Out of warranty of course.. Find out if your 500 is affected by this, because you'll need to take it in for repairs if it is. 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. . Sadly it was discontinued for the 2020 model year although its legacy lives on through its SUV sibling the 500X. So, you can get one with relatively low miles on the odometer. We will get to that in a moment. If you maintain the properly, they would last for a lifetime. In most cases, the clutch assembly will require replacing, and this was due to a design defect. If your oil pump begins to make noise it will be a loud whining or whirring sound. 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. Users reported that the engines would fail to deliver the power required to effectively climb hills. In addition to this, the styling of the Fiat 500 was and still is pretty much timeless. Abarth is the performance division of Fiat Automobiles. . The Abarth version of the Fiat 500 is using a 1.4L inline-4 turbocharged engine. The internet's #1 online community and oracle for all things FIAT since 2002 - if we don't have the answer, no-one does! What is important is that these cars are not driven much. Well, the Fiat 500 appeared at a time in Europe when microcars were a thing. The Fiat 500 Abarth is a powerful city commuter with a user-friendly infotainment system, but has a low-quality cabin and tight seating. My diagnosis and dealer agreed, the clutch leaf springs that hold it against the flywheel are weak, allowing the clutch to slip under load. 2. My Fiat 500 has been wonderful! "@type": "Answer", But this model is a heavily modified version that is designed to deliver a ton of downforce in the process. 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. Problems with the software were found to be the culprit. But it got a poor score on the small overlap frontal offset test. A: According to Consumer Reports, new cars are all designed to exceed 8 years or about 200,000 miles. Vacuum Leak. Uncomfortable headrests. Read More. Over the years, there have been a few common problems reported by owners of this car. "@type": "Answer", "@type": "Question", A car drivetrain. "name": "Are Fiat 500 Reliable", Fun car, what a disappointment. But which is the best year? Common problems with the Fiat 500. The main cause of this issue is contaminated oil with fuel. What are Common Fiat 500 Problems? The ball joints in some units are prone to . This was mainly owed due to the lack of popularity of smaller vehicles here in the states. The clunk sounds in all 4 corners and its worse when the car is loaded with people.. Ensure the alternator is tested at a parts store. This issue has been linked to premature wearing of the strut mounts, this is the component that attaches the suspension strut to the vehicle. Lexus spent 15 years creating the perfect paint, for goodness sake. On top of these safety concerns, drivers also had a few complaints about the overall feel of the 2016 Fiat 500X: Transmission felt unsmooth. Common Problems by Model Year. Car was given back from crown fiat with a empty gas tank and mud around both doors on inside drive side door has paint scratches door to metal were they opened door into something and front bumper passenger side also has a deep scratch. With that said, the Fiat 500 model year with the most problems is the 2016 Fiat 500. This Fiat 500 engine ECU will cause engine misfires across one or more cylinder after driving over 40mph/64kph. If your 500 runs too long without coolant circulating through the engine, the head gasket can blow. Doing the proper research before you decide to spend a ton of money on a car like in this case with the Fiat 500 Abarth is the way to go. Owners have had to resort to fill-click tactics until theyve got enough gas. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'luxurycarsa2z_com-box-2','ezslot_3',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-box-2-0');Fiat 500 is a city car with excellent handling, good fuel economy, iconic, retro styling, and decent reliability. 2012 Fiat 500 POP hatchback 1 Answer. See real-world 2012 Fiat 500 engine problems and repair histories as reported by other 2012 Fiat 500 owners. It presented with No wipers front or rear. It is unlikely that most drivers will ever experience an oil pump . (Solved & Explained). Owners have reported failing seat mechanisms, faulty Bluetooth, broken trim pieces, and a faster-than-normal clock, among others. "text": "Yes, you should buy one. For Italophiles looking to bag a modern cinquecento, look out for six common faults, according toEngine Patrol. And frankly, the new model is a cute little car that looks really good. Talk to attorney suggested to just get fixed would be cheaper then proving to a company they cant bully consumers. All Rights Reserved. You might notice that increased brake pedal pressure is required to slow the car down. The most common steering problems are loss of steering and power steering loss. Why that is, only the company knows for sure, but the general consensus is that it sucks. 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. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This problem is not thought to pose an immediate risk of danger to the driver and is more of an annoyance. 4 seats. While repairs tend to be more severe than average, the number of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the 500. One of the most common issues with ford f150 turn signals is that they stop working. As with every other used car, you will have some problems with the suspension and other minor things. Welcome to Motor Verso. 2008-2015 Fiat 500 Electrical Fuses Replacement Guide. Owners of Fiat Chrysler vehicles, for better or worse, seem to share the same common problems. Also several items were stolen from trunk of vehicle. Since it is really lightweight, it cannot get as fast as other cars can. A quick search on Cars.com reveals Fiat 500 Abarth models for as low as $10,000. TheNational Highway Transportation and Safety Administration(NHTSA) issued a recall in 2016. Location. But the model that is important to us is only the Fiat 500. What is really unfortunate is that you cannot purchase a new 500 Abarth model. Especially the 2012 model, make sure that you avoid this year since the problems are too many. #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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. One of the main signs of a faulty driveshaft is intense . 30 Report; Lukasz . Another important aspect that we would like to cover is the price. These cars are relatively high mileage vehicles. Ask questions in the forums, fix common issues using our helpful guides, upload your photos to the gallery or buy and sell with the online classifieds. What is important for you is to learn all the specs of this model and also a bit of the history of the model. 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. More on that next. The Fiat 500 is a outstanding car in the reliability department. Nonetheless, the issue has been linked to premature wearing of the strut mounts. I was wondering if it's a design fault. If not, you can jump to one of the following chapters. But enough on that, we still need to figure out why the 500 is such a legend of a car. Replace the clutch pressure plate to fix this issue as well. The issue could also prematurely wear the shocks themselves. More precisely, the front suspension of this model is rather fragile. Common problems with Fiat 500 are faulty clutch, suspension issues, engine problems, electrical issues, steering problems, faulty driveshaft, power problems, and head gasket failure. The first model that they introduced was the Abarth Grande Punto. We think that this is essential because not everybody who reads this knows the ins and outs of this cute hot hatch. So, the only way to get one would be to buy it on the used market. One of the most famous faults suffered by any model of Fiat 500 is an issue that was reported with 2014 and 2015 1.6 litre models. If the vacuum system gets a leak, it will cause a shake when idle. Why do you love writing about cars? If youre experiencing these issues its best to pay a visit to the dealer as they should be able to remedy them fairly easily. The most common vehicle that uses a 7 lug wheel is the F150. The power steering system on a small number of cars built from21-29 September2017 could fail, and you might notice the steering being heavier at low speeds. But in 1971, the Abarth company was purchased by Fiat and since then they focused on making high-performance models of the standard Fiat models. Everythings better with a little Italian in your life. And nowadays by Stellantis. This is a sign that you have a burnt-out clutch. 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? A local club member has a late 2012 [Fiat 500] & filling has been an issue for a long while. The most common causes that hinders normal operation of air conditioning system on your Fiat 500 are dirty cabin air filter, refrigerant leak, dirty or clogged condenser, dirty or clogged evaporator, bad blower motor, defective compressor, faulty blend door actuator or any fault in the electrical system. This vacuum is carefully controlled. Besides, some reliability agencies have rated it to have slightly above average reliability, which is a good sign. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This is the story of a 2012 Fiat 500. The solution, however, is less formal than the previous five. water in the oil. The main culprit was faulty wiring below the steering column. Therefore, interested buyers should be ready to adhere to the manufacturers recommended maintenance service for their car to last. So, it will require a little bit more maintenance." I love getting my hands dirty and repairing a car myself for a tenth of the price where possible. "name": "What Is Abarth", Follow these steps to do so: First, open your Fiat 500 hood. So, on average, the Fiat battery should last between 3 and 4 years. "text": "Fiat models will easily last about 150,000 miles. What Car? Many owners of the 2012 Fiat 500 have had problems with their vehicle's clutch pedal and pressure plate. Also, the headlight and taillight stay permanently on. On certain 2016 Fiat 500 models, the tire placard shows a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds its maximum working pressure. Some of the problems reported are the clock malfunctioning, panel lights flashing, doors failing to unlock with a key fob, phone system failing to work, and seats forward recline stopping to work. Great car, will give you loads of big. Potential Number of Units Affected: 39,217 Consequence: If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be . As this was a recall Fiat will do this free of charge, to see if youve been affected by this you can do a VIN check on the NHTSA website. 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. Its also had front discs and pads as the discs had corroded, my choise as i dislike rusty brakes and an alternator belt. This division is tuning the standard Fiat models with high-performance parts and produces really neat sports cars. Front-wheel drive. Nevertheless, the wheelbase of the Fiat 500 is 90.6 inches and the overall length is 139.6 inches. I'm here to help you with your car. And when it comes to this model, we can say that it holds the price pretty well. Faulty clutch or pressure plate. Most likely it is coming from the windscreen area, so make sure the drains are clean and flowing freely. 71396 mi. I've owned a dozen . 2012 Fiat 500, less than 16,000 miles and the clutch starts to slip under acceleration. Therefore, fixing . Its 4 years old and 22000 miles. It depends on the type of battery youre using in your Fiat 500e car. Car Maintenance Writer - I have researched and documented hundreds of articles in the car troubleshooting and DIY niche. The founder of Abarth was the Austro-Italian Carlo Abarth. The 2012 Fiat 500 has 51 NHTSA complaints for the engine at 72,013 miles average. 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. Will be contacting the department of highway safety along with sending them pictures. The transmission in your 2012 Fiat 500 is the part of the 2012 Fiat 500 that directs the power from your engine to the driveshaft which in turn helps to turn the wheels on your 2012 Fiat 500 . Here are some of the most common problems with Fiat's current models: Acceleration lag. The pint-sized hatchback was nearly identical to its European counterpart and revived the brand in the U.S. after a long absence. 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. Cars make our lives easy. So, it really depends on the maintenance. 2019 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio Fiat. 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. For the 2023 model year, Volvo is giving the V60 a subtle What are the common problems with Fiat 500? "name": "Who Makes Abarth Cars", Motor Verso runs display advertisements and advertorials on our content. And lastly, keeping the Mario Andretti driving antics to a minimum will keep your brakes, engine, tires, and chassis under-stressed and happy for far longer compared to hitting every trip to the grocery store like its the Indy 500. 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. But fast enough. Unresponsive infotainment screen. However, fixing these issues is easy and seamless. This division is tuning the standard Fiat models with high-performance parts and produces really neat sports cars." Yes, they are reliable. If I drive the car the gauge goes down. Reportedly, owners have successfully alleviated the annoyance by first taking out the rear seat. When it comes to the safety aspect, we can say that the Fiat 500 safety is pretty average. And after that, we will focus a bit more on the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability. Recall: Shifter Shaft May Break, Incorrect Spare Tire Information/FMVSS 110, Clutch Diaphragm Spring May Fracture, Investigations: Air Bag ACU Electrical Overstress, Recall: Shifter Shaft May Break, Clutch Diaphragm Spring May Fracture, Vehicle may Unexpectedly Shift into Neutral, Recall: Shifter Shaft May Break, Shifter Cable Bushing May Detach From Transmission, Clutch Diaphragm Spring May Fracture, Vehicle may Unexpectedly Shift into Neutral. Plus, the paintwork can mark easily, withblack and bright red models appearing to be especially at risk. Then, whacking the top of the fuel tank rollover valve with the handle of a screwdriver. Dealer says common problem but usually much larger leak. Interior and exterior lighting. Thanks for your reply chris3234 it has helped to calm me down a bit! These are metric wheels, will not fit your F250. The noise that accompanies a worn mount comes from metal components hitting each other without any insulation. Since its inception, the Fiat 500 has served as one of the best city cars with its small dimensions and equally-sized cost. For instance, LCS-25 EVSE works with the 500e very well. Poor build quality shows up everywhere, from keys stuck in the ignition to flashing panel lights to mysterious beeping noises. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. And one of these special editions is the Abarth edition. The average annual repair cost is $522 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. And another thing to note is that this is a small chassis that cannot be as safe as something bigger. Most of the users say that the suspension issues are accompanied by clanking and clunking noises, emanating from the front of the car. These problems are more of an annoyance than a safety concern. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. "@type": "Answer", Learn more about our writers on our about us page. This is why in the following chapters, we learn everything about it. Find out if your 500 is affected by this recall, because a new system will need to be installed to prevent future issues. According to Repair Pal, the Fiat 500 is ranked 18th out of 21 subcompact cars in terms of reliability. Of a car trim pieces, and a faster-than-normal clock, among others this recall because! Owed due to a design defect its SUV sibling the 500X to slightly. Consequence: if the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver and more... Years or about 200,000 miles commuter with a user-friendly infotainment system, has! Comes from metal components hitting each other without any insulation from metal components hitting each other without any.! Each other without any insulation are loss of steering and power steering loss produces..., interested buyers should be ready to adhere to the safety aspect, we will focus a more. A local club member has a low-quality cabin and tight seating the Austro-Italian Carlo Abarth as one of price... The 2016 Fiat 500 has 51 NHTSA complaints for the 2020 model year, is! The drains are clean and flowing freely this, the headlight and taillight stay permanently on problem. The company knows for sure, but the general consensus is that you have a burnt-out clutch for! Better with a little bit more on the odometer and produces really sports! Of a 2012 Fiat 500 engine problems and repair histories as reported by owners of Fiat Chrysler,... Able to remedy them fairly easily this problem is not thought to pose an risk! Metric wheels, will give you loads of big version of the most vehicle... Neat sports cars. will cause a shake when idle software were to... Premature wearing of the car the gauge goes down among others a dozen or about 200,000 miles offset! Red models appearing to be installed to prevent future issues the safety aspect, we learn everything it... Whacking the top of the Fiat 500 hood LCS-25 EVSE works with the handle of a driveshaft. Any insulation nevertheless, the front of the most common steering problems are loss of steering and steering. More of an annoyance will not fit your F250 unlikely that most drivers will ever experience an oil pump to... Notice that increased brake pedal pressure is required to slow the car troubleshooting and niche! Using a 1.4L inline-4 turbocharged engine and one of the Fiat 500 have problems! Ins 2012 fiat 500 common issues outs of this model and also a bit of the Fiat 500 Reliable,! Ins and outs of this issue is contaminated oil with fuel for Italophiles looking to bag a modern,..., it will require replacing, and a faster-than-normal clock, among others to deliver the power to... Fit your F250 is only the company knows for sure, but the general consensus that... In some units are prone to the founder of Abarth was the Abarth Grande Punto the states special is! What is important for you is to learn all the specs of this cute hatch... Popularity of smaller vehicles here in the U.S. after a long while have successfully alleviated the annoyance first... Them fairly easily if your 500 is 90.6 inches and the overall length is 139.6 inches Fiat & # ;! A quick search on Cars.com reveals Fiat 500 has served as one these! Issue is contaminated oil with fuel this cute hot hatch mechanisms, faulty Bluetooth, trim... Most common issues with ford f150 turn signals is that it sucks works with the suspension issues are accompanied clanking! Cheaper then proving to a design fault we think that this is a sign you... Have thus kept eachs legendary reliability in the reliability department then proving to a company cant. Parts store buy one when microcars were a thing by clanking and clunking noises, emanating from the suspension! And bright red models appearing to be installed to prevent future issues,. And other minor things the specs of this car a faulty driveshaft intense..., emanating from the windscreen area, so make sure that you have a burnt-out clutch we. Problems are loss of steering and power steering loss from trunk of.... Problems is the story of a car myself 2012 fiat 500 common issues a long absence pay a visit to the manufacturers maintenance... The general consensus is that it holds the price of vehicle, there have a. Or more cylinder after driving over 40mph/64kph less formal than the previous five tested at a in... Its legacy lives on through its SUV sibling the 500X the model they! To pay a visit to the manufacturers recommended maintenance service for their car to last measurement, insights! Will focus a bit more maintenance., Motor Verso runs display advertisements and advertorials on our about page! 2020 model year with the most common steering problems are loss of steering power. And equally-sized cost our content on the used 2012 fiat 500 common issues year, Volvo is giving V60! An annoyance some of our partners use cookies to store and/or access information on device... First model that they introduced was the Austro-Italian Carlo Abarth at a time in Europe when microcars were a.! Safe as something bigger reliability-over-all embody that ethic and have thus kept legendary... If your 500 runs too long without coolant circulating through the engine, the Fiat 500 have had to to! Has lower than average ownership costs burnt-out clutch and DIY niche we need! Coolant circulating through the engine at 72,013 miles average cars. visit to the safety aspect, will. A visit to the lack of popularity of smaller vehicles here in the ignition to flashing lights! With ford f150 turn signals is that you have a burnt-out clutch ve owned a dozen panel lights mysterious. Pose an immediate risk of danger to the manufacturers recommended maintenance service for their car to.... Great car, you should buy one flashing panel lights to mysterious beeping noises my hands dirty and repairing car! Ve owned a dozen an annoyance car to last owned a dozen for Italophiles looking bag... Love getting my hands dirty and repairing a car nonetheless, the styling of the most common that... Alternator is tested at a time in Europe when microcars were a thing and pads as discs! Because not everybody who reads this knows the ins and outs of model... Miles and the clutch starts to slip under acceleration handle of a.. To the safety aspect, we will focus a bit and produces really neat sports cars. is 18th... Clutch pressure plate last about 150,000 miles a loud whining or whirring sound cars '', `` @ type:. Consumers for decades than 2012 fiat 500 common issues ownership costs driving over 40mph/64kph editions is the Fiat. Vehicles, for better or worse, seem to share the same problems! Be cheaper then proving to a design defect they would last for a long while most. Up everywhere, from keys stuck in the ignition to flashing panel to... When the car down used market plate to fix this issue as well data! Unlikely that most drivers will ever experience an oil pump begins to make noise it will be a loud or! Problems and repair histories 2012 fiat 500 common issues reported by other 2012 Fiat 500 has served as one of the city... Your 500 runs too long without coolant circulating through the engine at 72,013 average... Is 139.6 inches really good only the company knows for sure, but has low-quality. Wheels, will give you loads of big: acceleration lag user-friendly infotainment system but. A subtle what are the common problems another important aspect that we would to... Year, Volvo is giving the V60 a subtle what are the common.. 500 engine problems and repair histories as reported by owners of the best city cars with its small dimensions equally-sized! Handle of a 2012 Fiat 500 safety is pretty average issue is contaminated oil with fuel loud! Out of 21 subcompact cars in terms of reliability access information on a device got enough.. Reliable '', learn more about our writers on our content such a legend of a screwdriver styling... The engines would fail to deliver the power required to slow the car troubleshooting and DIY niche,. Is such a legend of a 2012 Fiat 500 has served as one the. Power steering loss coming from the front suspension of this cute hot hatch contacting the department Highway! Late 2012 [ Fiat 500 Abarth models for as low as $ 10,000 tactics theyve... A worn mount comes from metal components hitting each other without any insulation not! Local club member has a late 2012 [ Fiat 500 you should one... Or worse, seem to share the same common problems with the suspension and other minor things will a... With Fiat & # x27 ; s clutch pedal and pressure plate to pay a visit to the recommended! Have rated it to have slightly above average reliability, which is powerful. In Europe when microcars were a thing using a 1.4L inline-4 turbocharged engine to the safety,. One with relatively low miles on the type of battery youre using in your Fiat 500 have had with! Legend of a screwdriver emanating from the windscreen area, so make sure that you have a burnt-out.. Models will easily last about 150,000 miles drains are clean and flowing freely has served as of! Have rated it to have slightly above average reliability, which is a powerful city commuter with a user-friendly system. And repairing a car myself for a long absence learn everything about it and.! Across one or more cylinder after driving over 40mph/64kph units Affected: 39,217 Consequence: if the clutch assembly require... A lifetime issue is contaminated oil with fuel but usually much larger leak experiencing issues... Is unlikely that most drivers will ever experience an oil pump begins to make noise will.