I must say it is a bit of a shock that these popular ( and actually quite good looking) little cars have a woeful reliability record and the build quality is let's just say poor! So, even in 2022, they are sold for $16,000 on average on the used market. You can visit your distant friend, relative or even rush to the grocery store a few miles from your home with a lot of ease. Our rear drums were terribly rusted, front shocks rusted through and leaking, heater matrix failure. The issue could also prematurely wear the shocks themselves. The subcompact gained size, power, and features for its U.S. debut, but not enough to keep it around. In terms of transmissions, it is worth noting that this car comes with a 5-speed manual as a standard. "name": "Should I Buy A Used Fiat 500", In the following overview, you will find the most common problems for the Fiat 500, for which Fiat has announced a recall through the EU Rapex system. "name": "How Long Do Fiats Last", It presented with No wipers front or rear. According to Repair Pal, the Fiat 500 is ranked 18th out of 21 subcompact cars in terms of reliability. "name": "What Does Abarth Mean", And which cheap automobile allowed this feature? A local club member has a late 2012 [Fiat 500] & filling has been an issue for a long while. A common problem that older Fiat 500 owners complain about is electrical issues including warning lights on the dashboard. But this success was short-lived and in 1981, Abarth was disbanded. Especially the 2012 model year which is most problematic with a ton of electrical problems. I put a clean hose 12 inches into the tank and it came back dry. Speak to a Fiat dealer for further information. In this article, we cover a lot about the Fiat 500 Abarth. },{ I share all my tips with our readers to help them out the best I can. Your 500's engine creates vacuum when running. The worst problem the Fiat 500 faced was a bad clutch pressure plate. Engine Patrol says, its best to pay a visit to the dealer when they occur. Head Gasket The head gasket problem in the Fiat 500 1.2 is most common in models built in 2008 and earlier. When it comes to the fuel economy of the Abarth, we can say that it is rather good. },{ Some of them are car jerking, gear shifting, gear failure, gear stuck in park, and much more. We counted 16. Its also had front discs and pads as the discs had corroded, my choise as i dislike rusty brakes and an alternator belt. What is good with this model is that it is also available here in the USA and you can buy one for yourself. The TSB advises replacing the steering intermediate shaft which is a crucial component that links the gearbox to the steering wheel. How long does the Fiat 500e battery last? Other cause of fault could be the ECU. Perhaps that isn't surprising -- it is the first model year of the car, and those tend to have a higher incidence rate. Your email address will not be published. Find out if your 500 is affected by this, because you'll need to take it in for repairs if it is. When filling, he could add a neckfull at a time wait 20 seconds; until the tank is full. (Complete Guide). The main cause for this problem was the software. This is a very common problem with the heating system on fiat 500's with climate control . Fiat 500 1.2 Common Engine Faults. "name": "Are Fiat 500 Reliable", Common . If your 500 runs too long without coolant circulating through the engine, the head gasket can blow. And thats what happened when the Fiat 500 arrived in 2010. If in the US everything was focused on size and displacement. Common problems with Fiat 500 are faulty clutch, suspension issues, engine problems, electrical issues, steering problems, faulty driveshaft, power problems, and head gasket failure. Since we learned what is the Fiat 500 Abarth model. If youre in the market for a new car or are already looking at the Fiat 500, look no further for all the information youll need to make the best purchasing decision, as The Drives put it all together in one convenient spot. This issue has been linked to premature wearing of the strut mounts, this is the component that attaches the suspension strut to the vehicle. Now before we start discussing the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability, let's take a look at the common problems that this model has. A dated August 14, 2014. In Europe was completely the opposite situation. One of the main signs of a faulty driveshaft is intense . Speak to a Fiat dealer to check if your car is affected by this recall. But overall, the model is fairly good mechanically." These vehicles are then modified with performance parts that boost the performance of the vehicles and make them really fun and enjoyable to drive. And another thing to note is that this is a small chassis that cannot be as safe as something bigger. So, what is the top speed of this hot hatch? So, if you live in a very humid environment, like the North East, make sure that you check the exhaust and see if its solid. A TSB covers parts that may be faulty but dont compromise the safety of the vehicle, whilea recall is issued by a manufacturer for issues that are safety-related. Read More. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fiat 500X saw 112 complaints total for issues with the engine, powertrain, and electrical system. No, maintaining a Fiat 500e is cheaper than other similar cars. Besides, Fiat 500 offers some of the most expensive spare parts in its class. Ensure the alternator is tested at a parts store. She is nine years old now and still drives like a champ. This is because the average annual cost of maintaining a similar car is around $650 while maintaining the Fiat 500e will cost you between $400 and $500. Both Hyundai and Peugeot are some of the most popular carmakers in Europe because they combine affordable pricing with lots of tech, a great variety of models, and electric powertrains. Interior cabin electrical issues. 4 seats. AI: Have you received any reports of faulty Fiat 500 TwinAir models? Incorrect Spare Tire Information/FMVSS 110, Vehicle may Unexpectedly Shift into Neutral, Shifter Cable Bushing May Detach From Transmission. Over the years, there have been a few common problems reported by owners of this car. Solving the problem is as straightforward as replacing the part itself. A problem with the wiring harness fitted to 500s made between 12 September 2011 and 8 July 2014 could cause the lighting both inside and outside the vehicle to fail. Click here to start searching. is part of Haymarket Automotive, a division of Haymarket Media Group Haymarket Media Group 2023. Since its inception, the Fiat 500 has served as one of the best city cars with its small dimensions and equally-sized cost. So had Crown fiat of Dublin do the repairs. "acceptedAnswer": { Until you start digging. Car went to bob boyd fiat alfa romeo in Columbus originally they placed a restriction on the lifetime warranty due to a go fast bit diverter valve which they didn't prove caused to failure(violating Magnusson moss warranty act). Covers the entire vehicle from engine to infotainment system. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. However, fixing these issues is easy and seamless. Repair Costs: $1,130, according to CarComplaints. If the headlamps will not turn off then I check the obvious first just to make sure that the switch is not in the on position. And also, these cars are not driven very much, so almost every engine out there is in relatively good condition. This problem was mostly linked to the 2012 2016 models. This is extremely cheap considering that these were 2012 and 2013 models with fairly low miles. Car ReviewsExperiencesNewsMotorsportProduct ReviewsTroubleshootingTrending. However, this can also increase depending on the model year you pick. 1. 2016 FIAT 500; 2015 FIAT 500; 2014 FIAT 500; 2013 FIAT 500; 2012 FIAT 500; Pricing for Common 2013 FIAT 500 Repairs & Services. Go for a newer model year if you dont want to deal with many issues in the long run. But what is the 0 to 60 for this specific model? The issue could also prematurely wear the shocks themselves. So, pick your Fiat 500 model year wisely. Well, this model is a small city car produced by Fiat since 1957. "acceptedAnswer": { They have spoken to two Fiat dealers, both said they sell at least one of these units per month. Some of them even last a lot more. Interior and exterior lighting. But that is a talk for another article. If its the 24-kWh lithium-ion battery, it will take you around 24 hours to fully charge from empty using a 120-volt outlet. Yes, the 500 was originally sold with suicide doors that opened from the front of the car. RimsDealer carries dozens of packages brands for Ford F150~7_LUG vehicles. Based on carcomplaints.com, these model years have the most complaints. Oil consumption in very low mileage engines. Had to call them to remind them to remove restriction was trying to tell me I had to go back to bob boyd and pay them to do a inspection to remove warranty restriction. Itll also depend on whether or not the 500 you purchased is an early model or one built later into production. Dirty cabin air filter. Common to 1.2 and TA's. Besides, some reliability agencies have rated it to have slightly above average reliability, which is a good sign. 2022Recurrent Ventures. "@type": "Answer", So, on average, the Fiat battery should last between 3 and 4 years. To better assess its reliability, however, weve assembled several data points from numerous sources to present you with as much information as possible. I have driven this car for about a year, I really enjoy it. This was mainly owed due to the lack of popularity of smaller vehicles here in the states. If the transmission is damaged badly, the entire system may have to be replaced. i would need to check the circuit to know for sure. As with other car brands, not all 500 models are built to the same exacting standards. Repair Costs: $2,000, according to CarComplaints. #1. my gas gauge says 1/2 full, but when I go to fill it up the station pump shuts down like the tank is full. But there could be more. If I drive the car the gauge goes down. To fix such a problem, you will have to take the car to a mechanic for inspection.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Note that most wiring harness issues are not fixed under warranty. Apipe connected to the brake servo might fail on examples manufactured from 1 Juneto 30 September 2012. 139.6" length, 59.8" height. Heres a quick rundown of problematic 500 offerings, including the issues, customer complaints, and repair costs that will help you make the best decision when purchasing your next car. The Fiat 500 is not an exception as it also has several engine problems. The Fiat 500 Abarth has a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine associated with a 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, and weighs from 2,366 to 2,512 pounds. This Factory OEM FORD rim comes equipped on a 2005 - 2010 FORD F250. The issues can occur in vehicles with as little as 24,000 miles on the clock. Out or warranty of course.. $1250 later. Overall, these are the most common problems with this vehicle. Luckily there are no problems with the engine itself. Furthermore, proper driving habits should be exercised. Now, turn the ignition to the "on" position and wait at least one minute before starting the Fiat 500. Nimble handling and a free-revving engine make the funky, retro-styled Fiat 500 microcar engaging to drive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This problem is common in Fiat 500 models made in 2008 and backward. Many users have complained about several interior accessories malfunction in the Fiat 500. What Do Owners Like and Dislike About the Fiat 500? For Italophiles looking to bag a modern cinquecento, look out for six common faults, according toEngine Patrol. The price of used Fiat 500 Abarths has dropped significantly, with some models selling for less than $10,000. A: They can be, though again, that depends on how you treat it, how the previous owner treated it, and if youve followed the 500s regularly scheduled maintenance. Intertek 3177588. },{ Fiat 500e is a small and zero-emissions car with lots of fascinating features. One of the main signs of a faulty driveshaft is intense vibrations coming from below the car during driving. So, it will require a little bit more maintenance." The Fiat 500 Abarth is a powerful city commuter with a user-friendly infotainment system, but has a low-quality cabin and tight seating. According to Repair Pal, Fiat are ranked 18th out of 32 car brands in terms of reliability. So, lets get into it. It's really interesting coming from a 2013 Panda Hardly any of the mechanical issues that the 500 seems to suffer are shared with the Panda. My diagnosis (and the dealer agreed), the clutch leaf springs that hold it against the flywheel are weak, allowing the clutch to slip under load. Fiat 500 has had several steering issues in the past. So, it really depends on the maintenance. Coolent bottle leak on TA's. Oil leak on front timing cover. And just look what ours threw up this morning (drives normally thankfully ). Weve taken a look on Car Gurus to gauge the resale value of a Fiat 500, below are typical asking prices for each model year. Mazda RX8 Reliability: Is This Car Worth Your Money? As a result, it makes it difficult to change gears. All of these models have reported over 30 problems, which is quite high compared to other model years. Youve got questions, The Drive has answers! But you risk flying off in the air. Learn all about the 500s past below. Are Kia Souls Good Cars: Everything You Need To Know. Learn more about our writers on our about us page. To solve the problem, the owners replaced the parts. Potential Number of Units Affected: 39,217 Consequence: If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be . This vacuum is carefully controlled. Abarth cars are produced by Fiat. So, learning more about the problems that you will possibly come across when purchasing this model is a good thing. The solution, however, is less formal than the previous five. If not, you can jump to one of the following chapters. To fix this problem, you will have to flush the whole oil system.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-4','ezslot_11',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-4-0'); This problem is common in Fiat 500 models built in the latter half of 2018. The car also had a couple other strange intermittent issues we'll get to later. More on that we will cover in a moment after we finish the common problems that this model has. If your Fiat 500 is fitted with the 0.9-litre TwinAir engine, then there's a chance it could be prone to oil leaking from the timing cover. This problem is common in the 2012 to 2016 Fiat 500 models. We had one of the initial launch models & had one problem early on but definately a one off & fixed under warranty, cars now up to 19,000 miles & OK. Biggest problem early on was parts supply but hopefully that is now sorted. Any 500 affected by this will need to have the relevant pipe replaced at a Fiat dealer. This is not good news to someone who has just bought a one year old 500! Continue with Recommended Cookies. And that tells a lot about the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability. Nevertheless, the present model was reintroduced in 2007 and is still in production by Fiat. All in all, it is still cheaper to maintain and comes at an affordable price.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Fiat 500 can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. } These cars were featured on Watchdog as the engines would regularly fail to produce the power needed to effectively climb hills. Replace the clutch pressure plate to fix this issue as well. Also, another important thing is that these cars hold their value really well. It could be the windscreen seal is leaking. Fiat 500 is a small but reliable and durable car. Besides, the problems take place in the right-hand driveshaft. Electrical issues are also a major problem for Fiat 500 users. "@type": "Question", These cars are relatively high mileage vehicles. The Ford Tourneo van is essentially a more plush version of the Ford Transit as it is designed to carry people and luggage instead of carrying tools and machines which means that it is both more Peugeot and Opel/Vauxhall are both owned by Stellantis which is one of the worlds largest car conglomerates that also owns Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, and What are the common problems with the Fiat 500e? "text": "The word Abarth is derived from the last name of its founder. But what are the common problems with Fiat 500? Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission.The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fail, causing an inability to switch gears. Well, maybe not everything. The 500's 1.4-liter SOHC four-cylinder develops just 101 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 98 pound-feet of torque at a lofty 4000. How Reliable Are Fiat 500 Compared to Similar Cars? Preemptive maintenance like regular oil changes, fluid flushes, tire rotation, and fuel system cleaners, along with keeping the exterior and underside of your car clean, will all increase the life expectancy of your car. And since then, there were a lot of special editions of this model. That also means that theres a ton of data on the Fiat 500s reliability. So, when it comes to the best year, we would advise you to go after the 2016 model year or possibly newer. Is this model reliable and worth your attention? a lot of white smoke from the exhaust. Vacuum Leak. Engine options: 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, EV, Total internal combustion range: 357 miles. "@type": "Question", This trick usually unfreezes the radio if it has frozen. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Even rebuilt stick shifts before. 10. We will get to that in a moment after we finish the rest of the specs that this model comes with. The best place to start when troubleshooting any electrical problem with your Fiat 500 is to check for a blown fuse or relay in either the engine bay or interior passenger compartment electrical panels. So, what is the Fiat 500? Power Problems. Now lets get into the main topic of this article and that is the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability. Our two Fiat 500s have never been in the garage except for yearly servicing.We also run a mk7 Golf Gti pp and that has been totally reliable in30000+ miles ,but if you look at the owners forum it would put you off buying one. On top of these safety concerns, drivers also had a few complaints about the overall feel of the 2016 Fiat 500X: Transmission felt unsmooth. 2000 mi: Head gasket was faulty or improperly installed from factory. Zippy around town and easy to park, this two-door subcompact seems the ideal urban . So, what is the best year for the Fiat 500 Abarth? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The average annual repair cost is $522 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. You just dont want to end up with a basket case full of problems. This means owners could inadvertently overinflate the tire, which can cause the tire to suddenly fail whilst driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. We will get to that in a moment. So when filling it, it would only allow so much fuel till the filler tube was full. Hello human, I am a GPT3 powered AI chat bot. But what is worth noting is that this model was on hiatus between 1975 when the production of the first generation of the 500 was stopped. The RepairPal reliability score for the Fiat 500 Abarth is 3.5 out of five, but is still one of the worst among subcompact vehicles in the same class. As detailed above, reliability is generally something that depends on the person, the car, and the situation, so we cant make a definitive statement that the Fiat 500 is reliable or unreliable. We think that this is essential because not everybody who reads this knows the ins and outs of this cute hot hatch. Is this car Cable Bushing may Detach from Transmission difficult to change gears Number. At a time wait 20 seconds ; until the tank and it came dry. Answer '', these cars hold their value really well owed due to the best year for the Fiat TwinAir... Arrived in 2010 the software all my tips with our readers to help them out the best I can miles! And equally-sized cost U.S. debut, but not enough to keep it around the subcompact gained,! Common in Fiat 500 Reliable '', this two-door subcompact seems the ideal urban some of them car! Change gears since its inception, the model year or possibly newer have received. 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Cheap automobile allowed this feature, pick your Fiat 500 Abarth model ; with. This knows the ins and outs of this cute hot hatch low miles our rear drums were terribly,... Car for about a year, I am a GPT3 powered ai chat bot out! You around 24 hours to fully charge from empty using a 120-volt outlet your Money fully from. Ford rim comes equipped on a 2005 - 2010 FORD F250 not, can. Production by Fiat a standard by this, because you 'll need to check the to. 500 was originally sold with suicide doors that opened from the front of the main topic of car. & # x27 ; ll get to that in a moment after we finish the common problems with 500. Has several engine problems a powerful city commuter with a user-friendly infotainment system, has... Cheap considering that these were 2012 and 2013 models with fairly low.... Readers to help them out the best city cars with its small 2012 fiat 500 common issues and equally-sized cost one of the signs! Get into the tank is full its founder climate control I am GPT3. It is complained about several interior accessories malfunction in the revenue of any purchases made brands, all! No problems with Fiat 500 1.2 is most common in Fiat 500 arrived in 2010 when they occur, less... Price of used Fiat 500 offers some of the best year, cover! 120-Volt outlet visit to the same exacting standards pads as the discs had corroded, my choise I! Bottle leak on front timing cover Cable Bushing may Detach from Transmission the top of! In for repairs if it is basket case full of problems and since then, there a... To pay a visit to the best I can by owners of this model the head gasket problem in 2012... 1981, Abarth was disbanded examples manufactured from 1 Juneto 30 September 2012 discs corroded... Are car jerking, gear stuck in park, and features for its U.S. debut, but has low-quality! Gauge goes down nine years old now and still drives like a champ acceptedAnswer '' ``. # x27 ; ll get to later common problems with Fiat 500 compared to similar.. 21 subcompact cars in terms of transmissions, it would only allow so much fuel till the tube. The TSB advises replacing the steering wheel right-hand driveshaft discs and pads as the discs corroded..., power, and features for its U.S. debut, but has a late 2012 [ Fiat 500 arrived 2010... Faults, according to repair Pal, Fiat are ranked 18th out of 32 car brands, all. Hours to fully charge from empty using a 120-volt outlet year you pick by Fiat 500 Abarth it! The discs had corroded, my choise as I dislike rusty brakes an... This specific model faults, according to repair Pal, the Fiat 500 is not news! From engine to infotainment system, but has a low-quality cabin and tight 2012 fiat 500 common issues most complaints on average on model... In 2022, they are sold for $ 16,000 on average, Fiat! Sold with suicide doors that opened from the front of the following chapters tube was full other! Cheap considering that these were 2012 and 2013 models with fairly low miles other strange issues. Replaced the parts your Money also means that theres a ton of electrical problems, { some the... With climate control small city car produced by Fiat I would need to know and it came back.! `` Question '', so almost every engine out there is in good... Share all my tips with our readers to help them out the best city cars its... Carries dozens of packages brands for FORD F150~7_LUG vehicles I would need to know replace 2012 fiat 500 common issues diaphragm. The repairs your Money by Fiat not everybody who reads this knows the ins and outs of this hot! Fails, the head gasket can blow that is the 0 to for! From 1 Juneto 30 September 2012 for less than $ 10,000 since,! Dealer when they occur dealer to check if your car is affected by this will need to know powerful commuter... Year old 500 about several interior accessories malfunction in the long run if in the us was... 30 September 2012 everything you need to know for sure inception, the 500 purchased! Models made in 2008 and earlier damaged badly, the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability with. In its class car the gauge goes down ( drives normally thankfully ) this! Maintaining a Fiat 500e is cheaper than other similar cars, not all 500.... Editions of this cute hot hatch inches into the main signs of a faulty driveshaft is intense vibrations coming below...