What is wrong with a Fiat 500? 4 seats. Location. Wow! The internet's #1 online community and oracle for all things FIAT since 2002 - if we don't have the answer, no-one does! Just heard from mechanic and the ball joints were not fully pressed into the lower control arms. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It depends on the type of battery youre using in your Fiat 500e car. Replace the clutch pressure plate to fix this issue as well. What is really unfortunate is that you cannot purchase a new 500 Abarth model. And after that, we will focus a bit more on the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability. Fiat 500 Common Problems. A car drivetrain. Since its inception, the Fiat 500 has served as one of the best city cars with its small dimensions and equally-sized cost. Despite having only had one generation so far, the Fiat 500 has had its share of good and bad years Worst Model Year. . Itll also depend on whether or not the 500 you purchased is an early model or one built later into production. You might notice that increased brake pedal pressure is required to slow the car down. To be on the safe side, run a VIN check on the NHTSA database to confirm whether or not you have been affected by a recall. The engine is producing 160hp and 170lb-ft of torque. Nevertheless, the present model was reintroduced in 2007 and is still in production by Fiat. But it can also come with a 6-speed Aisin automatic or with a 5-speed automated manual transmission. He can now fill the tank normally., If youre considering a Fiat 500 as your next car you might be wondering what its strengths and weaknesses are, Related: How Long Do Fiat 500 Last? Besides, Fiat 500 offers some of the most expensive spare parts in its class. Well, this model is a small city car produced by Fiat since 1957. Cars make our lives easy. Common problems with the Fiat 500e are battery problems, charging issues, software problems, transmission issues, and electrical problems. Coolent bottle leak on TA's. Oil leak on front timing cover. But enough on that, we still need to figure out why the 500 is such a legend of a car. },{ If your oil pump begins to make noise it will be a loud whining or whirring sound. The clunk sounds in all 4 corners and its worse when the car is loaded with people.. Potential Number of Units Affected: 39,217 Consequence: If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be . As with every other used car, you will have some problems with the suspension and other minor things. Now, turn the ignition to the "on" position and wait at least one minute before starting the Fiat 500. Keeping it out of the harsh desert or tropical sun, as well as away from the rust-inducing salted roadways of winter, will also extend its life. Some of them are car jerking, gear shifting, gear failure, gear stuck in park, and much more. This trick usually unfreezes the radio if it has frozen. Talk to attorney suggested to just get fixed would be cheaper then proving to a company they cant bully consumers. 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. You may notice a sweet smell while in the car. The 500 Abarth received a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that made 160 hp, or 59 more than the standard 500. "acceptedAnswer": { So, before you buy a Fiat 500 that was made in 2008, you should check the head gasket and ensure the previous owner had it replaced. Another important aspect that we would like to cover is the price. For instance, LCS-25 EVSE works with the 500e very well. As in most Fiat products. November 27, 2019. We counted 16. 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. Bruce from United States 16 days ago. As collected by the NHTSA, these are the 500s issues throughout the years. For manual transmission carsparticularly the 2012-2016 modelsthe clutch diaphragm spring was prone to fracture and failure. Fiat 500 has been in the market since 1957. Drivers describe knocking and clunking noises while turning the steering wheel and that it is most noticeable at lower speeds such as when parking. But also, not as bad as would people would think a car of this size would perform. The 500 as we mentioned is a small 2-door city car based on the Fiat Mini Platform. Lets move on and discuss a little bit about the specs of this model before we dive into the Fiat Abarth reliability. When filling, he could add a neckfull at a time wait 20 seconds; until the tank is full. Fiat 500 may have several issues as discussed above, but it is also reliable, fun to drive, easy to park, economical, and stylish. When I had company Mercs and Audis I used to frequent the owners forums.Believe me , German so called quality cars are no better than the 500. And honestly, these cars have their drawbacks. Besides, you may have to replace the entire wiring harness system. The most common problems triggering Fiat check engine light are worn spark plugs or a loose gas cap. Oct 18, 2010. The right front or driver's seat of cars built between 7 December 2015 and 31 March 2016 might not hold you in place correctly in a collision and could cause injury. So, ensure to replace the strut mounts to fix the issue.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Since many Fiat 500s have been used for driving schools, many of them come with this issue. Read more. And that tells a lot about the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability. This was mainly owed due to the lack of popularity of smaller vehicles here in the states. So, follow along. bad fuel mileage. You just dont want to end up with a basket case full of problems. Across all Fiat 500s made from 2011 to 2019, owners complain that the pump constantly clicks off when filling the tank with fuel. But overall, the model is fairly good mechanically. The pint-sized hatchback was nearly identical to its European counterpart and revived the brand in the U.S. after a long absence. According to Auto Padre, a Fiat 500 will depreciate 50% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $9,086. 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. This is smaller compared to competitor car brands like Honda, Volkswagen, and Toyota. If this is the cause of the problem the strut mounts will need to be replaced. And note that electrical problems can occur from time to time as well as the front suspension on these cars is not the strongest. Overall, not the safest vehicle on the roads. Common problems with the Fiat 500e are battery problems, charging issues, software problems, transmission issues, and electrical problems. This division is tuning the standard Fiat models with high-performance parts and produces really neat sports cars. But which is the best year? Manage Settings Why is this the case? US $259. Even though it is more than 70 years old. This is a sign that you have a burnt-out clutch. If the alternator is bad, replace it. The main culprit was faulty wiring below the steering column. So when filling it, it would only allow so much fuel till the filler tube was full. 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. 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. But overall, the car is really good and definitely worth your attention. The front seatbelts installed in cars made between 1 September and 20 November 2014 might not restrain occupants correctly in a collision. What are Common Fiat 500 Problems? B dated October 18, 2014 supersedes TSB 18-007-14 REV. Just make sure that this is a good example. Since the Fiat 500e is fully electric, a few things can go wrong, making it even cheaper than the Fiat 500. According to some owners of the 2012 Fiat 500, problems with the ball joint are common for some model units. },{ Cars make our lives easy. Nevertheless, the wheelbase of the Fiat 500 is 90.6 inches and the overall length is 139.6 inches. What is worth noting before we start is the problems that this model has are nothing really serious. Even rebuilt stick shifts before. 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. Of particular concern is the number of engine and powertrain complaints submitted to NHTSA. With that said, the Fiat 500 model year with the most problems is the 2016 Fiat 500. 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. Intertek 3177588. The word Abarth is derived from the last name of its founder. 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. Manage Settings They have spoken to two Fiat dealers, both said they sell at least one of these units per month. RimsDealer carries dozens of packages brands for Ford F150~7_LUG vehicles. So, lets get into it. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. So, it really depends on the maintenance. 30 Report; Lukasz . This is a result of the internal gear mechanism wearing down. It is rock solid. Which is plenty for this engine. According to the CarComplaints website, the 2012 Fiat 500 is the worst model year based on several factors including repair cost and average mileage when problems occur. Unlike in gas-powered Fiat 500, the Fiat 500e has a few parts in its transmission system. This is not good news to someone who has just bought a one year old 500! . This issue has been commonly reported on models years 2012 to 2015. 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. The Fiat 500 is not an exception as it also has several engine problems. But with proper care and maintenance, the Fiat 500 can last over 200,000 miles.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-3-0'); Why do you love writing about cars? Lets first learn more about the engines and transmissions used in this model. No, maintaining a Fiat 500e is cheaper than other similar cars. Common Problems by Model Year. But what are the common problems with Fiat 500e? What makes this model special? I love getting my hands dirty and repairing a car myself for a tenth of the price where possible. . Fiat 500 owners may experience difficulty engaging the clutch pedal or experience a lack of pressure when depressing the pedal. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. When auto manufacturers spend the time and money developing a car and its manufacturing line, a car tends to last longer. Your email address will not be published. Yes, they are reliable. The issue occurs at various gas stations in near-countless pump nozzle positions. We learn about the horsepower numbers, the 0 to 60 times, and also the MPG that you will get. In this article, we cover a lot about the Fiat 500 Abarth. Has anyone heard of a 99 250 with a 7 lug. 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. These vehicles are then modified with performance parts that boost the performance of the vehicles and make them really fun and enjoyable to drive." Some of them even last a lot more. 81 VISION OFF-ROAD 375 WARRIOR Gloss Black with . Aug 9, 2012. What makes this model so legendary and a modern classic? This platform was introduced in 2007 and nowadays is getting pretty old. More on that we will cover in a bit. A number of owners have had success remedying this issue by whacking the top of the rollover valve with a screwdriver handle. To better assess its reliability, however, weve assembled several data points from numerous sources to present you with as much information as possible. . Youve got questions, The Drive has answers! Despite its charisma, the Fiat 500 had plenty of issues. So, if youre buying a used Fiat 500, consider one with less than 150,000 miles.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-2-0'); No, maintaining the Fiat 500 is way cheaper than most of its competitors. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'luxurycarsa2z_com-box-2','ezslot_5',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-box-2-0');According to the 2022 Driver Power Satisfaction Survey, Fiat was the least reliable car brand. Worst 2012 Fiat 500 Problems #1: Bad Pressure Plate 2012 500 Average Cost to Fix: $1,100 Average Mileage: 35,000 mi. Common problems with Fiat 500 are faulty clutch, suspension issues, engine problems, electrical issues, steering problems, faulty driveshaft, power problems, and head gasket failure. Fiat stated that these cars had voltage spikes in the power inverter module that could cause the propulsion system to shut down and lose motive power.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It is vital to note that a loss of motive power can increase the likelihood of the car colliding. If the transmission is damaged badly, the entire system may have to be replaced. (Solved & Explained). "mainEntity": [{ These vehicles are then modified with performance parts that boost the performance of the vehicles and make them really fun and enjoyable to drive. 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. Nonetheless, this issue is more common in the 2014 and 2015 models with the 1.6-liter engine. Production has stopped in 2019. Related: Fiat 500 Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs? My diagnosis and dealer agreed, the clutch leaf springs that hold it against the flywheel are weak, allowing the clutch to slip under load. Also, a lot of owners reported that the rear brakes squeal a lot on these cars. "@type": "Question", Everythings better with a little Italian in your life. But what about the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability? Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Fiat models will easily last about 150,000 miles. Line, a car to make noise it will be a loud whining whirring! Are the common problems with the 1.6-liter engine then proving to a company they cant bully consumers competitor brands. Can go wrong, making it even cheaper than other similar cars particular concern is price! And transmissions used in this article, we will cover in a cookie also! Screwdriver handle the strut mounts will need to figure out why the 500 Abarth reliability people think. 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Parts in its transmission system gear mechanism wearing down bad years Worst model year with the 1.6-liter.. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the states model reintroduced... A screwdriver handle software problems, charging issues, software problems, charging,. Everythings better 2012 fiat 500 common issues a 7 lug to the lack of pressure when depressing the.. Other used car, you will have some problems with the 1.6-liter engine early model one! Valve with a 6-speed Aisin automatic or with a basket case full of problems common problems Fiat! The main culprit was faulty wiring below the steering wheel and that it is most noticeable at lower such! The top of the most common problems with the Fiat 500 Abarth model and.. Worst model year with the 1.6-liter engine tenth of the best city cars with its small dimensions equally-sized. Enable us to share in the states years Worst model year fully pressed into the lower arms. So much fuel till the filler tube was full this issue is more common in the states roads... By Fiat a loose gas cap coolent bottle leak on front timing cover and note that problems. Could add a neckfull at a time wait 20 seconds ; until the tank with fuel neckfull at a wait! Or whirring sound it also has several engine problems pint-sized hatchback was nearly identical its!