Tiny terror with a scorpion sting
The Abarth 595 is the hot hatch version of the Fiat 500, transforming the cute city car into a characterful pocket rocket with a turbocharged engine and raucous exhaust note. It competes with the Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen Up GTI, appealing to enthusiasts who want analogue thrills and enormous character in a small, affordable package. It's more about fun and personality than outright performance numbers.
We track 5 known issues across the Abarth 595 range, with 4 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Abarth 595? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
595 (2008–2022) — Engine options included the 1.4 T-Jet MultiAir Turbo. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 4 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Front suspension bush and joint wear (£150–£400 to address).
The Abarth 595 uses firmer suspension bushes than the standard Fiat 500 to handle increased performance, but these wear prematurely under performance driving conditions. MOT data shows suspension pin, bush and joint failures at 18.8 times the fleet average, with over 6,000 recorded failures. The issue peaks at 20-40k miles, suggesting the performance bushes are not suited to UK road conditions. Front lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar links are most commonly affected.
Worn suspension components affect handling precision and safety, particularly important on a performance car. MOT failure is certain once wear exceeds limits. Complete front suspension refresh typically costs £400-800 depending on which components need replacement. Continued driving risks further damage to adjacent components.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The Abarth 595 shock absorber top mounts use performance-oriented bushes that wear significantly faster than standard Fiat 500 components. MOT data shows failures at 16.3 times the fleet average with nearly 5,000 recorded failures. The firmer bushes transmit more road shock to improve handling response but deteriorate rapidly, particularly the rubber-to-metal bonding. This is a separate issue from the general suspension bush wear affecting lower arms and links.
Failed shock absorber bushes affect ride quality and handling precision. The car will fail its MOT test and may develop accelerated tyre wear due to poor wheel alignment. Replacement typically requires specialist spring compressor tools. Costs range from £200-500 per side including labour.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The Abarth 595 front wheel bearings fail at 6.7 times the national fleet average according to MOT data, with over 1,000 recorded failures. The increased performance and wider tyres fitted to Abarth models place additional stress on the wheel bearing assemblies compared to standard Fiat 500s. Failure typically occurs between 40-80k miles and presents as roughness, play, or grinding noise from the affected wheel. The bearings are sealed units requiring complete hub replacement.
A failed wheel bearing can seize completely causing loss of vehicle control, or the wheel can become detached in extreme cases. The car will fail its MOT test for excessive bearing play or roughness. Complete hub assembly replacement is required, typically costing £300-500 per side including labour.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The 1.4 T-Jet turbocharger in the Abarth 595 is known for premature failure, particularly the wastegate actuator and oil seal deterioration. The small turbocharger operates at high boost levels and temperatures in performance applications, leading to accelerated wear of internal components. Failure symptoms include loss of power, excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, and turbo whine or grinding noises. The issue is widely documented on Abarth owner forums and specialist workshops.
Complete turbo failure will leave the car significantly underpowered and potentially cause engine damage from oil starvation or contamination. A replacement turbocharger typically costs £800-1500 plus labour. Continued driving with a failing turbo risks catastrophic engine damage from metal debris or oil loss.
During a test drive, check for hesitation, lack of power or unusual whining from the turbo area. Watch for blue or white smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration. Check the oil condition and service history — turbos rely on clean oil.
The Abarth 595 uses a performance exhaust system with larger bore pipes and a sport silencer that operates close to UK legal noise limits. The exhaust can exceed permitted noise levels due to internal baffle deterioration, loose heat shields, or aftermarket modifications. MOT data shows this model fails noise testing at 43.3 times the national fleet average, particularly on younger cars. Many failures occur on vehicles with aftermarket exhaust systems that have not been properly type-approved for UK road use.
MOT failure requiring exhaust repair or replacement before the vehicle can be legally driven. Aftermarket exhausts may need replacement with OEM specification parts to pass the test. Repair costs vary from £50 for loose heat shields to £800+ for full exhaust system replacement.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Abarth 595 common problems page.
Based on 92k real DVSA MOT tests, the Abarth 595 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is exhaust system damage at 43x the fleet average, followed by emissions failure (36x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Abarth 595 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 9k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing belt (£400–£600).
See the full Abarth 595 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Abarth 595 is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way. 2017-2019 post-facelift models are the sweet spot, with the upgraded Uconnect touchscreen infotainment, revised bumpers and the most refined version of the 1.4 T-Jet engine. The May 2016 facelift improved the interior and exterior significantly. Pre-2016 cars still drive well but feel dated inside.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Abarth 595, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Abarth 595 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.