Fiat 500 (2016)
2016 Fiat 500
CarHunch analysed 31,910 real MOT records for the 2016 Fiat 500. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2016 FIAT 500 passes its MOT slightly above the UK average at 82.8%, which is reassuring, but a significant concern lurks underneath: nearly one in three of these cars (30.4%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point. This is well above acceptable levels and suggests buyers should factor in closer mechanical scrutiny before purchase.
At just 32,700 miles median, these 500s are genuinely low-mileage examples for their age, yet they're still averaging 1.57 failures per test and racking up 10.2 advisories—indicating that age and sitting idle matter as much as miles driven. Before committing to one, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on brake components, suspension, and electrical systems, where age-related issues typically emerge on Fiats of this generation.
What to check before buying a 2016 Fiat 500
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 30.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Fiat 500
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 31,832 | 82.8% | 1.57 |
| Diesel (0%) | 67 | 76% | 1.63 |
| Other (0%) | 7 | 85.4% | 0.71 |
| Electric (0%) | 1 | 66.7% | 1 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
| Hybrid Electric (Clean) (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles fall between 23,616 and 43,060 miles.
2016 Fiat 500 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 29,946 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 99% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2016 Fiat 500
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
40.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
39.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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33.9%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
-
26.4%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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24.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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21.6%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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20.8%
Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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20.6%
Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Fiat 500?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.