Fiat 500X MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 33,981 MOT tests on the Fiat 500X carried out in 2023. 20% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 500X models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2015 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2021 models did best (96% passed, +5.6 points against the average for 2-year-old cars), while 2016 models fared worst (75%, −3.2 points). Tested cars had covered 45,569 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 7.5% of tests (slightly below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 33,981
- First-time pass rate
- 80%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +8.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 45,569
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 500X?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
500X 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 | 57 | 96% | 91% | +5.6 points | 18,532 |
| 2020 | 2,125 | 91% | 88% | +3.3 points | 20,508 |
| 2019 | 3,323 | 91% | 86% | +5.1 points | 26,915 |
| 2018 | 2,859 | 87% | 84% | +3.1 points | 33,062 |
| 2017 | 4,718 | 81% | 82% | −0.2 points | 42,556 |
| 2016 | 13,773 | 75% | 79% | −3.2 points | 50,989 |
| 2015 | 7,123 | 74% | 75% | −1.5 points | 58,513 |
Why the Fiat 500X fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 500X | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 7.5% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 6.7% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 2.8% | 1.8% |
| Suspension | 2.7% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 2.6% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.5% | 3.1% |
| Brakes | 2.3% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.3%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
- 3inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.9%
- 4ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
- 5provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
- 6has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
- 7has ply or cords exposed1.3%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
- 9ball joint excessively worn1.1%
- 10malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.8%
Common 500X MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 500X, 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 | 16.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.9% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 4.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.4% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.3% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.3% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 1.7% |
Tips to help your 500X pass
Based on where 500X models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 7.5% of 500X 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.
Steering · 2.8% of 500X tests
Feel for play in the steering
Clunks or play in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear or a split steering rack gaiter are all reasons to book an inspection before the test.
Compare with other models
Is the 500X ULEZ compliant? See the Fiat 500X ULEZ check, or view all Fiat models.
Other Fiat models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 33,981 first MOT tests of the Fiat 500X 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 33,981 first MOT tests of the Fiat 500X.
What is the Fiat 500X MOT failure rate?
In our data, 20% of 33,981 first MOT attempts on the Fiat 500X ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Fiat 500X fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (7.5% of tests), tyres (6.7% of tests), steering (2.8% of tests).
Which 500X year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2021 cars performed best: 96% passed first time, +5.6 points against the average for 2-year-old cars. The weakest was 2016, at 75% (−3.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Fiat 500X covered at its MOT?
The average was 45,569 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 18,532 miles and 2015 cars 58,513.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Fiat 500X?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.2% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.7% of 500X models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 500X's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 33,981 500X models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 74% to 96% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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
- 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
Check any 500X's MOT history
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