Skip to main content
Check

Abarth 500 Series 1 (2008-2015) reliability

At a glance

Abarth 500 Series 1 built around 2015: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Abarth 500 Series 1 models built around 2015 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view.

Looking at an Abarth 500 Series 1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

7.4% of MOT tests on Abarth 500 Series 1 models built around 2015 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 4.0%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Abarth 500 Series 1 models built around 2015 involves the suspension.

Abarth 500 Series 1
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2008-2015HatchbackPETROL

Based on 6,721 tests of 500 models registered 2008-2015.

About 1 in 15 500 Series 1 MOTs (7.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,126 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). 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 15 500 Series 1 MOTs (6.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 1,126 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Series 1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
24924.9%
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.

How the 500 Series 1 compares

At each age below, see how the 500 Series 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 2,345 tests across 2 Abarth models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAbarth average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
24924.9%
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.

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 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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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.

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.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 500 Series 1.

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.1%, against 25.0% for the Abarth 500 Series 1, both built around 2015.

    4,270 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Volkswagen Golf

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.9%

    Lower fail rate: 16.1%, against 25.0% for the Abarth 500 Series 1, both built around 2015.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    81,120 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    BMW i3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.3%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.5%

    Lower fail rate: 14.8%, against 25.0% for the Abarth 500 Series 1, both built around 2015.

    1,887 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    Audi A7

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.7%
    Dangerous
    5.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.3%

    Lower fail rate: 13.7%, against 25.0% for the Abarth 500 Series 1, both built around 2015.

    2,273 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

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.

How many are still registered

91%of all Abarth 500 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

3 of the 7 500 Series 1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Seat may not perform as expected during a collision
  • Front seatbelts may not function as intended
  • Interior and exterior vehicle lighting may fail

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

How 500 Series 1 cars have aged

How 500 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.

0%10%20%30%6810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (722 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (677 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (679 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (648 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (682 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (610 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (575 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (571 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (556 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (524 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (468 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (440 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (440 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (421 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (407 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (670 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (663 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (588 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (595 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (567 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (719 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (697 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (649 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (649 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (614 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (746 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (732 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (698 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (706 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (687 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (567 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (537 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (506 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (502 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (461 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012
Series 1 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Abarth 500 models of this age

This list covers every Abarth 500 built around 2015, 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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    21.1%
    Advisory: 266Fail: 103 (28% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    19.8%
    Advisory: 314Fail: 25 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    19.0%
    Advisory: 317Fail: 7 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    11.9%
    Advisory: 137Fail: 28 (17% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.0%
    Advisory: 136Fail: 41 (23% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,126 tests

Looking at an Abarth 500 Series 1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Abarth 500 Series 1 (2008-2015) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,126 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 6,721 MOT tests on Abarth 500 models first registered between 2008-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.