Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) Problems by Year
The Abarth 500, later rebranded as the 595 and 695, is a high-performance derivative of the beloved Fiat 500 city car. It established a cult following in the UK by offering riotous exhaust notes, characterful Italian styling, and genuinely entertaining performance in a compact, accessible package. In the UK market, it occupies a unique niche, appealing to younger enthusiasts and city dwellers who want a charismatic hot hatch without the physical footprint of a Fiesta ST. Reliability is generally sturdy regarding the 1.4 T-Jet engine, but the car is known for niggly electrical issues and interior squeaks. It best suits buyers willing to sacrifice ride comfort and practicality for a heavy dose of driving theatre.
Select a year below to see the specific problems affecting that model year, with estimated repair costs and severity ratings.
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Browse Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) in our Directory
View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for the Abarth Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312).
View Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) DirectoryBuying Tips for the Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312)
- ✓Check for a comprehensive service history, as the 1.4 T-Jet engine requires frequent oil changes to maintain the turbocharger.
- ✓Inspect the Monza exhaust system on higher-spec models; the internal valve is notoriously prone to seizing open or shut.
- ✓Test all interior electronics, including the Blue&Me infotainment or newer Uconnect systems, which can suffer from connectivity drops.
- ✓Look closely at the condition of the sports seats; the bolsters wear quickly on heavily used examples.
- ✓Listen for knocks from the suspension over rough roads, as the stiff setup accelerates wear on top mounts and drop links.
- ✓Check the alloy wheels for curbing damage, as the low-profile tyres offer little rim protection.