Skip to main content
Check
Abarth

Abarth 500 reliability by build year

Coverage 2008-20152 named generationsHatchbackPETROL

We've only got 1,134 MOT tests for Abarth 500 models built around 2010 (15 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Abarth 500 built around 2010: about average at the MOT

Abarth 500 models built around 2010 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an Abarth 500 by number plate

Key figure

26% of MOT tests on Abarth 500 models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 30% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Abarth 500 models built around 2010 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Abarth 500's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 500's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

500 Series 1

Series 1 (2008-2015)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROL

25.0% fail rate, built around 2015 (10 years old)

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 22.8%)

From 1,126 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Abarth 500.

See every build year for the Abarth 500

By age

Abarth 500 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Abarth 500 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
31024.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,12625.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
80025.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
79726.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,05325.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,10026.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,13426.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
46224.5%

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 15 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 15-year-old Abarth 500 models

These issues come from 15-year-old Abarth 500 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    20.5%
    Advisory: 319Fail: 26 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    19.3%
    Advisory: 327Fail: 3 (1% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    19.1%
    Advisory: 231Fail: 80 (26% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    15.7%
    Advisory: 318Fail: 9 (3% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    13.0%
    Advisory: 166Fail: 8 (5% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,134 MOT tests on 15-year-old Abarth 500 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 15-year-old Abarth 500 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension40%
  2. Suspension + Tyres30%
  3. Brakes + Tyres26%
  4. Lighting + Suspension25%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 615 MOT tests on Abarth 500 cars built around 2010 (15 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

91%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

7 recalls in all

All 7 Abarth 500 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 7 recalls

Top concerns

  • Abarth 500e. Instrument panel cluster software
  • Ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod
  • The sport mode system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Toyota Yaris

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.1%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 5.1%, against 10.1% for the Abarth 500.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    28,880 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.5%
    Dangerous
    5.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 4.5%, against 10.1% for the Abarth 500.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    12,150 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Citroen Xsara

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    33%

    No clear edge over the Abarth 500 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,258 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Abarth 500 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    39,063 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Abarth 500 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,134 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Abarth 500 ever sold: 6,782 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2010 (15 years old): 1,134 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.