The Fiat 500, introduced in 1957 as the “Cinquecento” (500 in Italian), has evolved from a simple economical town car into a fashionable city car. Known for its funky design, compact size, and modern features, the Fiat 500 has become a favourite for those who want a stylish and affordable car.
Fiat 500 Models
You can choose from:
The 500 – iconic hatchback
The 500 C – convertible
The 500e – electric model
The 500e C – EV convertible
The 500 X – SUV style
The 500 L – MPV style – discontinued
Or, for great performance, the Abarth sports version.
In this blog, we’ll explore some common problems Fiat 500 owners experience. If you own a Fiat 500 or are considering buying one, this guide will help you understand some potential issues.
Common faults we will cover:
- Problems with the Fiat 500’s clutch
- Automatic gearbox issues
- The engine overheating
- Faulty door handles
- Problematic suspension parts
If you need spare parts for your Fiat 500, check out our full range of Fiat Car Parts and accessories.
Is the Fiat 500 Reliable?
The Fiat 500’s stylish appearance and urban-friendly features make it popular, but how reliable is it? According to Carwow the Fiat 500 earns a “wowscore” of 6/10. It’s praised for its unique styling, interior and exterior colour options, and ease of manoeuvring in tight city spaces. Carwow mentions some downsides, it has cramped back seats and an outdated infotainment system.
Similarly WhatCar? graded the Fiat 500 three out of five. In their reliability survey, the Fiat 500 ranked 15th out of 19 small cars, with an overall reliability score of 93.2%.
Despite its popularity, the Fiat 500 isn’t without its faults. Next, we will look at some of the most common issues.
Recent Fiat 500 Recalls
| Affected models | Issue |
| 09/09/2020 - 30-06-2021 | The drive shafts may fail, replace the drive shafts as required |
| 16/06/2020 - 10/08/2020 | The Start & Stop system may not have been set up correctly, and therefore may not comply with approval requirements |
| 13/08/2018 - 19/12/2018 | The drive shaft may fail, and the right-hand drive shaft may nned to be repalced |
| 02/09/2016 - 18/10/2016 | The rear brake shoe lining material may not have been manufactured to the correct specification, could result in reduced brake performance |
| 01/09/2009 - 30/11/2009 | A loss of steering control may be caused by the steering shaft fork not being correctly fixed on the shaft |
Known Fiat 500 Problems
The Fiat 500 is well-loved for its retro charm however, like most cars, it has its share of problems. Below are some of the most common issues reported by Fiat 500 owners:
1. Fiat 500 Clutch Problems.
In 2016, Fiat recalled nearly 8,000 Fiat 500s due to a faulty clutch pressure plate. The problem was linked to a failure-prone clutch diaphragm spring, which made shifting gears difficult or even impossible. This issue occurs around 35,000 miles.
Symptoms of clutch failure include:
- Difficulty pressing the clutch pedal
- A lack of pressure when pressing the pedal
- Problems changing gears, such as grinding and not being able to engage reverse
For more information about Fiat 500 clutch issues, please visit the Fiat 500 owners forum.
2. Fiat 500 Issues with the Automatic Gearbox.
Many Fiat 500 models have a Dualogic semi-automatic gearbox offering manual and automatic driving modes. However, this system has been known to cause issues, including jerky gear changes, slipping gears, or a total loss of drive.
Some owners have also reported electrical malfunctions related to the gearbox, with the handbrake failing within weeks of purchase. In some cases, owners experienced problems changing from neutral to drive (on automatic gearboxes), resulting in the engine revving without the car moving.
To browse replacement transmission and gearbox parts, visit APD’s Fiat Car Parts section.
3. Fiat 500 Engine Overheating.
Overheating is another issue that Fiat 500 owners may encounter, causes may include:
Cooling system leaks:
Leaks in the radiator or coolant hoses can lead to overheating.
Damaged water pump:
If the water pump breaks, the coolant won’t circulate properly, leading to engine overheating.
Prevention Tips:
- Regularly check coolant levels
- Use high-quality coolant
For more information, watch this video on Fiat 500 overheating issues.
4. Fiat 500 Faulty Door Handles.
Many owners have reported that the hinges on the door handles corrode or stick over time, eventually causing the handles to break. Fiat charges a premium for replacement car parts, but you can find affordable lubricants and greases on APD’s website to help you prevent Fiat 500 door handles from corroding.
5. Fiat 500 Broken Suspension Parts.
Suspension problems are frequently reported by Fiat 500 owners, especially for models manufactured between 2012 and 2015. Many have experienced a clunking noise coming from the front of the vehicle when driving over uneven surfaces or potholes. This can lead to reduced ride comfort and poor handling.
For more information on upgrading your suspension, please read our blog post choosing the right suspension upgrades for your car.
Is the Fiat 500 a Safe Car to Own?
While we’ve highlighted a few concerns, the Fiat 500 remains a dependable vehicle when properly maintained and serviced in line with Fiat’s recommended guidelines.
For a detailed overview of its safety performance, you can check the Euro NCAP Fiat 500 Safety Ratings, which provide specific safety assessments for each model.
What to check when buying a used Fiat 500
- De-lamination of Fiat badges
- Rear window washer drizzling water indiscriminately (fixed after 2015)
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) turning on and off for no apparent reason
- Premature clutch wear (resolved in later models)
- Abarth side skirts peeling off
- Oil leak caused by rear main seals (fixed after 2014)
- Oil leak due to faulty O-ring on the Air/Oil separator (PCV)
Apart from these minor issues, the engines are robust, and the automatic transmissions are reliable, making the Fiat 500 a great choice for those wanting a dependable, safe car.
Buy Fiat 500 Car Parts from APD
APD offers a wide selection of Fiat 500 parts, ranging from batteries and headlights to suspension and service parts. Enter your registration number at the top of the website https://www.apd.co.uk/, to easily locate parts that will fit your vehicle.
APD has been serving the car community for over 80 years and offers free delivery on all orders over £30 to Mainland UK.
