2011 · 13 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2011 Fiat 500 L MOT pass rate and common faults

351 MOT tests in 2024. 60.1% passed first time, compared with 61.8% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time60.1%
Failed or needed repairs39.9%
Typical mileage at test70,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 351 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits7.4%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.0%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.1%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.8%
  6. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush2.8%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.3%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.0%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.0%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics21.7%
  2. Suspension21.4%
  3. Emissions & leaks11.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  5. Body & chassis8.8%
  6. Brakes8.0%
  7. Tyres7.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.1%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases16.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.7%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened12.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 500 L years2012 500 L →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Fiat 500 L?

In 2024, 60.1% of 2011 Fiat 500 L cars passed their MOT first time, across 351 tests. The average for all 13-year-old cars was 61.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2011 Fiat 500 L?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2011 Fiat 500 L reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).