Abarth 500 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Abarth 500 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 98 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 268 of 442, and 33.4% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is joints (3.5% of tests).
Ranked 268 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 5,449 Abarth 500s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 33.4% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Abarth 500 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
33.4%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,900
Typical age at test: 12 years
Abarth 500 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Abarth 500 MOT faults
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.4% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.1% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush2.6% of tests
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.5% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.3% of tests
What the Abarth 500 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 13.9% | About average |
| Suspension | 13.8% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Tyres | 6.9% | About average |
| Brakes | 6.3% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Body and structure | 5.1% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 4.8% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Visibility | 4.1% | ▼ 18% less often |
| Steering | 1.3% | ▼ 45% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 43% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 37% less often |
What MPG does the Abarth 500 do?
Official economy for the Abarth 500 ranges from 43.5 to 43.5mpg across the 9 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2013). A typical petrol version manages 43.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Abarth 500?
Any Abarth 500 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Abarth 500 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carAbarth 500 specs and running costs
Official figures for 9 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2013.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
43.5 mpg
CO2
151–155 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 595 and 595CAutomatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 151g | £275 |
| 500 595 and 595CManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 155g | £275 |
| 500 Abarth 500 and 500CManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 155g | £275 |
| 500 Abarth 500 and 500CAutomatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 151g | £275 |
| 500 500 and 500CM5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 155g | £275 |
| 500 500 and 500CSAT5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 151g | £275 |
| 500 595 and 595CSAT5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 151g | £275 |
| 500 595 and 595CM5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 155g | £275 |
| 500 AbarthM5 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 155g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Abarth 500 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 43.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Abarth 500Buying a used Abarth 500?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Abarth models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Abarth 500 reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Abarth 500 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 98 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Abarth 500?
The most common MOT fault is “Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt”, found in 3.5% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions and body and structure more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Abarth 500 do?
Official economy for the Abarth 500 ranges from 43.5 to 43.5mpg across the 9 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2013). A typical petrol version manages 43.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Abarth 500?
Any Abarth 500 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Abarth 500 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 a year.
›How many Abarth 500s fail their MOT?
33.4% of Abarth 500s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Abarth 500 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.