Is the 2016 FIAT 500L reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of FIAT 500Ls from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,821 tests. That's 3 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2016 FIAT 500L cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), including £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 FIAT 500L?

The 2016 FIAT 500L has a 79% MOT pass rate based on 2,821 tests in 2026. This ranks 520 out of 586 cars from 2016.

Which year FIAT 500L is most reliable?

The 2019 FIAT 500L has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%. The least reliable year is 2013 at 76%.

FIAT 500L (2016)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2016 FIAT 500L?

The average mileage for a 2016 FIAT 500L is 54,453 miles, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,821 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1300cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £1625/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel1300cc10 years old2,821 tests54k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1300cc)

~55 mpg

£905

Road Tax

Based on 1300cc

£165

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,625

Per month£135/mo

Per week£31/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FIAT brand average of 83%.

At 10 years old, 79% of FIAT 500Ls from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,821 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 54,453 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 cars520th of 586(top 89%)

Rank among FIAT models498th of 818(top 61%)

vs national average-3%(82% avg)

vs 2016 cars average-6%(85% avg)

vs FIAT average-4%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

54,453

Average miles

74,000

Expected for age

The average 2016 FIAT 500L has 54,453 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2016 sits between the two at 79%.

FIAT 500L by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	79%	184	16,840 mi
2020	88%	121	22,275 mi
2019	88%	236	32,075 mi
2018	82%	990	37,592 mi
2017	79%	1,485	49,065 mi
2016	79%	2,821	54,453 mi
2015	78%	5,308	63,339 mi
2014	77%	12,472	76,146 mi
2013	76%	7,593	78,703 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,350/year

91%

+12%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

79%

same

FORD FOCUS

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,500/year

89%

+10%

MERCEDES A-CLASS

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,500/year

88%

+9%

Check a Specific Fiat 500l

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About the 2016 FIAT 500L

The 2016 FIAT 500L is a small family car with a 1300cc diesel engine. 2,821 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 54,453 miles at 10 years old, FIAT 500L owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2016 FIAT 500L Fuel Costs

The 1300cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2016 FIAT 500L?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FIAT 500L Reliability Trend

Newer FIAT 500Ls show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2016 FIAT 500L

At 10 years old, the FIAT 500L is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2016 FIAT 500L's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2016 FIAT 500L stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FIAT 500L(2016)	79%	£905	£165	Grp 8-20	£1625
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017)	91%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1350-£275
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2014)	79%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£30
FORD FOCUS(2018)	89%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1500-£125
MERCEDES A-CLASS(2017)	88%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1500-£125

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.