2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Fiat 500 MOT pass rate and common faults

12,833 MOT tests in 2024. 87.4% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time87.4%
Failed or needed repairs12.6%
Typical mileage at test20,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 12,833 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.3%
    407 marked dangerous
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
    181 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.8%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.5%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    79 marked dangerous
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.5%
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.8%
  2. Lights & electrics3.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.9%
  4. Brakes2.1%
  5. Suspension1.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.4%
  7. Body & chassis0.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.1%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. 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 2020 Fiat 500?

In 2024, 87.4% of 2020 Fiat 500 cars passed their MOT first time, across 12,833 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Fiat 500?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Fiat 500 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).