Fiat 500c car check
Find out if a 500c has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.
- Typical price
- £9,581147 at dealers
- MOT failure rate
- 22.7%56k tests
- Known problems
- 5across 312
- Full report
- £7.49one-off, no subscription
Which 500c are you looking at?
Each 500c generation has its own weak spots. Here are the known problems.
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Suspension component excessive damage or corrosion
Safety risk 312MOT data shows the 500C fails structural suspension component tests at 635.3 times the national fleet average, with failures recorded across all mileage bands from 20,000 miles upward. This indicates premature corrosion or damage to load-bearing suspension components including control arms, subframes, and mounting points. The convertible body requires additional structural reinforcement compared to the standard 500, but the suspension mounting areas appear vulnerable to accelerated deterioration. This is classified as dangerous because compromised suspension mounting can affect vehicle stability and steering control.
What to check: Inspect the front suspension strut tops visible in the engine bay - look for rust staining, cracking around the mounting points, or any visible separation between metal components. Check underneath the front of the car using a torch - examine the subframe where it mounts to the body shell for rus...
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Suspension bush excessive wear
Wear item 312MOT data shows shock absorber bushes failing at 635.3 times the national fleet average, with 1,165 recorded failures across all engine variants. The failures appear across the entire mileage range including cars under 20,000 miles, indicating a fundamental design or material quality issue with the suspension bushes. This affects ride quality, handling precision, and can accelerate wear on other suspension components including shock absorbers and springs. The problem appears universal across petrol and diesel variants.
What to check: Inspect visible suspension bushes through the wheel wells using a torch - look for cracked, split, or perished rubber bushes around suspension arms and anti-roll bar links. Check for oil contamination on bushes from leaking shock absorbers which accelerates rubber degradation. Look for excessive ...
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Spring component fracture
Wear item 312MOT data shows spring or spring component failures at 635.3 times the national fleet average, with 1,165 recorded failures affecting all engine variants including cars under 20,000 miles. This indicates a systematic weakness in the coil spring design or material specification. Fractured springs affect vehicle ride height, handling, and can cause damage to tyres or bodywork if a spring end detaches. The high failure rate at low mileages suggests manufacturing defects rather than normal wear.
What to check: Inspect all four corners of the car for uneven ride height - a sagging corner often indicates a broken spring. Look through the wheel wells with a torch to visually inspect coil springs for obvious fractures, particularly at the ends where springs are most likely to break. Check for any metallic ...
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TwinAir 0.9L engine reliability concerns
Engine damage risk 312The two-cylinder TwinAir 0.9L engine uses advanced technology including MultiAir valve control and high turbocharger boost to extract significant power from a small displacement. Owner forums and specialist mechanics report higher than expected failure rates for timing components, oil system problems, and internal wear patterns compared to the conventional 1.2L Fire engine. The MultiAir system requires precise oil pressure control and is sensitive to oil quality and service intervals. Engine rebuilds are often uneconomical relative to the car's value.
What to check: Check the oil level and condition carefully - the TwinAir engine is sensitive to low oil levels and poor oil quality. Look for any metallic particles or unusual discoloration. Inspect around the engine for oil leaks, particularly from the turbocharger area and cylinder head. Ask for complete serv...
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Door operation failure
Safety and MOT risk 312This includes doors that will not open using normal controls or will not close properly, affecting both access and security. The convertible roof mechanism and frameless door design place additional stress on door hinges, handles, and latching mechanisms compared to conventional cars. Failures typically involve door handle mechanisms, striker plates, or hinge wear.
What to check: Test both exterior door handles from outside the car - check for excessive play, resistance, or failure to operate the latch mechanism properly. Open and close both doors several times, checking for smooth operation, proper alignment, and secure latching without excessive force required. Test the...
We haven’t flagged any common problems for this generation in our data yet. A history check still tells you about finance, write-offs and theft, and the MOT history shows how this particular car has been looked after.
What 500cs cost at dealers now
From 147 used 500cs we track on UK dealer websites.
- Typical asking price
- £9,581
- Typical mileage
- 31,229 miles
- Price change vs last month
- -0.2%
500c MOT results
of 500c MOT tests end in a fail, from 55,532 tests.
Most common reasons for failing
- Suspension component damaged or corrodedSuspension
- Axle or kingpin wearSuspension
- ABS faultSuspension
Check the 500c you’re buying
One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.
What the check includes
- Outstanding finance Experian
- Write-off status Experian
- Stolen vehicle check Experian
- Previous owners and keeper history Experian
- MOT history and advisories DVSA
- Mileage check DVSA
- Known problems for its generation GetCarWise
- How many are left on the road DVLA
500c questions
Is the Fiat 500c reliable?
22.7% of 500c models fail their MOT based on 55,532 tests analysed. That’s about average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being suspension component excessive damage or corrosion. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.
What are the main problems with a Fiat 500c?
The most serious known issues are suspension component excessive damage or corrosion, suspension bush excessive wear, spring component fracture. Our car check flags whether a specific 500c has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.
How do I check if a Fiat 500c has outstanding finance?
Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.
How do I check if a Fiat 500c has been written off?
Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N 500c has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.
Can I check a Fiat 500c for free?
You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.
Is a Fiat 500c HPI check worth it?
HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known 500c faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.
What does a Fiat 500c fail its MOT on?
The most common MOT failure on the 500c is suspension component damaged or corroded. 22.7% of 500c models fail overall, based on 55,532 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.
More on the 500c
Other Fiat car checks
Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.