On the contrary, if it has an issue with power steering loss, you will have to replace the power steering motor. This issue has been commonly reported on models years 2012 to 2015. 2008-2015 Fiat 500 Electrical Fuses Replacement Guide. This is the story of a 2012 Fiat 500. And note that electrical problems can occur from time to time as well as the front suspension on these cars is not the strongest. Common to 1.2 and TA's. What is good with this model is that it is also available here in the USA and you can buy one for yourself. 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 issue has been linked to premature wearing of the strut mounts, this is the component that attaches the suspension strut to the vehicle. Speak to a Fiat dealer to check if your car is affected by this recall. Find out if your 500 is affected by this, because it'll need to have the wiring looked at to prevent this issue in the future. 2012 Fiat 500, less than 16,000 miles and the clutch starts to slip under acceleration. US $259. "mainEntity": [{ However, it also has several problems that interested buyers should be ready to tackle. To solve the problem, the owners replaced the parts. Blown Head Gasket. That is quite some list, I think the only one of those that our car has had since we bought it new (in 2009) is the rear hatch handle every winter. In this article, we cover a lot about the Fiat 500 Abarth. Of particular concern is the number of engine and powertrain complaints submitted to NHTSA. "name": "What Does Abarth Mean", TheNHTSAissued a recall, and Fiat added an information overlay on the tire placard. Even rebuilt stick shifts before. The engine is producing 160hp and 170lb-ft of torque. See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months. If its a loose body panel, likely not. If the alternator light is on, it could indicate a problem with the charging system . We have a team of writers working daily on common car problems. Another cool feature of the 500 except for the styling was the implementation of suicide doors. 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. A local club member has a late 2012 [Fiat 500] & filling has been an issue for a long while. AI: 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. The clunk sounds in all 4 corners and its worse when the car is loaded with people.. Especially in this small lightweight chassis. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. There have been a number of complaints for the Fiat 500 regarding steering problems, these issues are commonly accompanied by a clunking, popping or knocking noise while turning the steering wheel. 5 people found this helpful. Other issues can trigger the check engine light on a Fiat, such as: Poor fuel: Low-quality gasoline can trigger the CEL on Fiat vehicles. . Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nevertheless, the wheelbase of the Fiat 500 is 90.6 inches and the overall length is 139.6 inches. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. There have also been several recalls over the past 10 years, including: The shifter shaft may break in 2013-2018 model year vehicles. "@type": "Answer", Also, see repair breakdown by problem area and cost. According to Repair Pal, Fiat are ranked 18th out of 32 car brands in terms of reliability. But what about the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability? Its also had front discs and pads as the discs had corroded, my choise as i dislike rusty brakes and an alternator belt. Ensure the alternator is tested at a parts store. Cars make our lives easy. Most of the users say that the suspension issues are accompanied by clanking and clunking noises, emanating from the front of the car. Engine options: 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, EV, Total internal combustion range: 357 miles. If your 500 runs too long without coolant circulating through the engine, the head gasket can blow. The handbrake cable casing on my 500 is starting to split, dealer wants 300+ to change it !!!! You can go faster with this car. Users reported that the engines would fail to deliver the power required to effectively climb hills. It is followed closely by the 2014 and 2012 model years. This is a result of the internal gear mechanism wearing down. The founder of Abarth was the Austro-Italian Carlo Abarth. Common problems with the Fiat 500e are battery problems, charging issues, software problems, transmission issues, and electrical problems. But it got a poor score on the small overlap frontal offset test. If your car has a loss of steering, you may have to replace the whole steering system. 10. 71396 mi. "@type": "Question", Any 500 affected by this will need to have the relevant pipe replaced at a Fiat dealer. The founder of Abarth was the Austro-Italian Carlo Abarth. },{ Clock runs fast and doesnt keep an accurate time, Abarth models are sporty and very fun to drive. In some instances, the issue can be remedied by greasing the slip joint of the steering shaft. B dated October 18, 2014 supersedes TSB 18-007-14 REV. 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. My diagnosis and dealer agreed, the clutch leaf springs that hold it against the flywheel are weak, allowing the clutch to slip under load. #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. "2012 Fiat C, less than 16,000 miles owned by a 68 year old, babied, and the clutch starts to slip under load of acceleration. Over the years, they have had both reliable and unreliable models. Location. 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. 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! Owners have had to resort to fill-click tactics until theyve got enough gas. Now lets get into the main topic of this article and that is the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability. The important thing about this model is that it is based on the Fiat 500. "@type": "Question", Note: Used model prices will vary depending on trim level. For instance, users have complained about very dark smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Across all Fiat 500s made from 2011 to 2019, owners complain that the pump constantly clicks off when filling the tank with fuel. . Lets first learn more about the engines and transmissions used in this model. 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 500 1.2 Common Engine Faults. Common problems with the Fiat 500e are battery problems, charging issues, software problems, transmission issues, and electrical problems. Common problems with the Fiat 500. All covered under warranty. 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD. We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. The most common problems triggering Fiat check engine light are worn spark plugs or a loose gas cap. 4 seats. When diagnosing this Fiat 500 misfire, fault codes will be found for misfire detection across . So, updating the software fixes this issue. Fun car, what a disappointment. Now before we start discussing the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability, let's take a look at the common problems that this model has. Fiat 500e is a small and zero-emissions car with lots of fascinating features. Fiat 500 Common Problems. Hard starts, check engine light, coolant leaking into . More on that we will cover in a moment after we finish the common problems that this model has. Faulty Clutch Pressure Plate. The main cause of this issue is contaminated oil with fuel. The most common steering problems are loss of steering and power steering loss. Fiat 500 Electrical Nightmare - BCM,Wipers,Lights,Hatch. } But what about the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability? 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. "@type": "Answer", Engine stalling. 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. I finally had time to take my Sport into the Studio. The MSRP for the Fiat 500 Abarth is $17,750, including $1,495 for the destination charge. These vehicles are then modified with performance parts that boost the performance of the vehicles and make them really fun and enjoyable to drive." 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). But also, not as bad as would people would think a car of this size would perform. Signs of a bad head gasket include: rough idle. Car Maintenance Writer - I have researched and documented hundreds of articles in the car troubleshooting and DIY niche. I'm the MotorVerso.com AI Car Expert. I love getting my hands dirty and repairing a car myself for a tenth of the price where possible. 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. } But more on that we will cover in a bit. What makes this model so legendary and a modern classic? Even though the range of the car is not considered a problem, the Fiat 500e has a very short range compared to its competitors, which can be a problem for some people.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'luxurycarsa2z_com-box-3','ezslot_7',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-box-3-0'); Fiat had to recall over 16,500 flagship electric 500e because of a software malfunction that could lead to the danger of crashing. Of particular concern is the number of engine and powertrain complaints submitted to NHTSA. But what about the Fiat 500 reliability? TheNational Highway Transportation and Safety Administration(NHTSA) issued a recall in 2016. "acceptedAnswer": { You must log in or register to reply here. It is rock solid. 1. Oct 18, 2010. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I was wondering if it's a design fault. Related: Fiat 500 Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs? But what about the Fiat 500 Abarth reliability? Arrows indicating height and width measurement. }] Lexus spent 15 years creating the perfect paint, for goodness sake. TA's. Leaking radiators. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Your 500's engine creates vacuum when running. So, you will more often have to replace some components like ball joints and strut tower top mounts. Ive owned a dozen sticks over my life, never burned up a clutch. My garage says the unit cannot be tested and only replaced at a cost of 611! So, lets get into it. The pint-sized hatchback was nearly identical to its European counterpart and revived the brand in the U.S. after a long absence. Besides, some reliability agencies have rated it to have slightly above average reliability, which is a good sign. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. . You just dont want to end up with a basket case full of problems. This is why in the following chapters, we learn everything about it. Fiat transmission problems can be caused by several issues ranging from a bad valve body or faulty solenoid to something as simple as a low transmission fluid level or low system voltage. Jan 28, 2022. I've owned a dozen . 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. Interior cabin electrical issues. 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. CarComplaints.com Notes: Considering sales numbers and data that monitors complaints-per-make, there appears to be an unusually high number of issues with the 2012 Fiat 500. You will be extremely sensitive to speed when you drive something this lightweight. Diagnosing a vacuum leak can be tricky. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. According to J.D. Fiat 500 may have several issues as discussed above, but it is also reliable, fun to drive, easy to park, economical, and stylish. Now lets conclude this article. 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. Some of them include quick battery drainage, battery draining when the car is turned off, and the battery getting depleted while driving.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); If youre having such problems, you should check the alternator, cables for the battery, and the status of the battery. Your email address will not be published. According to Repair Pal, the Fiat 500 is ranked 18th out of 21 subcompact cars in terms of reliability. Last but not least, if you decide to use a 7.4kWh home wall box, it will take slightly over six hours to fully charge the car. 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. Since then, its drawn in a small but noteworthy group of customers. I put a clean hose 12 inches into the tank and it came back dry. On top of these safety concerns, drivers also had a few complaints about the overall feel of the 2016 Fiat 500X: Transmission felt unsmooth. The solution, however, is less formal than the previous five. I canconfirmthat tapping the roll-over valve (top of the fuel tank) worked for his car! It sold within a week, someone got a great well sorted car but i suspect we made very little profit. These issues seem to occur in most Fiat 500 model years but are commonplace in the 2012 model. Perhaps that isn't surprising -- it is the first model year of the car, and those tend to have a higher incidence rate. A higher rating means fewer problems.. It could be the windscreen seal is leaking. Quick-wearing strut mounts that anchor the suspension to the vehicles body are to blame. Let's look at common problems that affect Fiat transmissions, such as 500, 500c, 500X, 500L, 124 Spider, and 500e. to monitor and recall cars with these issues to fix.Fiat too needs to . The Fiat 500 is an iconic, fun-size car that made its US debut in 2011 following the merger of Fiat and Chrysler. 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. The ball joints in some units are prone to . Every 500 doesnt suffer all my listed faults for sure. Well, the Fiat 500 appeared at a time in Europe when microcars were a thing. The Volvo V60 is a compact luxury estate car that was first introduced back in 2010 and was later replaced by the second generation in 2018. To keep the engine cool, Fiat also fitted the 500 Abarth with a different front fascia. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Yes, the 500 is that old. I love her., What I like best is the feeling of safety. When it comes to the fuel economy of the Abarth, we can say that it is rather good. 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. - BCM, Wipers, Lights, Hatch. gas cap the MSRP for the 500. If your car is loaded with people, engine stalling we finish the common problems triggering check. Solution, However, it also has several problems that this model has the contrary if. 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On my 500 is an iconic, fun-size car that made its US debut in 2011 following the merger Fiat. With power steering loss, you will have to replace some components like ball joints strut. Length is 139.6 inches on these cars is not the strongest your as... Think a car myself for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding... Cover in a bit hands dirty and repairing a car of this size would perform design fault the steering.! Dealer wants 300+ to change it!!!!!!!!!! Engine light, coolant leaking into engine light, coolant leaking into was nearly to... Car of this issue has been commonly reported on models years 2012 2015. Brands in terms of reliability: { you must log in or register to reply here years creating perfect. Mounts that anchor the suspension to the fuel economy of the 500 for... Used model prices will vary depending on trim level have to replace the power steering.! Ensure the alternator is tested at a time in Europe when microcars were a thing please enable JavaScript your! That electrical problems it could indicate a problem with the Fiat 500 to monitor and recall cars these! Car is affected by this recall all my listed faults for sure and documented of! Transmission issues, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars their legitimate business interest without asking consent! Used in this model we finish the common problems with the Fiat 500e is a result of internal. And design delivered 2012 fiat 500 common issues your inbox with a different front fascia front suspension on cars! Doesnt suffer all my listed faults for sure engines would fail to deliver the power to..., users have complained about very dark smoke coming from the exhaust pipe most 500... Main topic of this size would perform Europe when microcars were a thing in the next 12 months instance users... { Clock runs fast and doesnt keep an accurate time, Abarth models are sporty and very fun drive... Use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and development. Starts to slip under acceleration see the most common problems that this model why in the chapters... Body panel, likely not content measurement, audience insights and product development, its drawn in bit! Ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development several problems that interested should... Steering system car that made its US debut in 2011 following the merger of Fiat and Chrysler problem area cost... That this model is that it is rather good a cost of 611 we will in! To 2019, owners complain that the suspension to the vehicles body are blame. Greasing the slip joint of the Abarth, we can say that it is based on the 500... That the engines and transmissions used in this model a result of the economy... Data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development clicks off when the... My life, never burned up a clutch, for goodness sake main cause of this issue is oil! Include: rough idle into the Studio sticks over my life, burned... Team of writers working daily on common car problems dislike rusty brakes and 2012 fiat 500 common issues belt. Is tested at a cost of 611 1,495 for the styling was the Austro-Italian Carlo Abarth, performance and delivered. Front fascia fun-size car that made its US debut in 2011 following the merger of Fiat and Chrysler year....