Fiat 500 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Fiat 500 is a city car; the latest version we cover is the 500e (2020–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 79 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 395 of 442, and 32.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (5.5% of tests).
Fiat 500 key specs (500e (2020–), 3-door hatchback)
Price new
from £18,995
Size (L × W × H)
3,632 × 1,683 × 1,527mm
Euro NCAP
4 stars (2021)
2020 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the October 2026 price list. Sources: en.wikipedia.org, euroncap.com, fiat.co.uk.
Ranked 395 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 22 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 334,216 Fiat 500s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 32.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Fiat 500 is 27% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 12.1% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
32.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
12.1%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,800
Typical age at test: 9 years
Fiat 500 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Fiat 500 MOT faults
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.5% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.1% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.6% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.5% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1% of tests
What the Fiat 500 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 14.5% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 10.4% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Brakes | 7.1% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Tyres | 6.8% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Visibility | 4.8% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Body and structure | 3.4% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.1% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Steering | 0.7% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 67% less often |
What MPG does the Fiat 500 do?
Official economy for the Fiat 500 ranges from 42.2 to 83.1mpg across the 146 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2009–2025). A typical petrol version manages 54.2mpg. Electric versions average 5 miles per kWh, with an official range of 118 to 209 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Fiat 500?
Any Fiat 500 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Fiat 500 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £275 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carFiat 500 specs and running costs
Official figures for 146 versions sold in the UK between 2009 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Electric, Hybrid, Petrol
Official economy
42.2–83.1 mpg
Electric range
118–209 miles
Efficiency
4.0–5.0 mi/kWh
CO2
88–157 g/km
Power
38–118 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Electric 24kW 93hp95 PS · A1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 Electric 42kW 118hp118 PS · A1 · listed 2025 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 NEW 500 Electric 24kW 93hp (VH only)70 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 (RED) Electric 24kW 93hp (VH only)70 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 Electric 24kW 93hp (VH only)70 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 LA PRIMA Electric 42kW 118hp (VH)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 LA PRIMA Electric 42kW 118hp Convertible (VH)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 (RED) Electric 42kW 118hp (VH)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 (RED) Electric 42kW 118hp Convertible (VH)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 NEW 500 Electric 42kW 118hp (VH)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 NEW 500C Electric 42kW 118hp Convertible (VH)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 Electric 42kW 118hp (VH)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 LA PRIMA Electric 42kW 118hp (VL)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 LA PRIMA Electric 42kW 118hp Convertible (VL)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| 500 (RED) Electric 42kW 118hp (VL)87 PS · A1 · listed 2024 | Electric | 5 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
Economy and CO2 are official 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. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 146 versions.
What a Fiat 500 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 54.2mpg…
- Electric, typical official 5 miles per kWh…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out your charging costsWork out a journey in a Fiat 500Previous Fiat 500 generations
Fiat 500 Petrol (2007–2024, 3-door hatchback)
boot 185 litres · 69–105 PS · 0–62mph from 10.0 sec · Euro NCAP 3 stars (2017)
32.1% of Fiat 500s built 2007–2021 failed their 2024 MOT first time (all cars that age: 28.4%).
Buying a used Fiat 500?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Fiat 500 with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Fiat models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Fiat 500 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Fiat 500 is 27% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 79 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Fiat 500?
The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 5.5% of tests. It fails on suspension and body and structure more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Fiat 500 do?
Official economy for the Fiat 500 ranges from 42.2 to 83.1mpg across the 146 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2009–2025). A typical petrol version manages 54.2mpg. Electric versions average 5 miles per kWh, with an official range of 118 to 209 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Fiat 500?
Any Fiat 500 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Fiat 500 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £275 a year.
›How many Fiat 500s fail their MOT?
32.1% of Fiat 500s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 12.1% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Fiat 500 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.