FIAT 500L (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 184 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1368cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £1887/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
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 5 years old, 79% of FIAT 500Ls from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 184 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 16,840 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
16,840
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 FIAT 500L has 16,840 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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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 2021 sits between the two at 79%.
FIAT 500L by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 FIAT 500L
The 2021 FIAT 500L is a small family car with a 1368cc petrol engine. 184 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 98% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 16,840 miles at 5 years old, FIAT 500L owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2021 FIAT 500L Fuel Costs
The 1368cc 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 500L?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 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 2021 FIAT 500L
At 5 years old, the FIAT 500L 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 FIAT 500L's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2021 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(2021) | 79% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| FORD FIESTA(2019) | 91% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£487 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£305 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2019) | 88% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732-£155 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2020) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£305 |
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.
Related Fiat Models
Explore other Fiat cars or similar models in the same category.
FIAT 500
2014 · 1248cc Diesel
FIAT 500X
2016 · 1598cc Petrol
FIAT PANDA
2009 · 1248cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2019 · 998cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2019 · 1498cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2019 · 1398cc Petrol
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