2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Fiat 500C MOT pass rate and common faults

1,977 MOT tests in 2024. 61.9% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time61.9%
Failed or needed repairs38.1%
Typical mileage at test61,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,977 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak6.1%
  2. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush5.7%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.6%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.8%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    66 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4%
    56 marked dangerous
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.1%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.7%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension26.5%
  2. Lights & electrics16.7%
  3. Brakes9.6%
  4. Tyres8.7%
  5. Body & chassis5.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks4.7%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  8. Steering0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.6%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened12.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.4%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak9.6%

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: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. 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 500C?

In 2024, 61.9% of 2012 Fiat 500C cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,977 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

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

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; 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 500C reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).