Fiat 500l MOT pass rate and common problems
70.8% of 30,205 Fiat 500l MOT tests pass.
At 70.8%, the 500l passes slightly less often than the average across all Fiat models (74.3%).
The Fiat 500l passes 70.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Fiat 500l?
This is the average across every Fiat 500l 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
Unusually, pass rate is higher for older examples: 76.4% at 0–3 years compared with 89.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 76.4% | 182 | 18,141 miles |
| 3–6 years | 84.5% | 856 | 31,111 miles |
| 6–10 years | 72.6% | 13,456 | 62,836 miles |
| 10–15 years | 68.4% | 15,656 | 77,510 miles |
| 15+ years | 89.1% | 55 | 46,901 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Fiat 500l
The most common reason the Fiat 500l fails its MOT is suspension — present in 38.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 38.8% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 35.1% | Not working |
| Brakes | 28.6% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Tyres | 20.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 11.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Steering | 11.3% | Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 7.1% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.2% | Buckle not functioning as intended |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.5% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Fiat 500l: what to check
These checks follow the Fiat 500l’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 500l comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 84.5% to 72.6%. 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: 83.2% down to 75.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 38.8% of failed Fiat 500l MOTs. 16.8% of tests at 10–15 years failed on suspension, against 1.1% at 0–3 years.
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 35.1% of failed Fiat 500l MOTs. 13.1% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.9% 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 28.6% of failed Fiat 500l MOTs. 16.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.7% 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 20.4% of failed Fiat 500l 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 11.6% of failed Fiat 500l MOTs.
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 Doblo — 69.9% pass rate
- Fiat 500x — 81.3% pass rate
- Fiat 500c — 74.2% pass rate
- Fiat Tipo — 78.8% pass rate
- Fiat Auto Trail — 93.5% pass rate
- Fiat Grande Punto — 62.9% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Fiat 500l?
- 70.8% of Fiat 500l MOT tests pass, based on 30,205 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Fiat 500l?
- The most common reason the Fiat 500l fails its MOT is suspension — present in 38.8% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Fiat 500l?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Fiat 500l are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes. 16.8% of tests at 10–15 years failed on suspension, against 1.1% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Fiat 500l?
- 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 500l'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.