Abarth 595 Series 1 (2012-2023) reliability
Abarth 595 Series 1 built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later
Abarth 595 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 595 Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
5.0% of MOT tests on Abarth 595 Series 1 models built around 2018 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 1.6%.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Abarth 595 Series 1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 22,831 tests of 595 models registered 2012-2023.
About 1 in 10 petrol 595 cars registered in 2022 (9.2%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 905 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 20 595 Series 1 MOTs (5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 4,000 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 20 595 Series 1 MOTs (5.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 4,000 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
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 12 years old.
How the 595 Series 1 compares
At each age below, see how the 595 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.
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.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
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 hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 595 Series 1.
- 1
Honda Jazz
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.8%
- Dangerous
- 3.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 98%
Lower fail rate: 10.2%, against 18.3% for the Abarth 595 Series 1, both built around 2018.
6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
21,810 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Kia Rio
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.5%
- Dangerous
- 4.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 93.9%
Lower fail rate: 13.6%, against 18.3% for the Abarth 595 Series 1, both built around 2018.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
7,421 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Ford Ka
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94.3%
More still registered at 10 years: 94%, against 89% for the Abarth 595 Series 1.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
14,260 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Honda Civic
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.3%
- Dangerous
- 5.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96%
Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 18.3% for the Abarth 595 Series 1, both built around 2018.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
15,309 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.
How many are still registered
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
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Abarth 595 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on 595 Series 1 cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 293 cars.
How 595 Series 1 cars have aged
How 595 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Series 1 cars age
How each part holds up as Series 1 cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 3% | 5% | 14% | 25% |
| Brakes | 7% | 7% | 14% | 16% |
| Emissions | No figure | 4% | 6% | 9% |
| Tyres | 9% | 20% | 21% | 24% |
| Lighting | 7% | 10% | 10% | 12% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | 1% | No figure |
| Steering | No figure | No figure | 1% | No figure |
| Corrosion | 0% | 1% | 2% | 3% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 117 to 293 cars at each age.
Series 1 variants compared
Most common issues on Abarth 595 models of this age
This list covers every Abarth 595 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
- 118.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 216.4%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 314.9%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 47.8%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 57.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 4,000 tests
Looking at an Abarth 595 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 595 Series 1 (2012-2023) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 4,000 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.