Fiat

Fiat 500 L (2014)

1,527 real MOT outcomes analysed • 78.6% first-time pass rate

2014 Fiat 500 L

CarHunch analysed 1,527 real MOT records for the 2014 Fiat 500 L. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2014 Fiat 500L falls just short of the UK average with a 78.6% pass rate, but the real concern is that 45.6% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—nearly double the typical threshold for buyer alarm. Diesel and petrol variants perform similarly (78.2% vs 79.7%), so fuel choice won't materially change your odds of passing.

These 500Ls are averaging 54,000 miles at test time, which is typical for their age, yet they're racking up 2.63 failures and 13.7 advisories per vehicle—suggesting aging electrics, wear items, and suspension components are becoming problematic. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical gremlins and have a mechanic specifically check the cooling system and suspension, as these appear to be where this model struggles.

The 2014 Fiat 500 L has a decent first-time pass rate (78.6%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
78.6%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
45.7%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.63
Over 11.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
54k
Middle half: 41k–69k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 13.7 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,527 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,527 Fiat 500 L cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2014 Fiat 500 L

Based on MOT data from 1,527 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 45.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (78%) 1,188 78.2% 2.67
Petrol (22%) 339 79.7% 2.49

Colour Breakdown

Based on 4,540 Fiat 500 L vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 30.9%
1,402
Red 23.9%
1,087
Grey 11.6%
526
Black 9%
410
Green 8.3%
376
Yellow 5.2%
238
Blue 5.1%
233
Silver 3.5%
161
Beige 2%
91
Purple 0.2%
11
Orange 0.1%
5

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 Fiat 500 L vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

54,098
typical
40,915
low mileage
68,905
high mileage

Half of all 2014 Fiat 500 L vehicles fall between 40,915 and 68,905 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 40,915 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
40,915–68,905 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 Fiat 500 Ls sit.
Over 93,021 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2014 Fiat 500 L — Still on the Road

Most 2014 Fiat 500 Ls are still being driven.

Strong survival — 1,308 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 89% of the peak.

261 1,308 2016 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2016–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

11.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.63
Avg failures per vehicle
13.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Fiat 500 L: All 500 L years → Which year to buy? →
2011 2012 2013

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Compare with another model

See how the 2014 Fiat 500 L stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing