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Fiat 500 Mk1 (312) (2008-2023) reliability

At a glance

Fiat 500 Mk1 (312) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Fiat 500 Mk1 (312) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Fiat 500 Mk1 (312) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

20% of MOT tests on Fiat 500 Mk1 (312) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Fiat 500 Mk1 (312) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Fiat 500 Mk1 (312)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2008-2023HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 447,078 tests of 500 models registered 2008-2023.

About 1 in 10 petrol 500 cars registered in 2022 (9.4%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 10,992 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

About 1 in 30 500 Mk1 (312) MOTs (3.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 28,377 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 500 Mk1 (312) MOTs (5.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 28,377 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (312) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
15,4129.5%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
15,03611.8%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
18,57614.6%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
27,67217.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
28,37719.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
33,93722.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
44,42125.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
54,03726.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
51,76227.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
41,89527.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
32,65129.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
26,90630.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
30,11031.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
18,94932.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
7,33732.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 17 years old.

How the 500 Mk1 (312) compares

At each age below, see how the 500 Mk1 (312) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 46,069 tests across 9 Fiat models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFiat average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
15,4129.5%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
15,03611.8%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
18,57614.6%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
27,67217.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
28,37719.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
33,93722.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
44,42125.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
54,03726.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
51,76227.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
41,89527.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
32,65129.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
26,90630.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
30,11031.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
18,94932.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
7,33732.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 500 Mk1 (312).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    Lower fail rate: 14.2%, against 19.7% for the Fiat 500 Mk1 (312), both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    15,657 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.5%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 19.7% for the Fiat 500 Mk1 (312), both built around 2018.

    5,662 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.2%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 19.7% for the Fiat 500 Mk1 (312), both built around 2018.

    25,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Skoda Citigo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    3.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.3%, against 19.7% for the Fiat 500 Mk1 (312), both built around 2018.

    6,553 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

96%of all Fiat 500 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

23 recalls in all

20 of the 23 500 Mk1 (312) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 18 more

Top concerns

  • Fuel may leak leading in extreme cases to fire
  • The wrong airbag may deploy in a collision
  • Incorrect information on the registration document and CoC (certificate of conformity)

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 500 Mk1 (312) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,872 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
17%
Emissions
3%

Wear items

Tyres
19%
Brakes
12%
Lighting
9%

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol 500 tests (not specific to Mk1 (312)).

Under 1.0 litre20.8%686 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres19.7%27,568 tests1.4 to 2.0 litresToo few tests to rely on122 tests
How 500 Mk1 (312) cars have aged

How 500 Mk1 (312) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%20%30%357911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (10,325 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (9,431 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (10,955 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (10,373 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (10,204 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 9.4% (18,352 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (17,102 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (16,884 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (17,101 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.8% (20,168 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (18,853 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (18,615 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (18,319 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (18,317 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (18,905 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (18,855 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (18,679 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.1% (18,365 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (18,342 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (26,292 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (25,632 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (25,527 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (25,472 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (25,140 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (31,887 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (31,359 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (31,147 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (30,736 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (30,420 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (32,619 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (32,222 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (31,746 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (31,370 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (30,842 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (28,141 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (27,815 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (27,257 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (26,766 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (25,735 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (23,402 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (22,852 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (22,229 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (21,802 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (20,895 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (17,667 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (17,259 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (16,805 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (16,394 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (15,667 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (18,855 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (18,347 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (17,972 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (17,265 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (16,409 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (15,434 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (14,739 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (14,144 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (13,426 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (12,296 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (9,946 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (9,546 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (8,916 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (8,335 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (7,337 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as Mk1 (312) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (312) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension5%11%17%27%
Brakes4%8%12%16%
Emissions1%2%3%5%
Tyres10%12%19%25%
Lighting4%7%9%9%
SteeringNo figureNo figureNo figure1%
Corrosion0%1%2%4%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 308 to 1,872 cars at each age.

Mk1 (312) variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Fiat 500 models of this age

This list covers every Fiat 500 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (312) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.8%
    Advisory: 7,516Fail: 540 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    16.1%
    Advisory: 6,202Fail: 1,008 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    15.4%
    Advisory: 4,695Fail: 2,000 (30% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    13.3%
    Advisory: 4,796Fail: 76 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    6.5%
    Advisory: 1,803Fail: 333 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 28,377 tests

Looking at a Fiat 500 Mk1 (312) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Fiat 500 Mk1 (312) (2008-2023) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 28,377 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 447,078 MOT tests on Fiat 500 models first registered between 2008-2023. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.