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Fiat Cinquecento
Common Car Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

57 identified problems160 MOT failure types141K MOT tests analysed1991–1998

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Fiat Cinquecento has 57 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Brake performance below minimum being the most reported. Tyres & Wheels is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 141K MOT tests from DVSA data.

Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →

Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Fiat Cinquecento — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.

Fiat Cinquecento MOT Pass Rate

Across 141K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Fiat Cinquecento (1991–1998) has a fail rate of 55.1%.

All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%

64K passed78K failed

Common Fiat Cinquecento Problems

Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.

Tier:
Sort by:
Tier:MOT ProblemMOT ProblemUnexpected failure — a pattern we've highlighted as occurring significantly more often on this make/model than the UK average.Wear & TearWear & TearDegrades naturally over time with use. Expected to need replacement during the life of the vehicle.ConsumableConsumableRoutine replacement item — brake pads, tyres, bulbs, wiper blades. Expected as part of normal servicing.
Severity:DangerousDangerousMOT failure with an immediate safety risk. The vehicle cannot be driven until the problem is repaired.MajorMajorMOT failure. Must be repaired for the vehicle to pass its MOT.MinorMinorMOT failure on a smaller issue. The car passes its MOT but the problem should be repaired soon.

Brake performance below minimum

MOT ProblemMajorBrakes

37,752

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 6.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 65,419 mi

Wiper blades deteriorated

MOT ProblemMajorBodywork

15,176

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.3× the UK averageAvg mileage: 65,360 mi

Windscreen washer not working

ConsumableMajorBodywork

14,775

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.7× the UK averageAvg mileage: 66,994 mi

Catalytic converter efficiency low

MOT ProblemMajorExhaust

12,477

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.8× the UK averageAvg mileage: 71,302 mi

Front lamp not working

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

11,485

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 70,214 mi

Tell Us About Your Problem

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Your report helps other car owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being published.

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Problems by mileage

Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Fiat Cinquecento, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

347 distinct problems · 353,025 total occurrences in current filter

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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Fiat Cinquecento problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Fiat Cinquecento Cinquecento (1991–1998), we have identified 57 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Brake performance below minimum". Tyres & Wheels is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Fiat Cinquecento?

This generation has 141K MOT tests on record with a 55.1% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.

What commonly fails the MOT on a Fiat Cinquecento?

There are 160 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Cinquecento (1991–1998), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.

Can I report a problem with my Fiat Cinquecento?

Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Fiat Cinquecento owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.

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