2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Fiat 500L MOT pass rate and common faults

188 MOT tests in 2024. 72.3% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time72.3%
Failed or needed repairs27.7%
Typical mileage at test16,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 188 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively18.6%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle1.1%
  5. Headlamp aim: too high1.1%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low1.1%
  7. Rear reflectors: missing0.5%
  8. Brake pads: worn down to wear indicator0.5%
  9. Rear fog lamp: does not emit a steady red light0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)18.6%
  2. Lights & electrics6.4%
  3. Tyres3.2%
  4. Brakes3.2%
  5. Suspension1.6%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.5%
  8. Steering0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.6%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.7%
  3. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre3.2%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.7%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2019 500LAll 500L years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Fiat 500L?

In 2024, 72.3% of 2021 Fiat 500L cars passed their MOT first time, across 188 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Fiat 500L?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors).

Is the 2021 Fiat 500L reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).