IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312)

The original Abarth 500 launched in the UK with the 1.4 T-Jet engine producing 135bhp. Early cars are now highly affordable but often show significant wear, particularly on the suspension and door handles. The Record Monza exhaust was already fitted from the start and remains a common failure point.

What changed for 2009

  • •UK launch of Abarth 500 with 135bhp 1.4 T-Jet
  • •Record Monza exhaust system with active valve
  • •Standard equipment included Abarth Competizione package

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rear axle bush wear causing excessive play
  • !Door handle pivot pin failure
  • !Exhaust valve seizing in open or closed position
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

MTA Gearbox Actuator Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The robotised manual gearbox (MTA) uses an electro-hydraulic actuator that can leak or fail, leading to missed shifts or being stuck in gear.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£2,000
Warning Signs:

"Gearbox unavailable" message, Refusal to select Reverse, Drops into Neutral

What to Inspect:
  • Ensure the pump primes when opening the door
  • Check for smooth engagement in traffic
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rear Axle Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The rubber bushes in the rear twist-beam axle perish, leading to MOT failure and poor handling.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Clonking from the rear over bumps, Vague handling, Uneven rear tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Check MOT history for "Rear axle pin/bush" advisories
  • Visually inspect bushes for tearing
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Seized Record Monza Exhaust Valve

MinorExhaust & Emissions

The spring-loaded flap in the Record Monza exhaust system often seizes due to its exposed position and heat cycles.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£150
Warning Signs:

Exhaust note doesn't change, Valve stuck open (loud) or closed (quiet), Rattling from the rear

What to Inspect:
  • Try to move the valve manually with a pair of pliers (when cold)
  • Listen for a change in tone at 3,000 RPM
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Door Handle Hinge Failure

MinorBodywork & Rust

The outer door handle hinge is made of a weak alloy that snaps, making the door difficult to open from the outside.

Est. Repair Cost: £60–£120
Warning Signs:

Door handle feels loose, Handle flops down, Cannot open door from outside

What to Inspect:
  • Pull the front edge of the door handle to check for play
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2009 Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312)

  • ✓Earliest cars are the cheapest but most likely to need significant work
  • ✓Check for evidence of door handle replacements or repairs
  • ✓Inspect exhaust valve condition — it is a common MOT advisory item
2010–2011
Check a 2009 Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) by Registration