32%), Lighting & electrical (23%), Brakes (16%), Tyres (14%), and Visibility (windscreen & wipers) (9%).
Is the Fiat 500 reliable?
An MOT pass rate reflects the condition of cars presented for testing, not lifetime reliability. Failures often cluster with the age of the vehicle and insufficient maintenance.
What should I check before buying a used Fiat 500?
When buying, pay close attention to the suspension, all lights and electricals, brakes, tyres, and the condition of the windscreen and wipers, as these are common MOT failure points.
How many Fiat 500s are for sale and what is the cheapest price?
There are currently 6 Fiat 500s for sale, with the cheapest model available for £5295, or from £140 per month (representative example, finance subject to status).
What are the most common MOT failures on the Fiat 500?
Across 21 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 49% of recorded failures).

More Fiat 500 resources