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Fiat 500L Mk1 (2013-2022) reliability

At a glance

Fiat 500L Mk1 built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average

Fiat 500L Mk1 models built around 2018 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Fiat 500L Mk1?

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

Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Fiat 500L Mk1 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

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

Fiat 500L Mk1
poor reliability2013-2022MPVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 23,339 tests of 500L models registered 2013-2022.

About 1 in 25 500L Mk1 MOTs (4.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,024 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 500L Mk1 MOTs (5.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 1,024 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 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
9316.1%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
17114.0%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
11320.3%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
40526.2%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,02427.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,51827.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,86525.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
5,89228.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,45329.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,80529.5%

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 12 years old.

How the 500L Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the 500L Mk1 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
9316.1%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
17114.0%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
11320.3%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
40526.2%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,02427.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,51827.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,86525.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
5,89228.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,45329.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,80529.5%

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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

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 people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 500L Mk1.

  1. 1

    Kia Venga

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.7%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.8%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 27.4% for the Fiat 500L Mk1, both built around 2018.

    5,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Hyundai ix20

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.5%, against 27.4% for the Fiat 500L Mk1, both built around 2018.

    3,239 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Verso

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90%

    Lower fail rate: 16.4%, against 27.4% for the Fiat 500L Mk1, both built around 2018.

    1,716 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.7%

    Lower fail rate: 17.7%, against 27.4% for the Fiat 500L Mk1, both built around 2018.

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

    1,057 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.

Recall context

2 recalls in all

Both 500L Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Supplementary heater wiring may become damaged and cause an electrical short-circuit
  • Due to incorrect type approval data processing the manufacturer's plate (VIN plate) and registration document must be re

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

How 500L Mk1 cars have aged

How 500L Mk1 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%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (151 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (140 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (124 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (126 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (122 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (136 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (576 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (510 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (543 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (541 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (571 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (733 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (743 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (727 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (741 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (748 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (1,411 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (1,391 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (1,363 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (1,396 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (1,369 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (2,516 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (2,451 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (2,473 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (2,522 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (2,526 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (6,134 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (6,067 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (5,994 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (5,898 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (5,733 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (3,345 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (3,187 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (3,084 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (2,919 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (2,805 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2021First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
Mk1 variants compared

500L Mk1 variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each 500L Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 500L28.4%726 tests

Diesel

  • 500L25.2%298 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Fiat 500L models of this age

This list covers every Fiat 500L built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 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

    17.6%
    Advisory: 249Fail: 14 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    17.3%
    Advisory: 267Fail: 20 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    12.0%
    Advisory: 159Fail: 6 (4% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    9.8%
    Advisory: 109Fail: 40 (27% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.2%
    Advisory: 95Fail: 21 (18% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,024 tests

Looking at a Fiat 500L Mk1?

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 500L Mk1 (2013-2022) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,024 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 23,339 MOT tests on Fiat 500L models first registered between 2013-2022. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.