MOT failure data · 2025
Fiat 500L MOT problems
Across every Fiat 500L that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was coil spring fractured or broken, on 12.05% of failure items. The broadest problem area was suspension at 28.06%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Fiat 500L MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring fractured or broken | Suspension | 12.05% |
| 2 | Pins and bushes pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.93% |
| 3 | Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Steering | 5.8% |
| 4 | Rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 5.37% |
| 5 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.28% |
| 6 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 4.23% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.06% |
| 8 | Track rod end ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 3.76% |
| 9 | Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.91% |
| 10 | Condition has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 2.46% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Fiat 500L, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Fiat 500L buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Fiat 500L?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Fiat models
- Fiat 500 MOT problems
- Fiat Panda MOT problems
- Fiat Ducato MOT problems
- Fiat Punto MOT problems
- Fiat Doblo MOT problems
- Fiat 500X MOT problems
Fiat 500L MOT FAQs
What does a Fiat 500L most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Fiat 500L cars failing their 2025 MOT was "coil spring fractured or broken", appearing on 12.05% of failure items.
Does this mean my Fiat 500L will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Fiat 500L that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Fiat 500L passed 67.67% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Fiat 500L's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Fiat 500L MOT pass rate · used Fiat 500L buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.