Fiat 500x MOT Failures
An analysis of 298,075 real DVSA MOT tests on the Fiat 500x — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: 334 (2014–2023).
Where the Fiat 500x fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Fiat 500x is track rod ends worn — this model is 22 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 298,075 MOT tests, 1.81% of all Fiat 500x tests recorded this as a failure.
Steering faults include worn track rod ends, power steering leaks, and rack wear. These are safety-critical — any play in the steering should be investigated immediately.
Other notable weak points include emissions failure (14x the fleet average), body panel damage (60x the fleet average), suspension ball joints worn (9.8x the fleet average), and light unit fault (8.0x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Fiat 500x's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Steering, Exhaust & Emissions, Bodywork, Suspension, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Fiat 500x before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Fiat 500x's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Fiat 500x specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are body panel damage (60x the average) and track rod ends worn (22x). emissions failure (12x) and suspension ball joints worn (9.8x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Fiat 500x specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are body panel damage (12x the average) and track rod ends worn (11x). emissions failure (10x) and suspension ball joints worn (8.3x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Fiat 500x specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (11x the average) and track rod ends worn (7.2x).
The shift from body panel damage at lower mileages to emissions failure at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Fiat 500x specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Door mechanism failure (334) Major
The door handles and internal latch mechanisms on the 500X are prone to premature failure, particularly on the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol variants around 40,000-60,000 miles. Affects 334; typical independent garage repair cost is £180–£320.
Steering rack gaiter failure (334)
The rubber gaiters protecting the steering rack are failing prematurely across all engine variants of the 500X, with MOT data showing failure rates up to 51.2 times the national average. Affects 334; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£150.
Lambda sensor failure (1.0 TwinAir)
The lambda sensors monitor exhaust gas composition to maintain optimal fuel mixture. Affects 334; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£200.
Suspension bush wear (334)
The 500X shows suspension bush wear at 42.3 times the national fleet average, affecting all engine variants but particularly the 1.6 petrol around 40,000-60,000 miles. Affects 334; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Fiat 500x common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Fiat 500x
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Fiat 500x:
Steering — check for track rod ends worn. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Bodywork — check for body panel damage, exhaust system damage, fuel system leaking or a risk of fire. Suspension — check for suspension ball joints worn.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about door mechanism failure and steering rack gaiter failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £180. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Fiat 500x?
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Fiat 500x MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Fiat 500x?
Based on 298,075 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is track rod ends worn — at 22x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include emissions failure and body panel damage.
Is the Fiat 500x reliable based on MOT data?
The Fiat 500x has 12 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag door mechanism failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Fiat 500x most commonly fails on emissions failure and track rod ends worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are body panel damage and track rod ends worn.
How do I check a Fiat 500x's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.