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Fiat2007–2020 Critical issues documented

Fiat 500: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Fiat 500 (2007–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 10 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. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Fiat 500

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

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10

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$350–$900

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Which Fiat 500 are you looking at?

4 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Fiat 500

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Fiat 500Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the 500 came with 4, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Fiat 500

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Fiat 500 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Confirm belt replacement is documented at 60,000 km or 5-year intervals.

    See why

    1.2 FIRE Timing Belt Interference Failure

    The 1.2-litre FIRE four-cylinder engine (used in the majority of entry-level Fiat 500s) is an interference engine relying on a rubber timing belt. Unlike a timing chain, this belt is consumable and must be replaced on schedule. Many used examples enter the NZ/AU market with unknown or lapsed belt history. Belt failure at any RPM causes immediate valve-to-piston contact, bending valves and potentially cracking pistons. The FIRE engine's age in NZ-imported cars makes this a high-probability concern.

    What you would notice

    • High-pitched squealing from engine bay
    • Visible belt wear or cracking if cover removed
    • Rough running or misfires preceding failure
    • Sudden engine cutout while driving

    Typically $400–$900 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test drive specifically in stop-start conditions below 20 km/h — Dualogic faults are most apparent pulling away slowly.

    See why

    Dualogic Automated Clutch Actuator Failure

    The Fiat Dualogic is a single-clutch automated manual transmission where a hydraulic actuator controls clutch engagement electronically. The actuator is documented to wear and fail, producing jerky, hesitant, or refused gearchanges. In early failure stages the transmission hunts or lurches at low speed; late stage causes stalling or refusal to move. This is one of the most reported faults on 500 Dualogic across all markets including NZ and AU.

    What you would notice

    • Jerky or lurching take-off from rest in stop-start traffic
    • Delayed or refused gearchanges during normal driving
    • Vehicle stalls when pulling away from standstill
    • Transmission warning message or fault light on dashboard

    Typically $1,200–$3,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    On a Dualogic car do lots of stop-start driving and standing starts; feel for harsh changes, hesitation, or the car dropping to neutral.

    See why

    Dualogic automated-manual clutch actuator / accumulator failure

    The Dualogic automated-manual gearbox (a robotised manual, badged as an auto) is the 500's most notorious fault. As the hydraulic clutch actuator, accumulator or pump wears it shifts jerkily, slips, drops unexpectedly into neutral while driving or stopping, or won't engage reverse. The single most common cause is a worn actuator or accumulator; replacing the accumulator fixes many cases, but a full actuator rebuild is dearer. A 500 with a genuine manual avoids this entirely, so test a Dualogic thoroughly.

    What you would notice

    • Jerky gear changes
    • Car slips into neutral while driving or stopping
    • Won't engage reverse or a gear
    • Long delay or shudder pulling away

    Typically $800–$3,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Take-off slowly from a standstill and feel for shudder through the drivetrain.

    See why

    TwinAir Dual Mass Flywheel Failure

    The 875cc TwinAir's inherent two-cylinder firing interval generates severe torque pulses that accelerate wear on the dual mass flywheel (DMF). The DMF absorbs these pulses to protect the gearbox; when it fails, it causes increasingly severe judder on take-off and gear changes. The TwinAir is notoriously hard on DMFs compared to four-cylinder engines. Replacement requires removing the gearbox and is expensive relative to the car's value. DMF wear is accelerated by frequent stop-start city use.

    What you would notice

    • Juddering or shuddering when pulling away from a standstill
    • Vibration through the clutch pedal at low RPM
    • Clunking or knocking sound when engaging or disengaging clutch
    • Worsening vibration in slow-moving traffic

    Typically $1,200–$2,200 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Do slow full-lock turns and parking manoeuvres and feel for the steering going heavy or the assistance cutting out.

    See why

    Electric power-steering failure (torque sensor, fault C1002)

    The 500's electric power steering commonly fails at the column torque sensor, logging fault code C1002, so the steering loses assistance – heaviest during slow manoeuvres like parking and reversing – usually with a steering warning light. It affects all years but especially cars over 8-10 years old. The fix is normally the power-steering motor/column unit. Heavy steering at low speed is tiring and, if it fails fully, a safety concern.

    What you would notice

    • Heavy steering when parking or reversing
    • Steering warning light
    • Assistance drops out then returns
    • Steering feels inconsistent

    Typically $500–$1,200 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check front ride height is even side to side.

    See why

    Front Coil Spring Fracture

    Front coil springs on the Fiat 500 are documented to fracture at the lower coil, particularly on higher-mileage examples that have been driven on rough surfaces. The fracture can be sudden; a broken spring end can puncture the tyre if the car is driven after failure. Documented in UK MOT failure statistics and confirmed by NZ and AU independent workshops inspecting used 500 examples. Springs must be inspected as a pair and replaced together.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking or knocking from one front corner over bumps
    • Car sitting noticeably lower on one side at the front
    • Visible broken coil visible through wheel arch
    • Tyre scrubbing or vibration from broken spring contact

    Typically $350–$700 to put right.

See all 10 documented issuesEverything researched for the Fiat 500, including 1 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Fiat 500 has — 10Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling4

011.2 FIRE Timing Belt Interference Failure

Confirm belt replacement is documented at 60,000 km or 5-year intervals.petrol2007–2020EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Dualogic Automated Clutch Actuator Failure

Test drive specifically in stop-start conditions below 20 km/h — Dualogic faults are most apparent pulling away slowly.petrol2007 onwardTransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Dualogic automated-manual clutch actuator / accumulator failure

On a Dualogic car do lots of stop-start driving and standing starts; feel for harsh changes, hesitation, or the car dropping to neutral.2008 onwardTransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04TwinAir Dual Mass Flywheel Failure

Take-off slowly from a standstill and feel for shudder through the drivetrain.petrol2010 onwardTransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Electrical2

01Electric power-steering failure (torque sensor, fault C1002)

Do slow full-lock turns and parking manoeuvres and feel for the steering going heavy or the assistance cutting out.2008 onwardElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Power Window Regulator Cable Snap

Operate both front power windows through their full range.petrol2007 onwardElectrical
Very commonElectrical $250–$450 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Fiat 500's front power window regulators use a plastic cable-and-pulley mechanism that is prone to fraying and snapping, particularly in warm climates. When the cable snaps, the window drops into the door. The failure is common enough that aftermarket regulator assemblies are widely stocked. The mechanism can also jam with the window in a partially open position, which is a security and weather concern.

Symptoms to notice

  • Window drops suddenly into the door cavity
  • Grinding or clicking sound when raising or lowering the window
  • Window operates very slowly or stops mid-travel
  • Window stuck in open or closed position

What to check

Operate both front power windows through their full range. Listen for grinding or clicking from within the door. Check that the window raises fully and seals flush against the seal at the top. Apply light upward resistance while raising and check for slipping.

Where to look: Inside both front door cavities, window regulator mechanism

Ask the seller

  • “Do both power windows operate smoothly through their full range?”
  • “Has either window ever dropped or required repair?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior3

01Front Coil Spring Fracture

Check front ride height is even side to side.2007 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $350–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front coil springs on the Fiat 500 are documented to fracture at the lower coil, particularly on higher-mileage examples that have been driven on rough surfaces. The fracture can be sudden; a broken spring end can puncture the tyre if the car is driven after failure. Documented in UK MOT failure statistics and confirmed by NZ and AU independent workshops inspecting used 500 examples. Springs must be inspected as a pair and replaced together.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking from one front corner over bumps
  • Car sitting noticeably lower on one side at the front
  • Visible broken coil visible through wheel arch
  • Tyre scrubbing or vibration from broken spring contact

What to check

  1. Check front ride height is even side to side.
  2. Replace as a matched pair if either is broken.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: On hoist, visually inspect both front coil springs along their full length for cracks or fracture, particularly at the lower coil near the seat.

Where to look: Front suspension strut assembly, coil spring

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front springs been inspected recently?”
  • “Has there been any clunking from the front suspension or uneven ride height?”
  • “Have the front springs ever been replaced?”

02Rear coil-spring and spring-pan rust / breakage

Look at the rear coil springs and the pans they sit in for heavy rust or a broken coil – a torch under the rear helps.2008 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $250–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 500's rear axle and coil springs are known to rust, and the lower spring pans (seats) on the rear axle can corrode badly and snap, sometimes taking the spring with them. A broken rear spring makes the car sit low or lopsided at the back, clunk over bumps and fail a warrant of fitness. It is a cheap part but a genuine safety and WoF item on any older 500, especially in wetter/coastal areas.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunk from the rear over bumps
  • Car sits low or lopsided at the back
  • Rust flaking off the rear axle/spring seats
  • Rattle or knock from rear suspension

What to check

  1. Look at the rear coil springs and the pans they sit in for heavy rust or a broken coil – a torch under the rear helps.
  2. Check the car sits level at the back and press down on each rear corner listening for clunks.
  3. Rust flaking off the rear axle is a warning it needs attention for the WoF.

Where to look: Rear axle – coil springs and lower spring pans/seats

Ask the seller

  • “Have the rear springs or spring seats been replaced or checked for rust?”
  • “Does the car sit level and quiet over bumps at the back?”

03Front Wheel Bearing Premature Failure

Spin each wheel by hand and listen for roughness or grinding.petrol2007 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $350–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Despite its small footprint, the Fiat 500 is a relatively heavy car for its platform and wheel bearing size. Front wheel bearings are known to wear prematurely, particularly on cars used in stop-start city environments or those with any history of kerb strikes. The bearings are integral hub units and must be replaced as an assembly. Worn bearings pose a safety risk at speed and can cause ABS sensor faults as the reluctor ring degrades.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rumbling or humming noise from front wheels, changing with vehicle speed
  • Noise changes pitch or disappears when steering load shifts side to side
  • Vibration through steering wheel at motorway speeds
  • ABS warning light triggered by degraded wheel speed sensor in hub

What to check

Spin each wheel by hand and listen for roughness or grinding. Check for any looseness or roughness in the bearing rotation. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the car on a hoist, grasp each front wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and rock firmly – detect any play.

Where to look: Front wheel hub units, both sides

Parts involved: Wheel bearing.

Ask the seller

  • “Have you noticed any humming or droning noise from the front of the car at speed?”
  • “Has the car had any ABS warning lights appear?”
  • “Has the car hit any kerbs or been involved in any low-speed impacts?”
Fluid leaks1

01TwinAir 0.9 timing-cover oil leak (and 1.2 water-pump weep)

Look under the front of the engine for oil weeping (TwinAir) and around the water pump/timing area for coolant residue (1.2).petrol2008 onwardFluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks $300–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

  1. Look under the front of the engine for oil weeping (TwinAir) and around the water pump/timing area for coolant residue (1.2).
  2. Check the coolant level and for any low-coolant warning.
  3. A burning-oil smell after a drive points to a leak onto hot parts.
  4. Confirm which engine the car has.

Where to look: Timing-cover area at the front of the engine (TwinAir); water pump (1.2)

Parts involved: Water pump.

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?”

Fiat 500 faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

1.2 FIRE Timing Belt Interference FailureCritical · EngineDualogic Automated Clutch Actuator FailureMajor · TransmissionDualogic automated-manual clutch actuator / accumulator failureMajor · TransmissionElectric power-steering failure (torque sensor, fault C1002)Major · ElectricalTwinAir Dual Mass Flywheel FailureMajor · Transmission

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Fiat 500’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Fiat 500 buyer questions

Is the Fiat 500 reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 10 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?

We've catalogued 10 known faults for the Fiat 500, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. All 10 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Fiat 500?

Most single repairs on the Fiat 500 fall between $350–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 10 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.