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Fiat Panda reliability, MPG and running costs

Figures updated

The Fiat Panda is a city car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 84 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 366 of 442, and 35.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (4.0% of tests).

84Well below average

Ranked 366 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 16 of 26 city cars

In 2024, 88,895 Fiat Pandas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 35.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Fiat Panda is 19% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 10.0% failed (UK 12.7%).

First-time fail rate

35.5%

UK 28.5%

Fail rate at 3 years

10.0%

UK 12.7%

Average miles a year

5,200

Typical age at test: 12 years

Fiat Panda MOT failure rate by age

0%20%40%60%36912151820Panda 51%UK average 43%

Most common Fiat Panda MOT faults

  1. Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.0% of tests
  2. Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.9% of tests
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3% of tests
  4. Position lamp: not working3.1% of tests
  5. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.1% of tests
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.0% of tests

What the Fiat Panda fails on

AreaTests failingvs similar cars
Suspension16.6%▲ 1.7× as often
Lights and electrics11.8%About average
Brakes8.3%▲ 1.2× as often
Tyres7.0%▲ 1.2× as often
Visibility6.3%▲ 1.3× as often
Body and structure5.2%▲ 1.4× as often
Exhaust and emissions4.5%▲ 1.4× as often
Steering1.9%About average
Seat belts and airbags0.8%▼ 18% less often
Wheels0.1%▼ 58% less often

What MPG does the Fiat Panda do?

Official economy for the Fiat Panda ranges from 38.7 to 72.4mpg across the 60 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2008–2024). A typical petrol version manages 53.3mpg and a typical diesel 67.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.

Work out a journey's fuel cost

How much is road tax on a Fiat Panda?

Any Fiat Panda first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Fiat Panda registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £275 a year.

Work out tax for a specific car

Fiat Panda specs and running costs

Official figures for 60 versions sold in the UK between 2008 and 2024.

Fuel types

Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol

Official economy

38.7–72.4 mpg

CO2

95–164 g/km

Power

52–86 PS

VersionFuelEconomyCO2Car taxCompany car tax
Panda 1.0 70hp Mild Hybrid (VL)52 PS · M6 · listed 2024Petrol61 mpg105g£20027%
Panda 1.0 70hp Mild Hybrid (VH)52 PS · M6 · listed 2024Petrol54 mpg119g£20029%
Panda CITY CROSS 1.0 70hp MILD HYBRID (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol61 mpg105g£20027%
Panda (RED) CROSS 1.0 70hp MILD HYBRID (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol61 mpg105g£20027%
Panda CROSS GARMIN 1.0 70hp MILD HYBRID (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol61 mpg105g£20027%
Panda Life 1.0 70hp Mild Hybrid (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol61 mpg105g£20027%
Panda Cross Top 1.0 70hp Mild Hybrid (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol61 mpg105g£20027%
Panda (RED) 1.0 70hp Mild Hybrid (VL)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol61 mpg105g£20027%
Panda CITY CROSS 1.0 70hp MILD HYBRID (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol54 mpg119g£20029%
Panda (RED) CROSS 1.0 70hp MILD HYBRID (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol54 mpg119g£20029%
Panda CROSS GARMIN 1.0 70hp MILD HYBRID (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol54 mpg119g£20029%
Panda Cross Top 1.0 70hp Mild Hybrid (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol54 mpg119g£20029%
Panda (RED) 1.0 70hp Mild Hybrid (VH)70 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol54 mpg119g£20029%
Panda Life WILD 4x4 0.9 TwinAir 85hp (VH only)85 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol41.2 mpg156g£20037%
Panda CROSS 4x4 0.9 TwinAir 85hp (VH only)85 PS · M6 · listed 2023Petrol41.2 mpg156g£20037%

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 60 versions.

What a Fiat Panda costs to fuel

  • petrol, typical official 53.3mpg…
  • diesel, typical official 67.3mpg…

Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.

Work out a journey in a Fiat Panda

Buying a used Fiat Panda?

Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.

Compare the Fiat Panda with other city cars

Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.

Other Fiat models

Frequently asked questions

›Is the Fiat Panda reliable?

Its MOT record is worse than average: the Fiat Panda is 19% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 84 in our 2024 league (100 is average).

›What are common problems with the Fiat Panda?

The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 4.0% of tests. It fails on suspension and exhaust and emissions more often than similar cars.

›What MPG does the Fiat Panda do?

Official economy for the Fiat Panda ranges from 38.7 to 72.4mpg across the 60 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2008–2024). A typical petrol version manages 53.3mpg and a typical diesel 67.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.

›How much is road tax on a Fiat Panda?

Any Fiat Panda first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Fiat Panda registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £275 a year.

›How many Fiat Pandas fail their MOT?

35.5% of Fiat Pandas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 10.0% failed at their first MOT.

Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Fiat Panda 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.