Fiat

Fiat 500c (2015)

2,612 real MOT outcomes analysed • 81.2% first-time pass rate

2015 Fiat 500c

CarHunch analysed 2,612 real MOT records for the 2015 Fiat 500c. 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 Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2015 Fiat 500C passes its MOT on the first try 81.2% of the time, just edging past the UK average of 80%—a solid result that suggests broadly decent reliability. However, 35.9% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is notably high and should concern any prospective buyer; this is a red flag worth investigating on a pre-purchase inspection.

These cars are running at a median of 34,692 miles, which is reasonable for their age, yet they average 2.03 failures per test and rack up 13.3 advisories, indicating that while they often pass, they accumulate niggling issues over time. Before committing to one, get a thorough pre-purchase history check and factor in the cost of addressing common advisories—convertible electrics and trim are often culprits on the 500C.

The 2015 Fiat 500c has a decent first-time pass rate (81.2%), 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
81.2%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
35.9%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.03
Over 9.9 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
35k
Middle half: 26k–46k
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 13.3 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 2,612 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

What tends to go wrong

Across 2,612 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 50.4%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Suspension & steering 39.3%
Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil · Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil · Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 33.6%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 15.7%
Oil leak, but not excessive

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2015.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,612 Fiat 500c cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2015 Fiat 500c

Based on MOT data from 2,612 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 35.9% 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
Petrol (100%) 2,602 81.1% 2.04

Colour Breakdown

Based on 17,905 Fiat 500c vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 37.3%
6,670
Blue 14.1%
2,521
Red 12.1%
2,169
Grey 10.1%
1,806
Black 8%
1,434
Green 6.3%
1,126
Pink 4.7%
838
Beige 3.1%
561
Yellow 1.6%
289
Purple 1.5%
265
Orange 0.7%
127
Silver 0.6%
99

Mileage Distribution

Most 2015 Fiat 500c 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.

34,692
typical
25,861
low mileage
46,084
high mileage

Half of all 2015 Fiat 500c vehicles fall between 25,861 and 46,084 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 25,861 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.
25,861–46,084 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2015 Fiat 500cs sit.
Over 62,213 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2015 Fiat 500c — Still on the Road

Almost all 2015 Fiat 500cs are still on the road.

Strong survival — 2,464 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 99% of the peak.

2,473 2,464 2018 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
* 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

9.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.03
Avg failures per vehicle
13.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Fiat 500c: All 500c years → Which year to buy? →
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2016 2017 2018

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Compare with another model

See how the 2015 Fiat 500c stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing