2008 Fiat 500: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Fiat 500s, from 9,991 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Fiat 500s than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Shock absorbers2.3× usualFiat 50018.2% All 2008 cars8%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Exhaust system2× usualFiat 50018.3% All 2008 cars9%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Coil springs1.6× usualFiat 50020.1% All 2008 cars12.2%Rough price £120–£300
At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Front strut mounts and bushes5.2× usualFiat 5004.7% All 2008 cars0.9%Rough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Rigid brake pipes: 2.8% here, against 9.6% of all 2008 cars. Number plate lights: 3.9% here, against 8.9% of all 2008 cars.
By area
The share of 2008 Fiat 500 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension55% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes35% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres34% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics34% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Oil and fluid leaks13% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 18,955 | Tyres 33% |
| 2018 | 23,575 | Tyres 33% |
| 2017 | 22,604 | Tyres 33% |
| 2016 | 31,256 | Suspension 42% |
| 2015 | 36,718 | Suspension 46% |
| 2014 | 38,226 | Suspension 47% |
| 2013 | 32,038 | Suspension 48% |
| 2012 | 26,118 | Suspension 52% |
| 2011 | 18,144 | Suspension 52% |
| 2010 | 19,144 | Suspension 53% |
| 2009 | 18,024 | Suspension 57% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Fiat 500s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score