Thinking about buying a used Fiat 500 (2007–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 11 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, electrical, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
11
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$900
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Fiat 500 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01TwinAir 875cc Timing Belt Failure
CriticalCommonEngine $750–$1,800 to fix
The 875cc two-cylinder TwinAir engine uses a timing belt that also drives the balance shaft. The belt is an interference-fit design, meaning belt failure causes catastrophic piston-to-valve contact and engine destruction. The factory service interval is often underestimated by owners; the belt must be replaced by 60,000 km or 5 years. Water pump failure can shred the belt prematurely. NHTSA has documented complaints regarding premature belt wear and tensioner failure on this engine.
Symptoms to notice
Ticking or flapping noise from cam belt area at start-up
Engine cuts out suddenly without warning
Difficulty starting after sitting overnight
Coolant loss from failing water pump (common belt-destroyer)
What to check
Ask for stamped belt service history with date and mileage. Check tensioner play and water pump for seepage. Verify service interval was met. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the plastic timing cover and inspect belt condition for cracking, glazing, or fraying.
Where to look: Driver's side of engine, behind plastic timing cover
Ask the seller
“Has the timing belt been replaced, and can you show me the stamped service record?”
“When was the water pump last changed?”
“Has the car ever overheated or had coolant loss?”
The 0.9 TwinAir engine (2010-2012 especially) tends to weep oil from the timing-cover area due to sealing issues, leaving oily patches under the front of the engine and a burning-oil smell. Separately, the 1.2 FIRE engine's water pump is a known weak point that leaks coolant after roughly 80,000-120,000 km. Neither is instantly catastrophic, but an ignored oil or coolant leak can escalate, so identify which engine it is and check underneath.
Symptoms to notice
Oily patches under the front of the engine (TwinAir)
Burning-oil smell
Coolant loss / damp around the water pump (1.2)
Low coolant warning
What to check
Look under the front of the engine for oil weeping (TwinAir) and around the water pump/timing area for coolant residue (1.2). Check the coolant level and for any low-coolant warning. A burning-oil smell after a drive points to a leak onto hot parts. Confirm which engine the car has.
Where to look: Timing-cover area at the front of the engine (TwinAir); water pump (1.2)
Ask the seller
“Any oil or coolant leaks, and has the water pump or timing-cover seal been done?”
“Which engine is it – 1.2, TwinAir or Abarth turbo?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMinor
9 more documented faults on the Fiat 500
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Fiat 500 buyer questions
Is the Fiat 500 reliable?
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Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 11 documented faults for the Fiat 500, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and electrical. A Fiat 500 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Fiat 500?
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We've catalogued 11 known faults for the Fiat 500, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Fiat 500?
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Most single repairs on the Fiat 500 fall between $400–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 11 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Fiat 500?
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Yes. A Fiat 500 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.