2016 Fiat 500L diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Fiat 500L diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Fiat 500L diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Track rod ends4.2× usual
  Fiat 500L

  9.6% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.1% of all 2016 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Fiat 500L

  8.3% All 2016 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.9% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Engine warning light2.9× usual
  Fiat 500L

  4% All 2016 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.4% of all 2016 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.7× usual
  Fiat 500L

  2.8% All 2016 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Fiat 500L diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Fiat 500L diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  31% 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
  25% 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
  24% 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
  13% 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
  4% 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 2016 Fiat 500L 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2016 Fiat 500L diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2016 Fiat 500L diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2016 Fiat 500L diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?