Known Faults Database

Fiat 500 problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Fiat 500, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 13 known faults for this model, 4 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

Free advert check

Found a Fiat 500 for sale?

Paste the advert and we read it against these 13 known faults, its MOT history and the DVLA record, and tell you what the seller has not. Free, about a minute, no card.

Check a Fiat 500 advert (free) →
Works with any listing: paste the text from AutoTrader, Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or a dealer’s own site.

Is the Fiat 500 reliable?

The Fiat 500 has 13 known faults in our database, 4 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (the 1.3 MultiJet diesel is highly susceptible to diesel particulate filter) and gearbox (the dual mass flywheel (DMF) on the 0.9 TwinAir 105 6-speed manual engine is prone). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Fiat 500 years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2008 to 2017, 1.3 MultiJet Diesel: the 1.3 MultiJet diesel is highly susceptible to diesel particulate filter
  • 2010 to 2017, 0.9 TwinAir 105 6-speed manual: the dual mass flywheel (DMF) on the 0.9 TwinAir 105 6-speed manual engine is
  • 2011 to 2017, 0.9 TwinAir (875cc): the oil cooler on the TwinAir 105 engine can spring a leak
  • 2010 to 2018, 0.9 TwinAir (875cc): the timing chain on the TwinAir engine can fail prematurely

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

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 and is replaced as a whole. 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
£1192

Typical symptoms

  • engine running on one cylinder
  • severe misfire
  • engine management light
  • rough idle

Affected vehicles

Engines:
0.9 TwinAir (875cc, MultiAir)
Typical mileage:
35000 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.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
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. Owners report failures from as early as 17,000 miles. Repairs range from a cheap brake switch to a failed pump and accumulator that costs more than an older Panda or 500 is worth, and specialists note a 12-year-old Dualogic car with a transmission fault is effectively scrap value.

Rough guide
£1800-3999

Typical symptoms

  • gearbox check light
  • refusal to engage reverse or 1st
  • car dropping into neutral while driving

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.2 / 1.4 / 0.9 TwinAir / 1.3 MultiJet with Dualogic automated manual
Typical mileage:
17000-55000 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.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 9 owner reports, 2013 to 2018

The 1.3 MultiJet diesel is highly susceptible to diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration issues, especially with short journeys or town driving. Fuel injected to burn off the filter 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, over-revving until it destroys itself, so the oil level needs watching closely.

Rough guide
£Unknown

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.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
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
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
SteeringMedium severity💬 1 owner report, 2015

The electric power assisted steering (EPAS) can fail and leave the car with no assistance. One owner reported the system failing on a 2008 500 1.4 at 34,000 miles and paid £1,600 at an independent garage for a replacement.

Rough guide
£1600

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:
34000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2017

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
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2017

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
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2018

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
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Transmission/ClutchMedium 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.

Typical symptoms

  • Difficulty selecting gears
  • Grinding noises when shifting
  • Loud whining or rumbling from the gearbox

Affected vehicles

Engines:
Manual transmission (various engines)
Typical mileage:
27000-66000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
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.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
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
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
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
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
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
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

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.

Check an advert now (free) →
Free report, no credit card required.

Fiat 500 recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 16 DVSA recalls for the 500, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ March 2025Cars built August 2022 to April 2023

Incorrect information on the registration document and CoC (certificate of Conformity)

On affected vehicles incorrect data has been entered on the registration document and correspondingly the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).

Put right by: The registration document must be amended and a new CoC issued.

DVSA R/2023/31311,381 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2024Cars built March 2023 to July 2023

Reverse gear switch not functioning as intended.

On affected vehicles the reversing gear switch is not according to specification. This could result in a failure to illuminate the rear light of the vehicle during a reversing manoeuvre.

Put right by: Check the reversing gear switch and replacement if required

DVSA R/2024/144387 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2023Cars built March 2023 to May 2023

Front suspension control arm ball joint

Affected vehicles may not have the correct installation and tightening between the suspension control arm and the steering knuckle joint. This may possibly result in the control arm bolt becoming detached from the knuckle seat whilst the vehicle is in motion In the worst case this could lead to loss of vehicle control.

Put right by: Check installation of joint and if necessary correctly install joint.

DVSA R/2023/283199 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2022Cars built January 2022 to June 2022

The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly.

The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly

Put right by: The integrity of the positive lead terminal must be checked and if it is damaged it must be replaced. If it is not damaged the correct torque must be applied to the nut to ensure correct tightening.

DVSA R/2022/2686 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2022Cars built March 2022 to May 2022

Ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod

Vehicles may have been produced with ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod.

Put right by: Check for the correct tightening of the lock nut and check/adjust wheel alignment if tightening was required.

DVSA R/2022/18652 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2021Cars built September 2020 to June 2021

The drive shaft may fail due to a non-conformity in the material

The drive shaft joints may fail

Put right by: Replace the drive shaft or shafts as required

DVSA R/2021/3111,705 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2021Cars built June 2020 to August 2020

The start & stop system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements

The Start & Stop system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements.

Put right by: The proxi file must be updated to solve the non conformity.

DVSA R/2021/01824 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2019Cars built August 2018 to December 2018

The right side of drive shaft may fail

Drive shaft may fail.

Put right by: Replace the right hand drive shaft

DVSA R/2019/159164 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2018Cars built July 2017 to October 2017

Instrument cluster may display incorrect information

Due to a nonconformity in the production process the instrument cluster may stick and display incorrect speed information.

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the instrument cluster.

DVSA R/2018/026680 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2017Cars built September 2017 to September 2017

Replace electrical power steering

Due to a non-conformity in the production process the electrical power steering (EPS) must be replaced. This will prevent a potential loss of steering assistance. Loss of EPS functionality could increase the risk of a collision occurring.

Put right by: Replace the Electrical Power Steering unit

DVSA R/2017/29742 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2016Cars built September 2016 to October 2016

Reduced brake performance

It has been identified that the rear brake shoe lining material may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This could result in a reduction in brake performance from the rear brakes.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to check the conformity of the brake linings and if found to be incorrect replace with new brake shoes which meet the correct conformity.

DVSA R/2016/2471,665 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2016Cars built December 2015 to March 2016

Seat may not perform as expected during a collision

The seat may not remain in position when subjected to greater than normal driving forces such as those involved in an impact. This may possibly cause injury to the driver/passenger seated in the right hand front seat. The right hand front seat guides may not conform to design specification and installation specifications.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the installation of the original seat guide. If it does not conform replace the seat cushion structure (guide).

DVSA R/2016/1941,045 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2015Cars built September 2014 to November 2014

Front seatbelts may not function as intended

It has been identified that the front seatbelt anchorage links may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. If the link is subjected to an abnormal force then it may not perform as required.

Put right by: Recall all the affected vehicles to check the link and if required replace it.

DVSA R/2015/0761,041 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2014Cars built September 2011 to July 2014

Interior and exterior vehicle lighting may fail

It is possible under extreme conditions that the wiring harness under the dashboard could come into contact with the steering column. This over a period of time may result in the chaffing of wires in the harness. If this should occur then it is possible both the exterior and instrument lights could fail.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to provide additional security of the wiring loom.

DVSA R/2014/08891,448 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2014Cars built February 2013 to April 2013

Fuel may leak leading in extreme cases to fire

The fuel pump protection bracket is not to conformity and in the event of an accident the fuel feed pipe could be damaged leading to an increased risk of fuel leakage and possible fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel pump feed protection bracket and reposition the fuel feed pipe.

DVSA R/2013/130271 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2012Cars built June 2012 to September 2012

Braking efficiency may be reduced

A connector on the brake servo pipe may fail and cause a loss of vacuum assistance necessitating the driver to include additional effort when braking.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a new brake servo pipe.

DVSA R/2012/1393,095 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Fiat 500 cambelt or timing chain, and service intervals

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

What are the most common Fiat 500 problems?

Three stand out. Engine: the 1.3 MultiJet diesel is highly susceptible to diesel particulate filter (typically 14000 to 100000 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). Engine: the oil cooler on the TwinAir 105 engine can spring a leak, leading to significant oil loss (typically 30000 to 70000 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 and gearbox. 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, vibrations through the clutch pedal or gear lever and rapid loss of engine oil. 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 →

Are there any recalls on the Fiat 500?

The DVSA lists 16 safety recalls for the Fiat 500 issued between 2012 and 2025. The most recent, from March 2025, is "Incorrect information on the registration document and CoC (certificate of Conformity)". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

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 →

Looking at a Fiat 500 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Fiat 500 fault data comes from

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.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Fiat 500 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

All buyer's guides →

Other Fiat models