Fiat 124 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Fiat 124 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 98 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 270 of 442, and 15.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is wipers (2.4% of tests).
Ranked 270 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,820 Fiat 124s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 15.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Fiat 124 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
15.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
4,700
Typical age at test: 6 years
Fiat 124 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Fiat 124 MOT faults
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2% of tests
- Position lamp: not working1.7% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.3% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too high1.0% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9% of tests
What the Fiat 124 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 5.1% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Brakes | 4.4% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Visibility | 3.6% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Tyres | 3.1% | ▼ 31% less often |
| Suspension | 2.2% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.6% | ▼ 35% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 32% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.1% | ▼ 90% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 74% less often |
| Steering | 0.0% | ▼ 94% less often |
What MPG does the Fiat 124 do?
Official economy for the Fiat 124 ranges from 44.1 to 44.1mpg across the 1 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2018–2018). A typical petrol version manages 44.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Fiat 124?
Any Fiat 124 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Fiat 124 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carFiat 124 specs and running costs
Official figures for 1 versions sold in the UK between 2018 and 2018.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
44.1 mpg
CO2
148 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124 Spider, September 2016 Onwards 1.4 MultiAir 140 bhpM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 148g | £200 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Fiat 124 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 44.1mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Fiat 124Buying a used Fiat 124?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Fiat models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Fiat 124 reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Fiat 124 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 98 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Fiat 124?
The most common MOT fault is “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively”, found in 2.4% of tests. It fails on brakes and lights and electrics more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Fiat 124 do?
Official economy for the Fiat 124 ranges from 44.1 to 44.1mpg across the 1 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2018–2018). A typical petrol version manages 44.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Fiat 124?
Any Fiat 124 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Fiat 124 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 a year.
›How many Fiat 124s fail their MOT?
15.2% of Fiat 124s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Fiat 124 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.