2013 Fiat 500L petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Fiat 500L petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Fiat 500L petrol than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Exhaust system2.8× usual
  Fiat 500L

  11.5% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Transmission oil leaks6.8× usual
  Fiat 500L

  4.1% All 2013 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2013 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Fiat 500L

  8% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.9× usual
  Fiat 500L

  3.1% All 2013 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.8% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

Common 2013 Fiat 500L petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Fiat 500L petrol 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.

• Brakes
  28% 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.

• Suspension
  27% 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 electrics
  17% 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
  12% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Fiat 500L petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2013 Fiat 500L petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 6.8× as often on the 2013 Fiat 500L petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2013 Fiat 500L petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?