Abarth 124 Spider Series 1 (2016-2020) reliability
Abarth 124 Spider Series 1 built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later
Abarth 124 Spider Series 1 models built around 2018 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at an Abarth 124 Spider Series 1?
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Key figure
3.6% of MOT tests on Abarth 124 Spider Series 1 models built around 2018 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 1.7%.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Abarth 124 Spider Series 1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 1,977 tests of 124 Spider models registered 2016-2020.
About 1 in 30 124 Spider Series 1 MOTs (3.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 890 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.6% and 5.0%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 30 124 Spider Series 1 MOTs (2.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 890 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.0% and 4.2%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Series 1 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 9 years old.
How the 124 Spider Series 1 compares
At each age below, see how the 124 Spider Series 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 5,603 tests across 4 Abarth models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other convertibles to compare
Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 124 Spider Series 1.
- 1
Porsche Boxster
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.9%
Lower fail rate: 7.3%, against 12.3% for the Abarth 124 Spider Series 1, both built around 2018.
1,067 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Mercedes-Benz Slc
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.7%
No clear edge over the Abarth 124 Spider Series 1 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,558 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Mazda MX-5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.6%
- Dangerous
- 3.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.6%
Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 12.3% for the Abarth 124 Spider Series 1, both built around 2018.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,934 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Abarth 124 Spider name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
How 124 Spider Series 1 cars have aged
How 124 Spider Series 1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Most common issues on Abarth 124 Spider models of this age
This list covers every Abarth 124 Spider built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 110.4%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 29.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 38.0%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 47.3%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 56.6%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 890 tests
Looking at an Abarth 124 Spider Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Abarth 124 Spider Series 1 (2016-2020) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 890 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.