Fiat 500L MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 17,661 MOT tests on the Fiat 500L carried out in 2023. 33% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 500L models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2013 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2019 models did best (82% passed, −4.1 points against the average for 4-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (76%, −11.5 points). Tested cars had covered 62,347 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 11.8% of tests (slightly above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 6.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 17,661
- First-time pass rate
- 67%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −4.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 62,347
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 500L?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
500L 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 63 | 76% | 88% | −11.5 points | 17,124 |
| 2019 | 162 | 82% | 86% | −4.1 points | 23,453 |
| 2018 | 606 | 74% | 84% | −10.3 points | 30,946 |
| 2017 | 887 | 73% | 82% | −8.5 points | 39,667 |
| 2016 | 1,638 | 74% | 79% | −5.0 points | 47,034 |
| 2015 | 3,002 | 69% | 75% | −6.3 points | 57,022 |
| 2014 | 6,960 | 66% | 72% | −5.7 points | 69,189 |
| 2013 | 4,289 | 63% | 68% | −5.5 points | 72,362 |
Why the Fiat 500L fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 500L | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 11.8% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 10.7% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 7.4% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 6.5% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.5% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.9% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 2.2% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 2.2% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.2% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken6.6%
- 2not working5.1%
- 3pin or bush excessively worn3.6%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick2.9%
- 5efficiency below requirements2.7%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
- 8not working on dipped beam1.9%
- 9inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.8%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid1.4%
Common 500L MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 500L, 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 | 15.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 11.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 11.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.3% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 4.1% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.0% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.5% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 2.3% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.3% |
Tips to help your 500L pass
Based on where 500L models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.7% of 500L 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 · 7.4% of 500L 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 500L ULEZ compliant? See the Fiat 500L ULEZ check, or view all Fiat models.
Other Fiat models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 17,661 first MOT tests of the Fiat 500L 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 17,661 first MOT tests of the Fiat 500L.
What is the Fiat 500L MOT failure rate?
In our data, 33% of 17,661 first MOT attempts on the Fiat 500L ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Fiat 500L fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (11.8% of tests), lights and electrics (10.7% of tests), brakes (7.4% of tests).
Which 500L year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2019 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, −4.1 points against the average for 4-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 76% (−11.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Fiat 500L covered at its MOT?
The average was 62,347 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 17,124 miles and 2013 cars 72,362.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Fiat 500L?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.5% of 500L models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 500L's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 17,661 500L models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 63% to 82% 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 500L's MOT history
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