2015 Fiat 500L: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Fiat 500L?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Fiat 500L than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Track rod ends4.8× usual
  Fiat 500L

  14% All 2015 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 1.4% of all 2015 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
  Fiat 500L

  5.4% All 2015 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Steering rack inner joints4× usual
  Fiat 500L

  3.2% All 2015 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Brake lights2.1× usual
  Fiat 500L

  4.2% All 2015 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.6% of all 2015 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.

Common 2015 Fiat 500L MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Fiat 500L MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  29% 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
  26% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Fiat 500L

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2015 Fiat 500L as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2015 Fiat 500L as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2015 Fiat 500L as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?