Abarth 500 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,488 MOT tests on the Abarth 500 carried out in 2023. 33% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 500s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2009 to 2016. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (66% passed, +7.0 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 2015 models fared worst (71%, −4.4 points). Tested cars had covered 64,568 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 13.6% of tests (noticeably above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 4.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,488
- First-time pass rate
- 67%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −4.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 64,568
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 500?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
500 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 61 | 85% | 79% | +6.6 points | 35,900 |
| 2015 | 739 | 71% | 75% | −4.4 points | 47,828 |
| 2014 | 788 | 68% | 72% | −3.3 points | 53,523 |
| 2013 | 547 | 65% | 68% | −3.2 points | 60,893 |
| 2012 | 742 | 68% | 66% | +2.2 points | 65,200 |
| 2011 | 885 | 67% | 63% | +3.7 points | 69,388 |
| 2010 | 954 | 66% | 60% | +5.1 points | 74,100 |
| 2009 | 761 | 66% | 59% | +7.0 points | 79,667 |
Why the Abarth 500 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 500 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 13.6% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 13.4% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 6.6% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 6.2% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 5.1% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 4.5% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.8% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.0% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working4.9%
- 2pin or bush excessively worn3.4%
- 3constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.2%
- 4ball joint excessively worn3.1%
- 5has an excessively worn bush2.9%
- 6projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.7%
- 7provides insufficient washer liquid2.2%
- 8tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
- 9rough when rotated1.9%
- 10has ply or cords exposed1.9%
Common 500 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 500, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 18.1% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 11.5% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 8.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.2% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 5.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.9% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.7% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.3% |
| has an excessively worn bush | Suspension | 4.2% |
Tips to help your 500 pass
Based on where 500s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 13.4% of 500 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 6.2% of 500 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the 500 ULEZ compliant? See the Abarth 500 ULEZ check, or view all Abarth models.
Other Abarth models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,488 first MOT tests of the Abarth 500 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 5,488 first MOT tests of the Abarth 500.
What is the Abarth 500 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 33% of 5,488 first MOT attempts on the Abarth 500 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Abarth 500 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (13.6% of tests), lights and electrics (13.4% of tests), tyres (6.6% of tests).
Which 500 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 66% passed first time, +7.0 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 2015, at 71% (−4.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Abarth 500 covered at its MOT?
The average was 64,568 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2016 cars averaged 35,900 miles and 2009 cars 79,667.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Abarth 500?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 18.1% of tests, in the brakes area. 6.2% of 500s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 500's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,488 500s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 65% to 85% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any 500's MOT history
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