2018 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · FX68 HNW

The most recent MOT history for this 2018 Fiat 500 reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects. The vehicle failed twice in November 2025 at 72,235 miles, a rare occurrence that suggests either a procedural anomaly or a critical component not captured in the test notes. The preceding MOTs from 2023 and 2024 passed without fail, indicating a stable roadworthiness trend until the abrupt failures in late 2025. While the lack of specific defect details complicates diagnosis, the repeated test failures warrant immediate scrutiny of systems prone to intermittent faults—particularly the braking system, suspension linkages, or electrical components that might trigger a fail-safe shutdown. The recorded mileage of 72,235 miles over eight years aligns with typical usage for this age, averaging around 9,000 miles annually. There are no significant gaps or spikes in mileage between tests, suggesting consistent driving habits rather than prolonged neglect or rapid wear. The November 2023 failure at 61,339 miles, followed by a passing test just two days later at the same mileage, is unusual and may indicate a temporary issue resolved before retesting. This inconsistency, combined with the double failure in 2025, raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven to the test centre in a compromised state or if underlying issues were overlooked. Given the lack of detailed defect notes, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, including rear caliper binding, brake fluid condition, and disc thickness. The suspension should be examined for worn bushes, corroded coil springs, or misaligned components, as these often trigger intermittent MOT failures. Electrical faults, such as faulty sensors or wiring harnesses, could also explain the repeated test failures, so the battery, fuse box, and dashboard warning lights should be tested under load. Structural integrity—particularly around the subframe, sills, and wheel arches—should be checked for corrosion, as this is a common silent killer in urban vehicles of this age. The double failure in 2025 is a red flag; if no explanation is provided by the seller, further diagnostic work is essential.