2016 Fiat 500L: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Fiat 500Ls, from 1,611 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 2016 Fiat 500Ls than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Track rod ends4.9× usualFiat 500L15.3% All 2016 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 1.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usualFiat 500L11.2% All 2016 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Brake lights2.6× usualFiat 500L4.7% All 2016 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Steering rack inner joints3.8× usualFiat 500L3% All 2016 cars0.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Suspension arm4.1× usualFiat 500L2.9% All 2016 cars0.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Shock absorbers: 1.8% here, against 4.3% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Fiat 500L MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension32% 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.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes23% 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 electrics14% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions5% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 601 | Suspension 33% |
| 2017 | 878 | Tyres 34% |
| 2015 | 2,950 | Suspension 36% |
| 2014 | 6,574 | Suspension 37% |
| 2013 | 3,983 | Suspension 36% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Fiat 500Ls registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score