Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) Common Problems & Reliability
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.
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Detailed fault breakdown, symptoms, and estimated repair bills by production year.
Most Common Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) Faults & Repair Costs
Seized Record Monza Exhaust Valve
The spring-loaded flap in the Record Monza exhaust system often seizes due to its exposed position and heat cycles.
Exhaust note doesn't change, Valve stuck open (loud) or closed (quiet), Rattling from the rear
- Try to move the valve manually with a pair of pliers (when cold)
- Listen for a change in tone at 3,000 RPM
Rear Axle Bush Wear
The rubber bushes in the rear twist-beam axle perish, leading to MOT failure and poor handling.
Clonking from the rear over bumps, Vague handling, Uneven rear tyre wear
- Check MOT history for "Rear axle pin/bush" advisories
- Visually inspect bushes for tearing
Door Handle Hinge Failure
The outer door handle hinge is made of a weak alloy that snaps, making the door difficult to open from the outside.
Door handle feels loose, Handle flops down, Cannot open door from outside
- Pull the front edge of the door handle to check for play
MTA Gearbox Actuator Failure
The robotised manual gearbox (MTA) uses an electro-hydraulic actuator that can leak or fail, leading to missed shifts or being stuck in gear.
"Gearbox unavailable" message, Refusal to select Reverse, Drops into Neutral
- Ensure the pump primes when opening the door
- Check for smooth engagement in traffic
Buying a used Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312)? Always check for hidden finance and write-off history.
Mechanical problems are only half the battle. Over 1 in 3 UK used cars checked have unpaid finance or accident write-off records that could cause you to lose the car or thousands in value.