What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Abarth 595C.
The Abarth 595C occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Abarth 595C range. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Abarth 595C? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
595C (2012–2022) — Engine options included the 1.4 T-Jet. 5 known issues affect this generation, none rated as critical. The most significant concern is Suspension bush premature wear (£150–£400 to address).
The Abarth 595C suspension bushes wear at significantly higher rates than typical superminis, with MOT failures appearing from very low mileages. The performance-oriented suspension setup with firmer bushes experiences accelerated wear from the combination of a short wheelbase, firm damping, and enthusiastic driving. Lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar links are particularly affected.
Worn suspension bushes cause imprecise handling, increased tyre wear, and will result in MOT failure. Replacement typically requires specialist suspension knowledge due to the performance setup. Cost varies significantly depending on which bushes have failed.
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 performance-oriented Bilstein dampers fitted to the Abarth 595C show higher failure rates than conventional supermini shock absorbers. The firm suspension setup designed for sporty handling experiences accelerated wear from road surface impacts and enthusiastic cornering. Bush wear often occurs simultaneously with damper deterioration.
Failed shock absorbers compromise handling and braking performance on this performance-oriented car. The car remains driveable but handling characteristics change significantly. MOT failure will occur once leakage becomes severe.
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 Brembo brake system on the Abarth 595C shows higher disc wear rates than typical city cars, with MOT failures appearing at unusually low mileages. The performance brake setup with larger discs and aggressive pad compounds is designed for sporty driving but suffers from accelerated wear in stop-start urban use and trackday abuse.
Worn brake discs must be replaced to pass MOT and maintain safe braking performance. The Brembo system uses specific disc specifications that cost more than conventional brake components. Warped discs can cause brake fade under hard use.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The Abarth 595C shows higher rates of engine management light illumination than typical cars, particularly on low-mileage examples. The turbocharged engine with its complex boost control and emissions systems is sensitive to sensor faults, carbon buildup on intake valves, and software calibration issues that trigger fault codes.
An illuminated engine management light will cause MOT failure and may indicate underlying problems with the turbo system, emissions control, or engine sensors. Diagnosis requires specialist diagnostic equipment to read fault codes and identify the root cause.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
The fabric convertible roof on the 595C uses electric motors and mechanical linkages that experience wear with use and age. Common issues include slow or jerky operation, roof alignment problems, and motor failure. The roof mechanism is shared with the standard Fiat 500C but sees more aggressive use on performance variants.
Roof mechanism failure leaves the car either permanently open or closed, significantly affecting usability and weather protection. Motor replacement requires specialist knowledge of the mechanism timing and alignment. Fabric replacement is expensive but less urgent.
Check panel gaps are even and consistent all the way around the car. Look for signs of repainting — overspray on rubber seals, mismatched paint texture or colour differences between panels. Open and close all doors, the boot and bonnet to check alignment.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Abarth 595C common problems page.
Based on 10k real DVSA MOT tests, the Abarth 595C fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is abs fault at 16x the fleet average, followed by suspension pin, bush or joint worn (15x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Abarth 595C MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 9k miles) typically costs £120–£180 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing belt and tensioner (£400–£600).
See the full Abarth 595C service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Abarth 595C is a reasonable used buy provided you check for the issues outlined above. None of the problems we track are insurmountable, but they do reward buyers who inspect thoroughly and verify the service history before committing.
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 595C, 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 595C issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.