Fiat

Fiat 500l (2014)

7,256 real MOT outcomes analysed • 78.1% first-time pass rate

2014 Fiat 500l

CarHunch analysed 7,256 real MOT records for the 2014 Fiat 500l. 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 Petrol vs Diesel Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2014 Fiat 500L has a first-time MOT pass rate of 78.1%, marginally below the UK average of 80%, and this becomes a genuine concern when you learn that nearly half of these vehicles (47.5%) have suffered a dangerous defect at some point—significantly higher than typical. Diesel models, which make up the bulk of the cohort, fare slightly worse at 77.8% pass rate versus petrol's 79.4%, suggesting fuel choice matters here.

At 57,000 miles median mileage for a ten-year-old car, these 500Ls have been reasonably well-used but not excessively driven, yet they're averaging 2.65 failures per test and a substantial 14 advisories each, pointing to cumulative wear in suspension, cooling, and exhaust components. Before purchasing, have a pre-sale inspection focus on the dangerous defect history—specifically brakes, steering, and suspension—since the prevalence rate is so high for this generation.

The 2014 Fiat 500l has a decent first-time pass rate (78.1%), 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
78.1%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
47.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.65
Over 11.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
57k
Middle half: 45k–70k
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 14 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 7,256 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 7,256 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 59.4%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside 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.
Brake wear 35.1%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 29.7%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Oil leak, but not excessive
Suspension & steering 25.5%
Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 7,256 Fiat 500l cars.

UK

Petrol vs Diesel

Pass rate difference of 1.6 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.

79.4%
Petrol
1,402 vehicles
77.8%
Diesel
5,853 vehicles

Before you buy a 2014 Fiat 500l

Based on MOT data from 7,256 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 47.5% 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 (81%) 5,853 77.8% 2.69
Petrol (19%) 1,402 79.4% 2.49

Colour Breakdown

Based on 21,990 Fiat 500l vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 25.8%
5,664
White 23.5%
5,160
Grey 12.8%
2,812
Black 9.3%
2,035
Yellow 7.4%
1,628
Green 7.2%
1,588
Blue 6.2%
1,365
Silver 3.9%
864
Beige 1.9%
415
Cream 0.8%
173
Orange 0.7%
145
Bronze 0.6%
141

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 Fiat 500l 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.

57,064
typical
44,566
low mileage
69,998
high mileage

Half of all 2014 Fiat 500l vehicles fall between 44,566 and 69,998 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 44,566 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.
44,566–69,998 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 Fiat 500ls sit.
Over 94,497 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 500l — Still on the Road

Most 2014 Fiat 500ls are still being driven.

Strong survival — 6,239 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 89% of the peak.

6,993 6,239 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* 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

11.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.65
Avg failures per vehicle
14
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Fiat 500l: All 500l years → Which year to buy? →
2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

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Compare with another model

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

Watch for defects — worth knowing