Check any Abarth before you buy
Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.
£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found
How reliable are Abarth cars?
Our database covers 3 Abarth models and 15 documented faults across the range. Among these, 5 are rated as major issues that typically require significant repairs.
According to DVSA MOT test data, Abarth models fail at an average rate of 18.0%, sitting below the 22.7% average across all manufacturers in our database. Reliability varies considerably between models. The 595c is the strongest performer at just 14%, while the 500 has the highest failure rate at 23.4%.
If you are considering a used Abarth, researching the specific model and generation you are looking at makes a real difference. The most common failure areas across the range are suspension and exhaust, though each model has its own particular weak points. This page gives you a complete breakdown by severity, the models affected, and what repairs typically cost at UK garages.
Abarth reliability summary
Where Abarth problems occur
Understanding which systems are most prone to failure helps you focus during a test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Here is how Abarth's 15 known issues break down by area.
Suspension problems dominate, accounting for 9 of the 15 faults we track (60%). Issues in this area include Suspension bushes and joints premature wear (312) and Shock absorber bush failure (312). The most affected models are the 500 (4), the 595 (3), the 595c (2).
Exhaust is the next most common area, with 2 documented faults (13%). Common faults here include Exhaust system excessive noise (312) and Excessive exhaust noise levels. The most affected models are the 500 (1), the 595 (1).
We also track 1 engine faults across the range (7%). Problems to watch for include Turbocharger failure. The most affected models are the 595 (1).
Brakes rounds out the top problem areas with 1 known issues (7%). Notable issues include Brake disc premature wear (595C). The most affected models are the 595c (1).
Known Abarth faults by severity
Every fault in our database is rated by severity based on its potential safety impact and typical repair cost. Below is a sample of issues at each level, with links to the affected model pages where you can read the full details.
Major
Minor
- Suspension bushes and joints premature wear (312) 500
- Excessive exhaust noise levels 595
- Suspension bush premature wear (595C) 595c
- Shock absorber bush failure (312) 500
- Front spring premature failure (312) 500
+ 5 more minor issues across Abarth models
Top issues across the Abarth range
The most common and severe problems found across all Abarth models, ranked by severity and how many models are affected.
Check any Abarth before you buy
Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.
£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found
Problems by Abarth model
We track faults across 3 Abarth models. Each model page includes every known issue, generation-specific details, UK repair costs, and MOT failure data. Select a model below to see its full breakdown.
What to check before buying a used Abarth
Every used Abarth deserves a thorough inspection, but knowing the common weak points for your target model gives you a serious advantage. Since suspension faults are the most common across the range, pay particular attention to this area during any viewing or test drive.
A complete dealer service history is one of the strongest indicators of how well a Abarth has been looked after. Many of the faults on this page are preventable or can be caught early through regular servicing. If the seller cannot produce service records, treat that as a significant red flag.
Check the MOT history carefully too. With a 18.0% average failure rate across the Abarth range, some advisories and minor failures are normal over the life of any car. What matters is the pattern: recurring failures in the same area suggest an underlying problem, while a history of clean passes is encouraging.
Abarth repair costs: what to expect
Across all documented faults, the average Abarth repair costs between £205 and £463 at an independent garage. At the top end, the most expensive single repair can reach £1,200 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30% to 50% higher across the board.
The single most expensive Abarth repair in our database is Turbocharger failure, which can cost £1,200–£2,000 at a main dealer.
These figures are based on reported UK repair costs and serve as a guide. Actual prices will vary depending on your location, the garage, and the parts required. Getting quotes from two or three specialists before committing to any major work is always worthwhile.
Buying a used Abarth? Check it first
Get the full picture before you commit. Our car check covers outstanding finance, write-off status, stolen records, plate changes and mileage discrepancies. Or check the service history to see whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually done.
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Abarth reliability FAQs
Are Abarth cars reliable?
Across 3 models with MOT data, Abarth has an average MOT failure rate of 18.0%. The most reliable model is the 595c at 14% failure rate, while the 500 has the highest at 23.4%. We track 15 known issues across 3 Abarth models.
What are the most common Abarth problems?
The most common Abarth problems include Wheel bearing premature wear (312), Front suspension bush and joint wear, and Front shock absorber bush wear. Across all Abarth models we track 15 known issues, with 0 rated as dangerous.
Which Abarth model is most reliable?
Based on MOT failure data, the Abarth 595c is the most reliable model with a 14% failure rate from 3,041 tests. The least reliable is the 500 at 23.4%. However, individual car condition and service history matter more than model averages.
How much do Abarth repairs cost?
Abarth repair costs at independent garages average £205-£463 per issue. The most expensive repairs can reach £1,200 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30-50% higher. Costs vary significantly by model and issue, so check the specific model page for detailed pricing.
Should I get a vehicle check before buying a Abarth?
Yes. Abarth models have 15 known issues between them, including 0 dangerous and 5 major problems. A service history check (£6.99) shows whether scheduled maintenance was done, and a premium car check (£7.49) covers finance, stolen, write-off status. Both are essential before buying any used Abarth.