Fiat 500C MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 17,209 MOT tests on the Fiat 500C carried out in 2023. 32% 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 500C models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2009 to 2018. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (69% passed, +0.8 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2015 models fared worst (70%, −5.4 points). Tested cars had covered 50,153 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 14.8% of tests (noticeably above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "pin or bush excessively worn", on 5.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 17,209
- First-time pass rate
- 68%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −3.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 50,153
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 500C?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
500C 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 573 | 83% | 84% | −1.5 points | 26,572 |
| 2017 | 1,574 | 80% | 82% | −1.8 points | 31,479 |
| 2016 | 2,237 | 76% | 79% | −2.5 points | 37,205 |
| 2015 | 2,579 | 70% | 75% | −5.4 points | 43,416 |
| 2014 | 2,335 | 69% | 72% | −2.5 points | 47,894 |
| 2013 | 2,028 | 69% | 68% | +0.8 points | 54,051 |
| 2012 | 2,180 | 63% | 66% | −2.3 points | 58,523 |
| 2011 | 1,359 | 60% | 63% | −3.3 points | 65,116 |
| 2010 | 1,504 | 57% | 60% | −3.5 points | 70,111 |
| 2009 | 832 | 54% | 59% | −4.7 points | 72,627 |
Why the Fiat 500C fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 500C | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 14.8% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 10.2% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 6.9% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 5.9% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 4.7% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.2% | 3.1% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.4% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1pin or bush excessively worn5.1%
- 2has a serious fluid leak4.7%
- 3not working3.6%
- 4has an excessively worn bush3.1%
- 5ball joint excessively worn2.6%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
- 9has ply or cords exposed1.8%
- 10efficiency below requirements1.6%
Common 500C MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 500C, 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 | 16.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 11.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 11.3% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 9.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 9.6% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 6.9% |
| has an excessively worn bush | Suspension | 5.4% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 5.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.3% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.8% |
Tips to help your 500C pass
Based on where 500C models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.2% of 500C 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 · 5.9% of 500C 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 500C ULEZ compliant? See the Fiat 500C ULEZ check, or view all Fiat models.
Other Fiat models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 17,209 first MOT tests of the Fiat 500C 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 17,209 first MOT tests of the Fiat 500C.
What is the Fiat 500C MOT failure rate?
In our data, 32% of 17,209 first MOT attempts on the Fiat 500C ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Fiat 500C fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (14.8% of tests), lights and electrics (10.2% of tests), tyres (6.9% of tests).
Which 500C year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 69% passed first time, +0.8 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2015, at 70% (−5.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Fiat 500C covered at its MOT?
The average was 50,153 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2018 cars averaged 26,572 miles and 2009 cars 72,627.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Fiat 500C?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.6% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.9% of 500C models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 500C's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 17,209 500C models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 54% to 83% 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 · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any 500C's MOT history
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