IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2009–2024 Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2009–2024 Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

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.

Most affected: Competizione MTA, Turismo MTA

Estimated cost: £800–£2,000Affects: 2009–2024Often appears around: 40,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ensure the pump primes when opening the door
  • ✓Check for smooth engagement in traffic

Rear Axle Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

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

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £150–£400Affects: 2009–2024Often appears around: 40,000–60,000 miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check MOT history for "Rear axle pin/bush" advisories
  • ✓Visually inspect bushes for tearing

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.

Most affected: Models with Record Monza exhaust

Estimated cost: £0–£150Affects: 2009–2024Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Try to move the valve manually with a pair of pliers (when cold)
  • ✓Listen for a change in tone at 3,000 RPM

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.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £60–£120Affects: 2009–2024Often appears around: Age-related

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Pull the front edge of the door handle to check for play

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

  • ✓Prioritise manual gearboxes over the MTA robotised manual for better reliability and driving experience.
  • ✓Check the condition of the Brembo brakes on Competizione/695 models; discs and pads are expensive to replace.
  • ✓Ensure the turbo boosts correctly (check the boost gauge on the dash) without erratic spikes or drops.
  • ✓Test the climate control; the heater blend door actuators can fail, which is a dashboard-out job to fix.

Browse 2009–2024 Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2009–2024 Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) vehicles.

View 2009–2024 Directory

Other Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (Type 312) Year Periods

2009–2024

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