2017 Fiat 500 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

Common 2017 Fiat 500 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Fiat 500 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• 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.

• 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
  9% 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
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Rust and bodywork
  1% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Known faults on the 2017 Fiat 500 diesel

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.

• Worn clutch (ex-learner cars)

  Manual gearbox

  Lots of 500s were driving school cars, which can wear the clutch early. Owners also report costly gearbox faults.

  At the viewing: On the test drive, accelerate hard in a high gear. If the revs rise without the car speeding up, the clutch is slipping. Notchy changes are another warning sign.

  If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat 500 advice

• Several recalls by build date

  All engines

  There have been recalls for driveshafts, brakes, steering and lights, plus a fuel leak that could stall early cars built in autumn 2008.

  At the viewing: Ask a Fiat dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat 500 advice

• Warning lights and electrical faults

  All engines

  Owners often report dashboard warning lights and electrical gremlins.

  At the viewing: Make sure every warning light comes on and then goes out at start-up, and test the air con and electrics.

  Source: What Car?: used Fiat 500 advice

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Fiat 500 diesel

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

1. Has the clutch been replaced, and was it ever a driving school car?
2. Has all the recall work been done?
3. Have there been any electrical faults?
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?