2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Fiat 500 L MOT pass rate and common faults

254 MOT tests in 2024. 60.2% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time60.2%
Failed or needed repairs39.8%
Typical mileage at test67,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 254 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits9.1%
  2. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush5.9%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.5%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.5%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.9%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.5%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.1%
    13 marked dangerous
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.1%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  10. Stop lamp: not working2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension24.0%
  2. Lights & electrics18.1%
  3. Emissions & leaks13.4%
  4. Brakes11.8%
  5. Body & chassis9.4%
  6. Tyres7.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened19.7%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened15.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.2%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.2%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Fiat 500 L?

In 2024, 60.2% of 2012 Fiat 500 L cars passed their MOT first time, across 254 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Fiat 500 L?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2012 Fiat 500 L reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).