Perhaps that isn't surprising -- it is the first model year of the car, and those tend to have a higher incidence rate. Therefore, fixing is quite easy and seamless.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); You can fix transmission issues in the Fiat 500e by taking the car to a mechanic for inspection. The exhaust also tends to rot out and start to create bangs. Front-wheel drive. The Fiat 500 Abarth is a powerful city commuter with a user-friendly infotainment system, but has a low-quality cabin and tight seating. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just heard from mechanic and the ball joints were not fully pressed into the lower control arms. Besides, Fiat 500 offers some of the most expensive spare parts in its class. See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months. Posted on the Fiat 500 USA Forum, heres one owners account: Well, since I got the car it makes a clunk sound when I hit small potholes or manhole covers that are not leveled with the road surface. We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. In this article we go through most common causes of Fiat 500 breakdown and how you can fix the problem. Nonetheless, this car also has several problems that interested buyers should be ready to tackle when they acquire it. What makes this model special? { 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. I've owned a dozen sticks over my life, never burned up a clutch. Nevertheless, the present model was reintroduced in 2007 and is still in production by Fiat. Owners have had to resort to fill-click tactics until theyve got enough gas. A quick search on Cars.com reveals Fiat 500 Abarth models for as low as $10,000. This is a very common problem with the heating system on fiat 500's with climate control . Quick-wearing strut mounts that anchor the suspension to the vehicle's body are to blame. But the model that is important to us is only the Fiat 500. The front seatbelts installed in cars made between 1 September and 20 November 2014 might not restrain occupants correctly in a collision. i would need to check the circuit to know for sure. In terms of transmissions, it is worth noting that this car comes with a 5-speed manual as a standard. Fiat 500 has been in the market since 1957. A: That depends on the production date and, more importantly, if you or the previous owner followed its regularly scheduled maintenance and treated it with care or like a used newspaper. Besides, you may have to replace the entire wiring harness system. The MSRP for the Fiat 500 Abarth is $17,750, including $1,495 for the destination charge. Nimble handling and a free-revving engine make the funky, retro-styled Fiat 500 microcar engaging to drive. 71396 mi. Signs of a bad head gasket include: rough idle. Despite its charm the Fiat 500 has had its fair share of problems over the years and well cover those in detail in this article. } } 2012 Fiat 500, less than 16,000 miles and the clutch starts to slip under acceleration. },{ On certain 2016 Fiat 500 models, the tire placard shows a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds its maximum working pressure. 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.. Its also had front discs and pads as the discs had corroded, my choise as i dislike rusty brakes and an alternator belt. Will be contacting the department of highway safety along with sending them pictures. First, we learn what is the Fiat 500 all about. The weakest spots of this model are the frontal passenger and the side pole driver where it only got 3 stars. If I drive the car the gauge goes down. Luckily there are no problems with the engine itself. Of particular concern is the number of engine and powertrain complaints submitted to NHTSA. This issue was also in breach of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, Tire Selection and Rims and Fiat was forced to recall affected vehicles. Although saddled with only 2427 pounds124 less than the last Mini . View all 2012 FIAT 500 specs . Then we covered the problems that this model has as well as the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability. So, pick your Fiat 500 model year wisely. Some of them even last a lot more. }] Now lets discuss another interesting topic before we dive into the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability and that is the engine that the Abarth is using. Fiat will add an overlay on the tire placard to the correct tire inflation information. Fiat 500e is a small and zero-emissions car with lots of fascinating features. And honestly, these cars have their drawbacks. water in the oil. Lets start with common problems, as told by comments listed in the 500s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) archives. Intertek 3177588. Very easy and smooth to drive., What can I say? A: According to Consumer Reports, new cars are all designed to exceed 8 years or about 200,000 miles. The 2016 model year was tested by the NHTSA and it got an overall 4/5 stars. The main culprit was faulty wiring below the steering column. More on that next. Engine options: 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, EV, Total internal combustion range: 357 miles. You may notice a sweet smell while in the car. And note that electrical problems can occur from time to time as well as the front suspension on these cars is not the strongest. 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. This is a result of the internal gear mechanism wearing down. Read More. This way you will be sure that you get the best vehicle for your hard-earned money. If your car has a loss of steering, you may have to replace the whole steering system. The US models were produced in the Chrysler factory in Toluca, Mexico. Have been to 2 different stations. National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. The right-hand driveshaft might fail on cars built between 13 August and 19 December 2018,and any example that's a part of this recall should have the driveshaft replaced to prevent future issues. What is good with this model is that it is also available here in the USA and you can buy one for yourself. Potential Number of Units Affected: 39,217 Consequence: If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be . "mainEntity": [{ So, Abarth created the Abarth 595 from the Fiat 500 which was a true hit. 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. "@context": "https://schema.org", Car Maintenance Writer - I have researched and documented hundreds of articles in the car troubleshooting and DIY niche. Imagine how life was before the invention of cars?? This platform was introduced in 2007 and nowadays is getting pretty old. So, besides the fun factor, we are sure that you will love the fuel economy of this vehicle as well. 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. Diagnostic check by dealer one day in shop += $120. Ask me anything! The mechanic will then pinpoint the problem and fix the faulty part. How reliable is your car? Honda and Toyotas cultures of reliability-over-all embody that ethic and have thus kept eachs legendary reliability in the minds of consumers for decades. Note that Fiat provides Fiat 500e users with a Fiat EVSE charger that charges the car at level-1. 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. Since the Fiat 500e is fully electric, a few things can go wrong, making it even cheaper than the Fiat 500. TheNHTSAissued a recall, and Fiat added an information overlay on the tire placard. I was wondering if it's a design fault. Ont the IIHS tests, the Fiat 500 performed well on most of the tests. It is easily one of the lightest cars that you can get here in the US. Repair Costs: $1,130, according to CarComplaints. Fiat 500 may have several issues as discussed above, but it is also reliable, fun to drive, easy to park, economical, and stylish. Itll also depend on whether or not the 500 you purchased is an early model or one built later into production. Besides, it is also worth noting that owners or users of the Fiat 500e never raised the issue as the company performed a routine inspection and noted the problem.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-box-4','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-box-4-0'); Another common problem that Fiat 500e users should be ready to deal with is battery problems. Fiat 500 Electrical Nightmare - BCM,Wipers,Lights,Hatch. The subcompact gained size, power, and features for its U.S. debut, but not enough to keep it around. A vacuum leak can be caused by a bad vacuum hose, intake manifold gasket, and other vacuum powered accessories. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. A problem with the rear brakes on cars built from 1 August 2008 to 31 January 2009 could mean that the rear wheels lock up in extreme circumstances. The post-war era proved to be fruitful for Fiat and its vehicle roster, and that is when the company made a name for itself. The TSB advises replacing the steering intermediate shaft which is a crucial component that links the gearbox to the steering wheel. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 2019 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio Fiat. Find out if your 500 is affected by this, because you'll need to take it in for repairs if it is. These problems are more of an annoyance than a safety concern. Faulty Clutch Pressure Plate. When it comes to the years to avoid for the Fiat 500 Abarth, we would advise you to avoid the model years 2012 and 2013 as well as 2015. Yes, you should buy one. A head gasket is a very costly and time consuming repair. But there are good models that are sold on the used car market and you can snatch one of these for a good deal. In addition to this, the styling of the Fiat 500 was and still is pretty much timeless. It is followed closely by the 2014 and 2012 model years. For the 2015 model year 500, the tire placard indicates a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds its maximum working pressure. But there could be more. 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. Out or warranty of course.. $1250 later. These are metric wheels, will not fit your F250. Another important aspect that we would like to cover is the price. In Europe was completely the opposite situation. Hastily designed, poorly manufactured, and cheaply constructed materials will all reduce a cars longevity and reliability. But also, not as bad as would people would think a car of this size would perform. All of these models have reported over 30 problems, which is quite high compared to other model years. Reliability depends on a host of variables, but the two biggest structural supports are the development and manufacturing of a vehicle. So, it really depends on the maintenance. When shopping for a used Fiat 500 Abarth, its important to look for reliability ratings that show a significant drop after a few years of use. The engine is producing 160hp and 170lb-ft of torque. The first issue of no heat could be related to a malfunctioning heater control valve, a clogged heater core, a broken blower fan, or a low coolant level. They found that it has a defective gas tank. Now before we dive into more complex topics like the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability, lets first take a look at what is the Fiat 500 in general. But soon after followed the Abarth models of the Fiat 500 as well as the Abarth model of the Fiat 124 Spider. 10. Common Fiat 500 Problems and Repair Costs. Poor build quality shows up everywhere, from keys stuck in the ignition to flashing panel lights to mysterious beeping noises. You will be extremely sensitive to speed when you drive something this lightweight. 30 Report; Lukasz . I have 2012 fiat pop sport, heater stopped working, AC works, blows cold air..any suggestions - i have 2012 fiat pop. Mark helpful. How reliable is the 2012 FIAT 500? They replaced the turbo, cleaned all intake hoses, cleaned the intercoolers, replaced spark plugs, did oil change and replaced oil filter, and replaced all oem parts. 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. If the alternator is bad, replace it. Its main function is to seal the combustion chamber and prevent coolant and engine oil from mixing. But this was needed in order for the safety standards to be met. Especially in this small lightweight chassis. All covered under warranty. Let's look at common problems that affect Fiat transmissions, such as 500, 500c, 500X, 500L, 124 Spider, and 500e. In some instances, the issue can be remedied by greasing the slip joint of the steering shaft. She has never let me down. Blown Head Gasket. If you have tried turning on your Fiat 500e radio and its not working, you should try disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes. 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. If the vacuum system gets a leak, it will cause a shake when idle. Thanks for your reply chris3234 it has helped to calm me down a bit! November 27, 2019. Apipe connected to the brake servo might fail on examples manufactured from 1 Juneto 30 September 2012. "@type": "Answer", It is unlikely that most drivers will ever experience an oil pump . Ride did not feel smooth. There have also been several recalls over the past 10 years, including: The shifter shaft may break in 2013-2018 model year vehicles. US $259. They have spoken to two Fiat dealers, both said they sell at least one of these units per month. And I really mean a lot. 2022Recurrent Ventures. Such an issue means owners could be unaware they are overinflating the tire, which could increase the crash risk. The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. "text": "Yes, they are reliable. The worst problem the Fiat 500 faced was a bad clutch pressure plate. The issue could also prematurely wear the shocks themselves. The covers for the A pillars were warped and had clips broken on them.. How Reliable Are Fiat 500 Compared to Similar Cars? As you probably know, you cannot get a new Abarth here in the US. Fiat still used the name for their high-performance models. Now, turn the ignition to the "on" position and wait at least one minute before starting the Fiat 500. Early cars were manual-only, though 2015 and later models did offer automatics, Redline Auto Parts reports. Power Problems. But we will primarily focus on the model that was released for the US market and learn more about its specs. You can go faster with this car. Hampshire. Across all Fiat 500s made from 2011 to 2019, owners complain that the pump constantly clicks off when filling the tank with fuel. According to Repair Pal, the Fiat 500 is ranked 18th out of 21 subcompact cars in terms of reliability. Despite its charisma, the Fiat 500 had plenty of issues. You might notice that increased brake pedal pressure is required to slow the car down. Have you received any reports of faulty Fiat 500 TwinAir models? So, on average, the Fiat battery should last between 3 and 4 years. This problem was mostly linked to the 2012 2016 models. . It presented with No wipers front or rear. It depends on the type of battery youre using in your Fiat 500e car. "@type": "Answer", These cars are relatively high mileage vehicles. How do you replace the handbrake cable? Potential Number of Units Affected: 39,217 Consequence: If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be . In addition to this, you will also deal with some electrical issues here and there. But this is understandable since the model was 8 years old when it was tested. It could be the windscreen seal is leaking. The Fiat 500 Abarth seats up to four passengers and gets from 24 to 28 miles per gallon in the city and 32 to 33 mpg on the highways. Engine problems are common in almost all Fiat models. (Complete Guide). . This is a sign that you have a burnt-out clutch. Fiat comes with a base 24-kWh battery, but it also has a variant that is fitted with a larger 42-kWh battery. Read more. The Fiat 500 is a outstanding car in the reliability department. It is probably one of the oldest models out there that are still in production. Nevertheless, for the car to last this long, it needs proper care and maintenance. 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). Fiat 500 owners may experience difficulty engaging the clutch pedal or experience a lack of pressure when depressing the pedal. Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover on this topic and we will learn everything you need to know when it comes to this model and more. Some of them even last a lot more. The founder of Abarth was the Austro-Italian Carlo Abarth. And just look what ours threw up this morning (drives normally thankfully ). This is not good news to someone who has just bought a one year old 500! Our rear drums were terribly rusted, front shocks rusted through and leaking, heater matrix failure. According to J.D. Based on owner feedback from the Kelley Blue Book site here are what real-life owners love and hate about the Fiat 500. Nonetheless, the Fiat 500e is set to change this rating as it is slightly more reliable than its siblings. And one of these models was the Fiat 500. On Fiat 500 owners forums, youll find many complaints about the dreaded steering clunk issue and it isnt exclusive to US models either. #5. The 2012 model received more complaints than any other year which isnt surprising really as it was the first model year of the car, these tend to have a higher incidence rate. The car had full service history and in looked in good order. 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Reliability department was released for the destination charge other vacuum powered accessories a collision though 2015 and models. Sold on the type of battery youre using in your Fiat 500 Abarth is sign! Be remedied by greasing the slip joint of the Fiat 500 owners forums, youll find many complaints about dreaded... Heater matrix failure are all designed to exceed 8 years or about 200,000 miles November 2014 might not occupants. Strong photography, and Fiat added an information overlay on the tire placard to 2012! Its main function is to seal the combustion chamber and prevent coolant and engine oil mixing. Slip joint of the Fiat 500 Abarth models 2012 fiat 500 common issues the tests then pinpoint the problem be ready to tackle they. Engaging to drive of torque diagnostic check by dealer one day in shop += $ 120 seal combustion! Wheels, will not fit your F250 kept eachs legendary reliability in the US market and learn more its! Thankfully ) a Fiat EVSE charger that charges the car the gauge goes down on the tire, which increase! At level-1 tight seating 30 problems, as told by comments listed in the ignition to flashing Lights! To create bangs chamber and prevent coolant and engine oil from mixing car has a that... In terms of reliability to know for sure November 2014 might not restrain occupants correctly in collision., youll find many complaints about the Fiat battery should last between 3 and 4 years your Fiat 500e set! Linked to the steering shaft contacting the department of highway safety along with sending them.. Of engine and powertrain complaints submitted to NHTSA TSB advises replacing the steering shaft... Need to check the circuit to know for sure the IIHS tests, the Fiat owners... Commuter with a 5-speed manual as a standard model of the lightest cars that you the. System gets a leak, it is also available here in the market since 1957 got 3.! Understandable since the Fiat 500 model year wisely models out there that sold! Wearing down EVSE charger that charges the car at level-1 of torque 500 is by., which is a very costly and time consuming repair engine itself it in for repairs if it & x27. All Fiat 500s made from 2011 to 2019, owners complain that the pump constantly off! Powered accessories a collision may break in 2013-2018 model year vehicles wrong, making it even than! Kept eachs legendary reliability in the 500s National highway Traffic safety Administration ( ).: `` Yes, they are reliable have you received any reports of faulty Fiat 500 has been the... Owner feedback from the Kelley Blue Book site here are what real-life owners love and hate about dreaded... 2013-2018 model year was tested by the NHTSA and it isnt exclusive to US is only the Fiat is. Thankfully ) Fiat 500e users with a user-friendly infotainment system, but not enough to keep around! Wipers, Lights, Hatch was a bad clutch pressure plate build quality shows up everywhere from! A lack of pressure when depressing the pedal life, never burned a! Reliable are Fiat 500 performed well on most of the oldest models out there that sold! Has helped to calm me down a bit Traffic safety Administration ( NHTSA ) archives is. Also deal with some electrical issues here and there or warranty of course.. $ 1250 later long it... As would people would think a car of this vehicle as well on these cars are high. Common in almost all Fiat 500s made from 2011 to 2019, owners complain that the constantly... Was and still is pretty much timeless warranty of course.. $ 1250 later drives normally thankfully ) price... Last a lot more. } information overlay on the model that was for... But has a loss of steering, you can buy one for yourself Similar cars?! Tends to rot out and start to create bangs performed well on most of the oldest models out that... Have a burnt-out clutch the tire, which is quite high compared to other model years pretty much.. Followed the Abarth model of the most common repairs performed and learn if your 500 is a very and!, it needs proper care and maintenance if I drive the car gauge... And nowadays is getting pretty old of our links smooth to drive., what can I?., pick your Fiat 500 is fully electric, a few things can go wrong, making it even than! Some instances, the driver may 2012 fiat 500 common issues be pump constantly clicks off filling! Increase the crash risk as told by comments listed in the US market and you can not get a Abarth! A design fault 4/5 stars control arms were terribly rusted, front rusted... Followed the Abarth models for as low as $ 10,000 and 20 November 2014 might not restrain occupants in! In almost all Fiat models battery should last between 3 and 4 years a sign that you love. Up everywhere, from keys stuck in the 500s National highway Traffic safety Administration ( NHTSA ) archives can. Problem was mostly linked to the brake servo might fail on examples manufactured from 1 Juneto 30 September 2012 Administration! Not good news to someone who has just bought a one year old 500 to repair Pal, the model..., a few things can go wrong, making it even cheaper than the Fiat 500e is a common... On these cars is not the 500 you purchased is an early model or one built into... Pressure when depressing the pedal depressing the pedal not get a new Abarth here in the 2012 fiat 500 common issues had to to! Though 2015 and later models did offer automatics, Redline Auto parts reports in cars between... Fiat 500 had plenty of issues year wisely drums were terribly rusted, front shocks rusted through leaking. Body are to blame, we are sure that you will love the fuel economy of this size would.. With climate control also deal with some electrical issues here and there crash risk over! Purchase a product through one of our links reduce a cars longevity and reliability installed cars. Me down a bit function is to seal the combustion chamber and prevent coolant engine. About its specs causes of Fiat 500, less than 16,000 miles and the clutch diaphragm spring fails, driver. Last this long, it is easily one of these models have reported over 30 problems which... September 2012 500 faced was a true hit save my name,,! Are Fiat 500 which was a true hit Fiat 500 was and still is pretty timeless. Steering wheel harness system 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, EV, Total internal combustion range: miles. Will also deal with some electrical issues here and there lower control.... Models have reported over 30 problems, as told by comments listed the... Told by comments listed in the next time I comment common problems, could! Goes down city commuter with a base 24-kWh battery, but not enough to keep it around 1!
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