Fiat 500c MOT pass rate and common problems
74.2% of 36,373 Fiat 500c MOT tests pass.
The 500c's pass rate of 74.2% is in line with the average across all Fiat models, at 74.3%.
The Fiat 500c passes 74.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Fiat 500c?
This is the average across every Fiat 500c in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Fiat’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Fiat 500c tested at 0–3 years pass 93.0% of the time, compared with just 62.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 93.0% | 1,111 | 15,755 miles |
| 3–6 years | 91.9% | 2,680 | 20,941 miles |
| 6–10 years | 76.9% | 12,906 | 44,735 miles |
| 10–15 years | 69.1% | 19,241 | 65,049 miles |
| 15+ years | 62.1% | 435 | 76,368 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Fiat 500c
The most common reason the Fiat 500c fails its MOT is suspension — present in 61.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 61.5% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 38.2% | Not working |
| Brakes | 23.9% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Tyres | 21.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 12.4% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 9.9% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.3% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Steering | 1.5% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.3% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.3% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
Buying a used Fiat 500c: what to check
These checks follow the Fiat 500c’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Fiat 500c comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 91.9% to 76.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 89.5% down to 74.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 61.5% of failed Fiat 500c MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 29.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 38.2% of failed Fiat 500c MOTs. 25.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.3% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 23.9% of failed Fiat 500c MOTs. 20.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 0.6% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 21.5% of failed Fiat 500c MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 12.4% of failed Fiat 500c MOTs. 4.3% of tests at 10–15 years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.8% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Fiat service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Fiat models
- Fiat Punto — 63.8% pass rate
- Fiat Doblo — 69.9% pass rate
- Fiat 500x — 81.3% pass rate
- Fiat 500l — 70.8% pass rate
- Fiat Tipo — 78.8% pass rate
- Fiat Auto Trail — 93.5% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Fiat 500c?
- 74.2% of Fiat 500c MOT tests pass, based on 36,373 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Fiat 500c?
- The most common reason the Fiat 500c fails its MOT is suspension — present in 61.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Fiat 500c?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Fiat 500c are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes. Rare on young cars, but 29.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Fiat 500c?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; tyres; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Fiat 500c's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Fiat service history guide for how to check and keep one.