Fiat 500C reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Fiat 500C is a city car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 78 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 399 of 442, and 34.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (6.0% of tests).
Ranked 399 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 23 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 17,076 Fiat 500Cs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 34.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Fiat 500C is 28% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
34.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,500
Typical age at test: 10 years
Fiat 500C MOT failure rate by age
Most common Fiat 500C MOT faults
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.0% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak5.8% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.6% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.3% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0% of tests
What the Fiat 500C fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 17.1% | ▲ 2.1× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 10.9% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Tyres | 6.9% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Brakes | 6.5% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 4.5% | About average |
| Body and structure | 3.6% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.8% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | About average |
| Steering | 0.5% | ▼ 73% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 61% less often |
What MPG does the Fiat 500C do?
Official economy for the Fiat 500C ranges from 54 to 61.2mpg across the 19 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2019–2023). A typical petrol version manages 61mpg. Electric versions average 4 miles per kWh, with an official range of 175 to 175 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Fiat 500C?
Any Fiat 500C first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carFiat 500C specs and running costs
Official figures for 19 versions sold in the UK between 2019 and 2023.
Fuel types
Electric, Petrol
Official economy
54.0–61.2 mpg
Electric range
175 miles
Efficiency
4.0 mi/kWh
CO2
105–119 g/km
Power
69–87 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500C DOLCEVITA Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 61.2 mpg | 105g | £200 | 27% |
| 500C DOLCEVITA PLUS Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 61.2 mpg | 105g | £200 | 27% |
| 500C 500C Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 61 mpg | 105g | £200 | 27% |
| 500C 500C TOP Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 61 mpg | 105g | £200 | 27% |
| 500C (RED) Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 61 mpg | 105g | £200 | 27% |
| 500C DOLCEVITA Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 54.2 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| 500C DOLCEVITA PLUS Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 54.2 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| 500C 500C Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 54 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| 500C 500C TOP Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 54 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| 500C (RED) Mild Hybrid 1.0 2dr Convertible (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 54 mpg | 119g | £200 | 29% |
| 500C Icon Electric 42kW 118hp Convertible87 PS · N/A · listed 2021 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
| 500C La Prima Electric 42kW 118hp Convertible87 PS · N/A · listed 2021 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
| 500C Passion Electric 43kW 118hp Convertible87 PS · N/A · listed 2021 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | – |
| 500C MY 2019 1.2 120th Anniversary69 PS · M5 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – | – |
| 500C MY 2019 1.2 120th Anniversary69 PS · M6 · listed 2019 | Petrol | – | – | – | – |
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. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 19 versions.
What a Fiat 500C costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 61mpg…
- Electric, typical official 4 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 500CBuying a used Fiat 500C?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Fiat 500C with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Fiat models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Fiat 500C reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Fiat 500C is 28% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 78 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Fiat 500C?
The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 6.0% of tests. It fails on suspension and body and structure more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Fiat 500C do?
Official economy for the Fiat 500C ranges from 54 to 61.2mpg across the 19 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2019–2023). A typical petrol version manages 61mpg. Electric versions average 4 miles per kWh, with an official range of 175 to 175 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Fiat 500C?
Any Fiat 500C first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Fiat 500Cs fail their MOT?
34.2% of Fiat 500Cs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Fiat 500C 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.