If you are considering buying a used Fiat 500, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 13 known faults for this model, 6 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Generation 1 of 113 known faults · 19 owner reports · 3 good notes
Fiat 500 Mk1 (2008 to 2018) problems
Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial
The MultiAir unit that controls inlet valve lift hydraulically contains an internal oil filter that clogs, starving the solenoids and killing valve control on a cylinder. The result is misfires, power loss and P0300/P0302 codes. The unit is not serviceable in practice: a replacement MultiAir module alone is around 900 pounds in the UK before labour. Failure is strongly linked to oil neglect - wrong grade, low level or stretched change intervals - so service history is the single best predictor. The identical engine and unit is fitted to the Panda as well as the 500
Rough guide
£700-1400
Typical symptoms
engine running on one cylinder
severe misfire
engine management light
rough idle
Affected vehicles
Engines:
0.9 TwinAir (875cc, MultiAir)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
2 more owner reports back this up
June 2020A 2014 Fiat 500 TwinAir had faulty MultiAir modules, with a cylinder two inlet valve sticking open, costing £611 to replace.
June 2016The Fiat 500 TwinAir engine is highly sensitive to oil type; incorrect oil can destroy the MultiAir system, costing £1,200.
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Transmission/ClutchMedium severity📝 Editorial
The Dualogic automated manual is an ordinary manual gearbox shifted by a hydraulic actuator, and the actuator is the weak point: it cracks and leaks its fluid onto the electrics, the pump and accumulator fail, and the car jumps out of gear, refuses to select or drops to neutral in traffic. Repairs range from a cheap brake switch to a failed pump and accumulator that costs more than an older Panda or 500 is worth - specialists note a 12-year-old Dualogic car with a transmission fault is effectively scrap value
Rough guide
£600-1800
Typical symptoms
gearbox check light
refusal to engage reverse or 1st
car dropping into neutral while driving
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.2 / 0.9 with Dualogic automated manual
Typical mileage:
50000-90000 miles
13 more owner reports back this up
September 2019A 2014 Fiat 500 TwinAir Dualogic with 31,000 miles sporadically slipped into neutral, displaying "No Transmission" and refusing to engage gear.
September 2019The Dualogic automated manual transmission of a 2015 Fiat 500 Pop failed at 17,000 miles.
August 2019A recently purchased Fiat 500C 1.2 with 20,000 miles experienced actuator trouble, flashing a check transmission warning and failing to change gears.
May 2019The Dualogic transmission of a 2016 Fiat 500 automatic failed ten days after purchase, leaving the car unable to move.
December 2018A Fiat 500 Dualogic would not engage any gear, remaining in neutral, likely due to a failed actuator.
October 2018The Dualogic automated manual transmission in a recently purchased Fiat 500 suddenly jumped from fourth gear to neutral.
September 2018A Fiat 500 Pop Dualogic was constantly 'popping' out of gear while driving.
July 2018The Dualogic transmission of a 2014 Fiat 500 failed, with the gearbox casing breaking and losing oil, costing £3,999 to replace.
April 2018A 2013 Fiat 500 Dualogic transmission developed a fault, preventing it from engaging third gear.
February 2018A 2012 Fiat 500 Dualogic experienced failing Dualogic transmission at 55,000 miles, possibly due to a failing battery.
November 2017The Dualogic transmission of a 2013 Fiat 500 failed, with the owner quoted £4,500 for replacement.
November 2017A Fiat 500 Dualogic was reported to jump into neutral while driving.
May 2015The Dualogic automated manual transmission of a 2010 Fiat 500 with 22,000 miles failed, with an estimated repair cost of £1,300.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 7 owner reports, 2013 to 2016
The 1.3 MultiJet diesel engine is highly susceptible to diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration issues, especially with short journeys or town driving. Excessive fuel injected during regeneration cycles can fail to combust and instead dilute the engine oil, raising the sump level. If ignored, the engine can run uncontrollably on its own sump oil, leading to catastrophic over-revving and self-destruction. Honest John explicitly warns owners to monitor oil levels.
Rough guide
£2000-4000+
Typical symptoms
Dashboard 'oil exhausted' warning light
Engine oil level rising above maximum on dipstick
Engine revving uncontrollably (runaway diesel)
Excessive black or white smoke from exhaust
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.3 MultiJet Diesel
Typical mileage:
14000-100000 miles
3 more owner reports back this up
August 2018A 2010 Fiat 500 1.25 Multijet Diesel suffered a DPF regeneration malfunction, leading to oil-filled sump, burnt injectors, and glow plugs.
May 2017A 2015 Fiat 500 1.3 Multijet had its oil contamination warning light illuminate prematurely, requiring an early oil change.
February 2017A 2011 Fiat 500 Multijet diesel suffered sporadic engine noise, vibration, and black smoke, indicating DPF regeneration issues.
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 7 owner reports, 2012 to 2017
The wiring loom that runs between the car's body and the hatchback can suffer from broken or chafed cables due to repeated movement of the tailgate. This leads to various electrical failures affecting components in the tailgate, such as the rear wiper, brake lights, number plate lights, and the electric hatchback lock/microswitch.
Rough guide
£400-800
Typical symptoms
Rear wiper not working
Brake lights or number plate lights failing intermittently or completely
Hatchback failing to open via the electric release button
Intermittent electrical faults or warning lights related to rear functions
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
30000-70000 miles
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SuspensionHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2013 to 2015
The Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system can fail, leading to a complete loss of power steering. This is a common and expensive fault, often requiring replacement of the entire steering column assembly.
Rough guide
£1200-1800
Typical symptoms
Steering suddenly becomes very heavy and difficult to turn
Power steering warning light on dashboard
Complete loss of power assistance
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
30000-60000 miles
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The dual mass flywheel (DMF) on the 0.9 TwinAir 105 6-speed manual engine is prone to premature failure, especially if the car has been used for towing, even within its designated limits. This can lead to clutch issues and expensive repairs.
Rough guide
£800-1500
Typical symptoms
Vibrations through the clutch pedal or gear lever
Clutch judder or slipping
Difficulty changing gears
Loud knocking or rattling noises from the gearbox area
Affected vehicles
Engines:
0.9 TwinAir 105 6-speed manual
Typical mileage:
25000-50000 miles
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The oil cooler on the TwinAir 105 engine can spring a leak, leading to significant oil loss. This can happen suddenly and, if not caught in time, could lead to engine damage due to oil starvation.
Rough guide
£300-600
Typical symptoms
Rapid loss of engine oil
Oil stains under the car
Low oil pressure warning light
Affected vehicles
Engines:
0.9 TwinAir (875cc)
Typical mileage:
30000-70000 miles
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The timing chain on the TwinAir engine can fail prematurely, often due to oil starvation from neglected oil level checks. The TwinAir engine is highly sensitive to correct oil levels and specification, and low oil can lead to catastrophic chain failure and engine damage.
Rough guide
£1500-3000+
Typical symptoms
Loud rattling or clattering noise from the engine, especially on cold start
Engine management light illuminated
Engine misfiring or running rough
Complete engine failure
Affected vehicles
Engines:
0.9 TwinAir (875cc)
Typical mileage:
20000-80000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2013 to 2018
Reports indicate premature failure of manual gearboxes, sometimes at relatively low mileages, leading to very expensive replacement costs. Specific issues include main shaft bearing failure and general transmission breakdown.
Rough guide
£800-3500
Typical symptoms
Difficulty selecting gears
Grinding noises when shifting
Loss of drive or inability to select any gear
Loud whining or rumbling from the gearbox
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual transmission (various engines)
Typical mileage:
27000-66000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchMedium severity💬 4 owner reports, 2015 to 2018
Premature failure of the clutch pressure plate has been reported on manual Fiat 500s, sometimes at very low mileages. This is distinct from wear on the drive plate and is not typically caused by driver error, but dealers may attempt to blame driving style to avoid warranty claims.
Rough guide
£500-1000
Typical symptoms
Clutch slipping or difficulty engaging gears
Screeching noise from the clutch
High clutch bite point or loss of bite point
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual transmission (various engines)
Typical mileage:
10000-20000 miles
3 more owner reports back this up
April 2019A 2017 Fiat 500 required replacement of its clutch and slave cylinder after only 10,000 miles of use.
August 2018A 2016 Fiat 500 1.2 needed a new clutch at 20,000 miles.
June 2018The clutch of a 2016 Fiat 500 1248cc Multijet Dualogic failed at 17,000 miles, with the dealer initially refusing warranty cover.
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2012 to 2015
The airbag ECU (Electronic Control Unit) can fail, causing the airbag warning light to illuminate. This is an expensive repair, as a new ECU is required, and Fiat may refuse to contribute to the cost outside of warranty.
Rough guide
£400-600
Typical symptoms
Airbag warning light flickering or staying on
Failure of airbag system
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
28000-40000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2015 to 2017
The instrument cluster can fail, leading to loss of display or functionality. This is an expensive component to replace, especially if the car is out of warranty.
Rough guide
£500-700
Typical symptoms
Dashboard display not working or intermittent
Warning lights staying on
Digital clock running slow
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
8000-30000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2012 to 2018
The alternator can fail, either by undercharging or overcharging the battery. Overcharging can damage the battery and other electrical components. Repeated failures have been reported, particularly on TwinAir models with Stop/Start and 1.4 100HP variants.
Rough guide
£300-600
Typical symptoms
Battery warning light on dashboard
Battery not holding charge or going flat
Electrical components malfunctioning
Strong smell of sulphur (from overcharged battery)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
TwinAir with Stop/Start / 1.4 100HP
Typical mileage:
18000-50000 miles
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What owners report on the Mk1
19 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Electrics · June 2020A 2015 Fiat 500 Lounge 1.2 Dualogic stopped and would not restart, eventually starting after several hours.
Engine · September 2019A 2011 Fiat 500 TwinAir required a new cylinder head gasket at 82,000 miles, with an initial estimate of £480.
Electrics · March 2019A 2008 Fiat 500 displayed a 'CANCHECK' warning on the radio screen at 35,000 miles and failed to start.
Interior · December 2018A 2012 Fiat 500 TwinAir had a failed thermal expansion valve in the air conditioning system, requiring dashboard dismantling for replacement.
Bodywork · October 2018A Fiat 500 experienced tailgate microswitch failure, with a replacement handle and switch available for £69.
Electrics · October 2018The mileage indicator of a Fiat 500 was flashing and the Blue&Me system was not working; a new unit cost £500.
Bodywork · July 2018The 'Denim' effect on the roof and mirror pods of a 2015 Fiat 500 'Denim' was peeling away.
Brakes · May 2018A November 2016 Fiat 500 had loud intermittent squeaking from the front brakes, which the dealer could not fix.
Electrics · April 2018A Fiat 500 experienced a failed stop/start system, with the dealer quoting £385 for the repair.
Brakes · April 2018A 2010 Fiat 500 2.2 Pop displayed an EOBD warning light with fault code PO555, indicating a brake booster pressure sensor circuit problem.
Suspension and steering · March 2018A 2009 Fiat 500 with 40,000 miles had a rotted rear axle.
Gearbox and clutch · August 2017A Fiat 500 1.4 Dualogic lost first and second gears, requiring a restart, and also lost power when attempting to overtake.
Electrics · June 2017A 2016 Fiat 500 1.2 Sport with 3,000 miles experienced electrical problems, with all warning lights and the engine management light illuminating.
Bodywork · June 2017The soft-touch tailgate release button on a Fiat 500 failed due to a broken 'E' clip on the micro-switch spring.
Electrics · April 2017A 2013 Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge had a strange fault with its stop/start system, causing the engine warning light to stay on.
Suspension and steering · January 2016A 2014 Fiat 500 with 21,000 miles required new front dampers and a realignment, with a quoted cost of £480.
Brakes · July 2015The braking system of a 2008 Fiat 500 failed due to water ingress causing rust in the front brake pipe connections.
Engine · March 2015A Fiat 500S TwinAir 105PS suffered hesitation when revved above 4,000rpm before upchanging, possibly due to EU6 emissions reprogramming.
Brakes · January 2015A 2013 Fiat 500 needed new front brake discs and pads fitted after covering 24,000 miles.
What owners like about the Mk1
3 notes
The Fiat 500 was awarded European Car Of The Year in 2008.
The Fiat 500 received the Design World Car of the Year award at the 2009 New York Auto Show.
The car offers very comfortable front seats, featuring long squabs and convenient tilt adjustment.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 37 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Fiat 500 advert and we check it in seconds.
Fiat 500 service intervals: cambelt, chain and gearbox oil
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used 500. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing chainChain
0.9 TWINAIR
No fixed replacement interval
Uses a timing chain. The primary failure point on this engine is the Uniair electro-hydraulic valve actuator module due to missed oil changes, not the chain itself.
Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
1.2 FIRE, 1.2 8V
72,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first
Generally 5 years or 72,000 miles. Some older 1.2 FIRE engines were 'non-interference', but newer models (e.g. Euro 5/Euro 6) will bend valves if the belt snaps.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Fiat 500 buying questions
Is a used Fiat 500 reliable?
The Fiat 500 has 13 known faults in our database, 6 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (the 1.3 MultiJet diesel engine is highly susceptible to diesel particulate filter) and gearbox (reports indicate premature failure of manual gearboxes). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
What are the most common Fiat 500 problems?
Three stand out. Engine: the 1.3 MultiJet diesel engine is highly susceptible to diesel particulate filter (typically 14000 to 100000 miles). Gearbox: reports indicate premature failure of manual gearboxes, sometimes at relatively low mileages (typically 27000 to 66000 miles). Gearbox: the dual mass flywheel (DMF) on the 0.9 TwinAir 105 6-speed manual engine is prone to premature (typically 25000 to 50000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Fiat 500 years should I avoid?
No Fiat 500 year is a write-off, but the Mk1 (2008 to 2018) carries the most serious faults: engine, gearbox and suspension. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Fiat 500?
Ask the seller about the engine and gearbox faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for dashboard 'oil exhausted' warning light, difficulty selecting gears and vibrations through the clutch pedal or gear lever. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 13 known faults before you travel. Check a Fiat 500 advert →
What is the real MPG of a Fiat 500?
Owners report 47.7 mpg on average across the Fiat 500 engines with data, about 85% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 678 owner submissions. Fiat 500 Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Fiat 500 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.