2010 Fiat 500C diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Fiat 500C diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Fiat 500C diesel than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Shock absorbers3.7× usual
  Fiat 500C

  26.9% All 2010 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2010 Fiat 500C diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Fiat 500C diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  63% 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
  38% 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
  37% 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
  33% 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 leaks
  13% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  9% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Fiat 500C diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2010 Fiat 500C diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?