Used car guide

2016 Fiat 500X: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Fiat 500Xs, from 13,699 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

13,699MOT tests in 2025
67%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
6,900typical miles a year
6.9×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Fiat 500Xs than on all cars registered in 2016.

  • Track rod ends6.9× usual
    Fiat 500X
    21.3% All 2016 cars
    3.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.4%, 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) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Sidelights7.4× usual
    Fiat 500X
    10.4% All 2016 cars
    1.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 1.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3.8× usual
    Fiat 500X
    3.8% All 2016 cars
    1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.4% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Engine warning light2.2× usual
    Fiat 500X
    3.3% All 2016 cars
    1.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Better than most

Coil springs: 1.1% here, against 4.1% of all 2016 cars. Shock absorbers: 1.6% here, against 4.3% of all 2016 cars.

By area

The share of 2016 Fiat 500X MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    34% 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.

  • Suspension
    34% 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.

  • Brakes
    24% 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 electrics
    16% 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 mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    5% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Looking at a Fiat 500X?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022869Tyres 34%
20211,629Tyres 27%
20202,112Tyres 32%
20193,390Tyres 34%
20182,864Tyres 34%
20174,680Tyres 35%
20157,094Suspension 36%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Fiat 500Xs registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score