2012-2024 · 1.4 T-Jet turbocharged petrol (140-180 hp)
A cheeky Italian pocket rocket that's huge fun to drive but comes with Fiat reliability quirks. Popular with enthusiasts who value character over perfection. The 1.4 T-Jet MultiAir engine is generally robust when serviced properly, but clutch wear, electrical gremlins, and timing belt maintenance are key concerns. Parts are affordable and widely available. Not ideal for tall drivers due to cramped cabin and awkward driving position. Fun depreciates slower than comparable hot hatches, holding value well due to enthusiast appeal.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€1,100 - €2,100/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€650-1,050
Risk buffer
€450-1,050
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Clutch premature wear€550 - €900
Clutches wear quickly, especially if driven enthusiastically or in city traffic · more· less
The Abarth 595's clutch is a known weak point, with many owners reporting premature wear between 40,000-80,000 km. The temptation to drive this car hard accelerates clutch deterioration. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch, or heavy clutch pedal. Parts cost €85-400 depending on quality (aftermarket vs. OEM), but labor is the killer at 5.5 hours book time (some shops quote 7-10 hours). The hydraulic clutch system on RHD cars is described by owners as "cheap rubbish" and prone to failure within 5 years if fluid isn't regularly changed. Replacing the slave cylinder (common failure) requires gearbox removal, adding €300+ to total cost.
Timing belt and water pump failure€450 - €750
Official interval is 120,000 km/5 years, but many specialists recommend 60,000-70,000 km or 4 years · more· less
The 1.4 T-Jet uses a timing belt (not chain) that requires regular replacement. Official Fiat interval is 120,000 km or 5 years, but many Abarth specialists recommend 60,000-70,000 km or 4 years based on experience. One owner reported belt failure at 124,000 km where teeth wore off, causing piston and cylinder wall damage. Independent specialists charge around €450-500 for belt, tensioner, and water pump replacement. Always replace the water pump simultaneously since it's easily accessible during belt service - adds only 30 minutes labor versus repeating the 3-hour job later. Failure to replace on schedule can result in catastrophic engine damage as this is an interference engine.
MultiAir solenoid valve failure€1,500 - €2,500
Oil-actuated valve timing system fails if oil maintenance is neglected · more· less
The MultiAir system controls intake valve timing using oil pressure-actuated solenoids. Error codes P1065, P1067, P1069, and P106B indicate solenoid failures. Symptoms include rough idle (sounds like running on 2 cylinders), check engine light, white smoke from exhaust, and poor acceleration. The problem sometimes disappears after restarting, making diagnosis tricky. Root causes include low/dirty oil, incorrect oil filter, or mechanical failure. Due to the system's reliance on oil pressure, some owners change oil every 6,000 km instead of waiting for the 9,000-15,000 km service light. MultiAir unit replacement costs around €1,500 parts + €500-1,000 labor. Proper oil maintenance with manufacturer-specified grade (5W-40 or 10W-60) significantly reduces failure risk. Some owners report spark plugs becoming oil-fouled when MultiAir fails.
Turbo actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Carbon buildup from short trips causes actuator to stick, triggering limp mode · more· less
The turbo waste gate actuator is prone to sticking if the car is driven gently or only for short trips, allowing carbon buildup. Symptoms include EPC warning light and limp mode (reduced power). VW/Fiat dealers won't sell the actuator separately. Specialist repair of actuator-only costs €500-600. If turbo internals are damaged, full replacement runs €1,200-2,500. Prevention: use premium fuel and give the car spirited drives regularly (Italian tune-up) to burn off carbon deposits. This issue is more common on cars used exclusively for city driving.
Common issue where battery drains overnight due to Blue&Me module or fuse F36 · more· less
Many owners experience battery drain even after replacing battery and alternator. Most common culprits: (1) Blue&Me Bluetooth module draws excessive current and needs repair/replacement (€200-350), (2) Fuse F36 (10A red fuse powering OBD-II socket, stereo, climate control) causes drain if circuit has fault, (3) Body Control Module (BCM) software fault on pre-2014 models requires dealer update, (4) Aftermarket stereo installations not properly isolated from CanBUS system, (5) Insurance tracker/black box wired to fuse 36. Quick diagnostic: remove F36 fuse temporarily and measure battery draw with multimeter. Normal draw should be under 50 milliamps; 200+ mA indicates problem. Some owners install quick-disconnect on battery negative terminal as workaround.
Window regulator clip failure€10 - €550
Plastic clip breaks causing window to drop, move intermittently, or make grinding noise · more· less
Window regulator failure is extremely common on the Fiat 500/Abarth platform. The actual regulator motor rarely fails - the issue is a €9 plastic guide clip/slide that breaks. Symptoms include window getting stuck, moving intermittently, grinding/clicking noises, or window dropping inside door. Dealer quotes run €500+ because they replace the entire regulator assembly. Smart fix: order the replacement clip from Amazon for €9 and replace just the broken part. Some owners report being on their 4th regulator replacement. DIY clip replacement takes 30-60 minutes with basic tools.
Door lock actuator failure€50 - €450
Door locks fail to operate, or you hear groaning noises when locking/unlocking · more· less
Door lock actuators fail frequently, causing doors not to lock/unlock properly. Before complete failure, you'll hear groaning or clicking noises. Dealer replacement costs €366-406 per door. DIY fix: remove door card, access actuator, clean motor with electronics cleaner, and lubricate all gears with lithium spray grease. This often resolves the issue without replacement. Door handles also commonly work loose or self-destruct - one owner reported being on their 3rd door handle. Lock actuator/wiring failures can prevent central locking from working.
Suspension bushings and drop links€300 - €800
Stiff sport suspension accelerates wear on bushings, top mounts, and drop links · more· less
The Abarth's stiff suspension setup puts extra stress on suspension components. Common failures include front suspension top mounts (€100-200 per side), front control arm bushings (€150-300), rear shock absorber top bushings, and anti-roll bar drop links (€50-100 per side). One owner reported three sets of rear shocks needed by 50,000 km. Symptoms include clunking over bumps, knocking sounds from front end, and wandering steering. Parts are relatively affordable (€50-200 range) but labor adds up. When replacing shocks/springs, always do both sides of an axle together. Bilstein and KYB replacements available from €50-120 per shock.
Brake discs and pads wear€200 - €450
Normal wear item - pads last 15,000-30,000 km, discs approximately 150,000 km · more· less
Brake pads are a normal consumable lasting 15,000-30,000 km depending on driving style (enthusiastic Abarth driving wears them faster). Front disc and pad sets cost €13-185 depending on quality (budget to OEM Brembo). Rear disc and pad sets are similar. Discs typically last 150,000 km but can rust if car sits unused. Always replace pads and discs as pairs per axle. Hand brake cables can fail requiring replacement. Some owners report clunking rear disc brakes. Independent shop brake service runs €200-300 per axle; dealer charges €400-500.
Oil consumption (high-mileage or hard-driven cars)€0 - €150
Some engines consume oil, especially if driven hard or used for track/autocross · more· less
Oil consumption varies widely between cars. Many owners report zero consumption over 30,000+ km. However, cars driven hard (track days, autocross) can consume 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which is within manufacturer tolerance but frustrating for owners. Fiat has replaced engines under warranty in extreme cases. The manual acknowledges that engines may use oil. Check dipstick regularly (oil level should be between MIN and MAX marks). Engine holds 2.9L oil. Use manufacturer-specified grades: 5W-40, 10W-60, or 5W-50. Selenia or Motul Specific Abarth 0101 10W-50 are recommended. Service interval is 15,000 km or 12 months, but enthusiasts change every 6,000-9,000 km due to MultiAir system's reliance on clean oil. High-mileage cars (120,000+ km) may benefit from slightly higher viscosity oil.
Fun and characterful, but requires proactive maintenance
The Abarth 595 is more reliable than its Fiat 500 platform reputation suggests, especially when properly maintained. Most issues are well-documented with affordable fixes available from specialists. The key is finding a good independent Abarth/Fiat specialist rather than relying on main dealers. Clutch and electrical issues are the main concerns. Cars driven enthusiastically will have higher wear rates, but that's part of the ownership experience. Budget for regular maintenance and you'll be rewarded with one of the most characterful hot hatches available.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete records essential, especially oil changes every 9,000-15,000 km with correct Selenia/Motul oil. Look for timing belt replacement evidence.
Tires
Check tread depth (min 3mm), age date codes (max 6 years old), uneven wear patterns. OEM size 195/45 R16 or 205/40 R17.
Cold start
Engine must be completely cold. Listen carefully for first 30 seconds for any unusual sounds, rough running, or white smoke.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check clutch bite point, gear selection smoothness, turbo boost delivery.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch. Abarth body kit pieces sometimes come loose. Red and black paint prone to chipping.
Specific for this vehicle
Clutch condition and bite point
Test in slow traffic if possible. Clutch should engage smoothly halfway up pedal travel. Slipping, juddering, or high bite point indicates wear. Clutches commonly fail 40,000-80,000 km.
Battery overnight test
If possible, leave car overnight without driving and attempt cold start next day. Battery drain is common - should start easily after 24 hours parked.
Check for MultiAir rough idle
Listen for rough idle that sounds like running on 2 cylinders. Start car, turn off, restart - if problem disappears/reappears, MultiAir solenoid likely failing.
Window operation
Test all windows up and down multiple times. Listen for grinding, clicking, or hesitation. Check if windows drop inside door or move intermittently.
Door locks and handles
Lock and unlock all doors with key fob and interior switches. Check door handles for looseness or damage. Listen for groaning noises from actuators.
Timing belt replacement evidence
Ask for proof of timing belt + water pump change. Should be done every 60,000-70,000 km or 4 years by specialist recommendation. Critical check.
Turbo boost delivery
Accelerate hard in 2nd and 3rd gear. Boost should build smoothly without hesitation. EPC light or limp mode indicates actuator/turbo issues.
Suspension noise test
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Listen for clunking from front top mounts, bushings, or drop links. Very common wear area.
Check oil level and condition
Oil should be clean and at proper level between MIN/MAX on dipstick. Low oil or milky appearance indicates neglect or engine issues.
Blue&Me Bluetooth functionality
Test Bluetooth pairing if equipped. Failing Blue&Me module causes battery drain even when not in use.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Reduced brake performanceCheck with dealer using VIN
Seat performance in collisionCheck with dealer using VIN
Front seatbelt performance (older Abarth 500)Pre-2012 models - verify completed
Contact Fiat/Abarth dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. TSBs are not mandatory but address known issues. Many TSB fixes are covered under warranty if car still eligible.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (original)3 years / unlimited mileage (year 3: 100,000 km cap)
Anti-corrosion warranty3 years / unlimited mileage
Service plan availabilityUp to 5 years / 72,000 km coverage available
Extended warranty optionsAvailable from third-party providers
Most used Abarth 595s are outside original factory warranty. When new, Abarth offered 3-year unlimited mileage warranty (with mileage cap only in year 3). Extended warranties available from providers like Warrantywise. Note that oil leaks and wear items typically excluded from extended warranties.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.