At a Glance
The Fiat 500l has 15 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 500L (2012-2022) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 136K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Fiat 500l common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Fiat 500l generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Fiat 500l Generations
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Most Common Fiat 500l MOT Failures
Every reason Fiat 500l vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 12.94% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 9.75% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 9.03% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.57% |
| 5 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.37% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.28% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 5.23% |
| 8 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.36% |
| 9 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.19% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.99% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.85% |
| 12 | Headlamp fault | 2.84% |
| 13 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.31% |
| 14 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.26% |
| 15 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.75% |
| 16 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.71% |
| 17 | Exhaust system fault | 1.18% |
| 18 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.13% |
| 19 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.11% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.11% |
| 21 | Indicator fault | 1.09% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.73% |
| 23 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.62% |
| 24 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.57% |
| 25 | Driveshaft fault | 0.52% |
| 26 | Brake lever fault | 0.45% |
| 27 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.45% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.44% |
| 29 | Airbag warning light on | 0.43% |
| 30 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.40% |
| 31 | Front lamp not working | 0.37% |
| 32 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.33% |
| 33 | Front suspension fault | 0.32% |
| 34 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.31% |
| 35 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.27% |
| 36 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.27% |
| 37 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.24% |
| 38 | Rear lamp not working | 0.24% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.24% |
| 40 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.23% |
| 41 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.22% |
| 42 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.21% |
| 43 | Parking brake condition | 0.21% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.20% |
| 45 | Engine oil leak | 0.19% |
| 46 | Steering rack fault | 0.17% |
| 47 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.16% |
| 48 | Seat belt condition | 0.16% |
| 49 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.13% |
| 50 | Rear suspension fault | 0.13% |
| 51 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.12% |
| 52 | Chassis condition | 0.12% |
| 53 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 54 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.11% |
| 56 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 57 | Driver seat fault | 0.10% |
| 58 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 59 | Fog lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 60 | Brake pedal fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 62 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 63 | Drag link end worn | 0.08% |
| 64 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 65 | ABS fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 67 | Front passenger door fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.07% |
| 69 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 73 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 75 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 76 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 77 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 78 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.03% |
| 79 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Steering box fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Brake fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 83 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.02% |
| 84 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 87 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Spare wheel fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.02% |
| 94 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 95 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 96 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 98 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 99 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.01% |
| 102 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.01% |
| 103 | Stub axle worn | 0.01% |
| 104 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 105 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 106 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 107 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Reversing lamp switch fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Steering free play excessive | 0.01% |
| 110 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 111 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 112 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 113 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 114 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 116 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 117 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 128 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 139 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 144 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 151 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
Showing all 151 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Fiat 500l MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Fiat 500l, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Fiat 500l problems?
Based on analysis of 136K Fiat 500l MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 15 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Coil spring broken or corroded". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Fiat 500l generation has the most problems?
The Fiat 500l 500L (2012-2022) (2012–2022) has the highest number of identified common problems (17). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Fiat 500l?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Fiat 500l owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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