Used car guide

2012 Abarth 500: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Abarth 500s, from 733 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

733MOT tests in 2025
66%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
5,600typical miles a year
1.7×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Abarth 500s than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Brake discs1.7× usual
    Abarth 500
    24.6% All 2012 cars
    14.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Shock absorbers2× usual
    Abarth 500
    13.1% All 2012 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usual
    Abarth 500
    10.4% All 2012 cars
    4.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Better than most

Number plate lights: 3.5% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars.

By area

The share of 2012 Abarth 500 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    43% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    31% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    30% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    22% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    10% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    8% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a Abarth 500?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2015720Suspension 42%
2014748Suspension 46%
2013518Suspension 48%
2011838Suspension 43%
2010910Suspension 45%
2009723Suspension 40%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Abarth 500s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score