FIAT 500 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 40,756 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
40,756
Avg Mileage
33,498 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,550
Is the 2018 FIAT 500 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 86% of FIAT 500s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 40,756 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 33,498 miles.
How does the 2018 FIAT 500 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 FIAT 500 has 33,498 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FIAT 500?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2018 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 2018 FIAT 500 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FIAT 500 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93% | 195 | 18,379 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 7,732 | 23,865 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 31,868 | 27,173 mi |
| 2018 | 86% | 40,756 | 33,498 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 39,899 | 40,199 mi |
| 2016 | 80% | 56,821 | 45,258 mi |
| 2015 | 78% | 69,392 | 51,933 mi |
| 2014 | 78% | 73,839 | 58,446 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 63,361 | 63,074 mi |
| 2012 | 76% | 51,956 | 68,150 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 36,701 | 72,823 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 39,852 | 77,223 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 38,991 | 82,820 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 23,228 | 86,722 mi |
| 2007 | 72% | 241 | 89,332 mi |
| 2001 | 81% | 31 | 34,363 mi |
Checking a specific FIAT 500?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2018 FIAT 500
The 2018 FIAT 500 is a city car with a 875cc petrol engine. 40,756 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 33,498 miles at 6 years old, FIAT 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 FIAT 500 Fuel Costs
The modest 875cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 FIAT 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,550 (£129/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FIAT 500 Reliability Trend
Newer FIAT 500s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 FIAT 500
At 6 years old, the FIAT 500 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 40,756 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 FIAT 500
The FIAT 500 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2016) 81% pass rate (-5%) from 205,128 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (same) from 100,176 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2016) 85% pass rate (-1%) from 92,988 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2016) 84% pass rate (-2%) from 92,860 tests