Fiat 500 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 328,444 MOT tests on the Fiat 500 carried out in 2023. 31% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 500s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2007 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2021 models did best (93% passed, +2.4 points against the average for 2-year-old cars), while 2015 models fared worst (68%, −7.4 points). Tested cars had covered 49,971 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 13.3% of tests (noticeably above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "pin or bush excessively worn", on 4.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 328,444
- First-time pass rate
- 69%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −2.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 49,971
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 500?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
500 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 343 | 93% | 91% | +2.4 points | 15,522 |
| 2020 | 13,765 | 87% | 88% | −0.2 points | 16,596 |
| 2019 | 21,474 | 88% | 86% | +1.7 points | 21,003 |
| 2018 | 23,624 | 83% | 84% | −1.7 points | 27,399 |
| 2017 | 22,719 | 78% | 82% | −3.2 points | 33,898 |
| 2016 | 31,401 | 74% | 79% | −4.7 points | 38,921 |
| 2015 | 37,058 | 68% | 75% | −7.4 points | 45,564 |
| 2014 | 40,821 | 67% | 72% | −4.5 points | 52,807 |
| 2013 | 35,378 | 65% | 68% | −3.1 points | 58,289 |
| 2012 | 28,089 | 63% | 66% | −2.9 points | 62,461 |
| 2011 | 20,770 | 60% | 63% | −3.0 points | 67,104 |
| 2010 | 21,027 | 58% | 60% | −2.5 points | 72,050 |
| 2009 | 20,122 | 55% | 59% | −3.7 points | 77,627 |
| 2008 | 11,583 | 55% | 57% | −2.0 points | 82,610 |
| 2007 | 149 | 56% | 57% | −1.2 points | 86,631 |
Why the Fiat 500 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 500 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 13.3% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 9.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 6.6% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 6.5% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.2% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.5% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1pin or bush excessively worn4.9%
- 2not working3.8%
- 3has an excessively worn bush3.0%
- 4ball joint excessively worn2.5%
- 5has a serious fluid leak2.4%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid2.0%
- 9efficiency below requirements1.8%
- 10less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
Common 500 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 500, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 16.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 11.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.2% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.2% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 6.5% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 5.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.0% |
| has an excessively worn bush | Suspension | 4.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.8% |
Tips to help your 500 pass
Based on where 500s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 9.8% of 500 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 6.6% of 500 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the 500 ULEZ compliant? See the Fiat 500 ULEZ check, or view all Fiat models.
Other Fiat models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 328,444 first MOT tests of the Fiat 500 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 328,444 first MOT tests of the Fiat 500.
What is the Fiat 500 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 31% of 328,444 first MOT attempts on the Fiat 500 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Fiat 500 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (13.3% of tests), lights and electrics (9.8% of tests), brakes (6.6% of tests).
Which 500 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2021 cars performed best: 93% passed first time, +2.4 points against the average for 2-year-old cars. The weakest was 2015, at 68% (−7.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Fiat 500 covered at its MOT?
The average was 49,971 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 15,522 miles and 2007 cars 86,631.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Fiat 500?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.4% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.5% of 500s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 500's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 328,444 500s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 55% to 93% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any 500's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.