2021 Fiat 500X Cross +: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Fiat 500X Cross +s, from 104 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 104 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2021 Fiat 500X Cross + MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Brakes12% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension4% 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.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks1% 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.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Poor reliability recordAll engines
The 500X and its Jeep Renegade twin have done poorly in What Car?'s surveys, with electrical faults, warning lights, infotainment glitches and diesel engine management problems that can be costly out of warranty.
At the viewing: Test the electrics and check no warnings stay on.
- Rear seat latch and gearbox recallsSome cars
About 25,500 cars were recalled because the rear seat back could unlatch in a crash. Others covered airbag software, an automatic that could slip into neutral, and the 48-volt battery on mild hybrids.
At the viewing: Ask a Fiat dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Looking at a Fiat 500X Cross +?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Fiat 500X Cross +s registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score