Abarth

Abarth 595c (2016)

313 real MOT outcomes analysed • 86% first-time pass rate

2016 Abarth 595c

CarHunch analysed 313 real MOT records for the 2016 Abarth 595c. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 313 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2016 Abarth 595C passes its MOT first time at 85.7%, which is above the UK average of 80%, suggesting solid baseline reliability for the breed—though the concerning fact is that 31% have encountered a dangerous defect at some point, well above typical thresholds and a genuine buyer concern. With a median mileage of just 28,501 miles, these cars are relatively lightly used, yet they're still racking up an average of 1.2 failures and 8.8 advisories per test, indicating that age-related wear is hitting harder than mileage alone would suggest.

The high advisory count reflects the reality of ageing Italian-built hot hatchbacks: suspension components, brake wear, and exhaust systems need attention. Before committing to one, budget for preventative work on the brakes and suspension, and get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically flags any previous dangerous defects.

The 2016 Abarth 595c has a decent first-time pass rate (86%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
86%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
31%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.2
Over 7.6 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
29k
Middle half: 19k–37k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 86% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 8.8 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 313 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 313 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 34.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 25.1%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 11.4%
Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil · Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 9.2%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 313 Abarth 595c cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Abarth 595c

Based on MOT data from 313 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 31% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (98%) 308 86% 1.21

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,295 Abarth 595c vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 36%
826
Black 17.3%
398
Red 13.6%
311
Blue 12.9%
297
White 10.6%
244
Yellow 7.6%
174
Green 1.7%
39
Orange 0.3%
6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Abarth 595c vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

28,501
typical
19,288
low mileage
37,262
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Abarth 595c vehicles fall between 19,288 and 37,262 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 19,288 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
19,288–37,262 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Abarth 595cs sit.
Over 50,303 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Abarth 595c — Still on the Road

Almost all 2016 Abarth 595cs are still on the road.

Strong survival — 271 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 94% of the peak.

287 271 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

7.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.2
Avg failures per vehicle
8.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Abarth 595c: All 595c years → Which year to buy? →
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Or browse all models: Abarth →

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Watch for defects — worth knowing