2020 Fiat 500 hybrid: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the hybrid Fiat 500 first registered in 2020 (hybrid cars only): we looked at the 350 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 350 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2020 Fiat 500 hybrid MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2020 Fiat 500 hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes7% 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.
- Suspension6% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics5% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults on the 2020 Fiat 500 hybrid
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.
- Manual gearbox
Worn clutch (ex-learner cars)
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
- All engines
Several recalls by build date
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
- All engines
Warning lights and electrical faults
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 2020 Fiat 500 hybrid
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the clutch been replaced, and was it ever a driving school car?
- Has all the recall work been done?
- Have there been any electrical faults?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Fiat 500?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Fiat 500 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 736 | Tyres 14% |
| 2022 | 12,661 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 24,941 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 63,151 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 69,716 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 67,138 | Tyres 33% |
| 2016 | 92,729 | Suspension 35% |
| 2015 | 109,474 | Suspension 42% |
| 2014 | 120,269 | Suspension 43% |
| 2013 | 103,909 | Suspension 44% |
| 2012 | 82,129 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 60,514 | Suspension 49% |
| 2010 | 60,893 | Suspension 51% |
| 2009 | 57,781 | Suspension 55% |
| 2008 | 32,374 | Suspension 53% |
| 2007 | 373 | Suspension 51% |
| 1973 | – | Too few tests |
| 1972 | – | Too few tests |
| 1971 | – | Too few tests |
| 1970 | – | Too few tests |
| 1969 | – | Too few tests |
| 1968 | – | Too few tests |
| 1967 | – | Too few tests |
| 1966 | – | Too few tests |
| 1965 | – | Too few tests |
| 1964 | – | Too few tests |
| 1963 | – | Too few tests |
| 1938 | – | Too few tests |
| 1937 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Fiat 500 cars first registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score