2009 Fiat 500: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Fiat 500s, from 18,024 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 2009 Fiat 500s than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Shock absorbers2.7× usualFiat 50020.3% All 2009 cars7.5%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 system2.3× usualFiat 50019.6% All 2009 cars8.4%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Coil springs1.7× usualFiat 50021.2% All 2009 cars12.4%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 bushes4.4× usualFiat 5004% All 2009 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: 1.9% here, against 7.5% of all 2009 cars. Track rod end: 1.3% here, against 5.4% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Fiat 500 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension57% 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.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Brakes33% 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.
- Lights and electrics32% 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 emissions21% 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 leaks14% 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% |
| 2008 | 9,991 | Suspension 55% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Fiat 500s registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score