FIAT 500 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 195 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
195
Avg Mileage
18,379 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2021 FIAT 500 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FIAT brand average of 83%.
At 3 years old, 93% of FIAT 500s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 195 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 18,379 miles.
How does the 2021 FIAT 500 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 FIAT 500 has 18,379 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 FIAT 500
The 2021 FIAT 500 is a small family car with a 1242cc petrol engine. 195 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 18,379 miles at 3 years old, FIAT 500 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 FIAT 500 Fuel Costs
The 1242cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 FIAT 500?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2021 FIAT 500
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet.
Alternatives to the 2021 FIAT 500
The FIAT 500 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2019) 91% pass rate (-2%) from 124,950 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (-1%) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-5%) from 68,639 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (same) from 52,321 tests