Tyres / Tyre News / Motoring / Common Fiat 500 Faults

Common Fiat 500 Faults

04/11/2025James Harding

Motoring

The Fiat 500 has been one of the UK’s most recognisable city cars since its relaunch in 2008.

One of the reasons that the Fiat 500 is such a popular car is the fact that it offers affordable motoring.

However, like most vehicles it can suffer from some recurring reliability concerns.

Here we will take a look at some of the more commonly reported Fiat 500 faults. Including the likely symptoms, causes, and some (hopefully) practical fixes.

Fiat 500 Common Faults

Let’s first take a quick look of each of the Fiat 500 generation, and sum up the common issues:

Mk1 (2008 – 2020): 1.2 Fire petrol, 0.9 TwinAir petrol, 1.3 Multijet diesel. This is cheap to run, but does tend to suffer from small electrical faults. As well as clutch wear and gearbox actuator issues.
Mk2 / Hybrid (2020 – present): 1.0 mild-hybrid petrol. Early cars in this generation were struck with intermittent electrical and sensor issues.
Fiat 500e (2020 – present): 42 kWh EV with ~199 mile WLTP range. Generally dependable, but early software and charging quirks. These led to some recall actions (see our recall table below).
Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (2008 – present): 1.4 turbo petrol. Mechanically stronger, but clutches and gearboxes can run into issues when driven aggressively.

Fiat 500 Fast Diagnosis Table

Symptom	Likely cause(s)	First check(s)
Hard or slipping gearchange	Worn clutch, hydraulic leak, or Dualogic actuator fault	Inspect clutch bite & hydraulic fluid. Scan Dualogic for fault codes
Steering warning light / heavy wheel	Faulty EPS torque sensor. Potentially column failure	Check for recall R/2017/297. Ignition cycle may reset temporarily
Knocking suspension	Worn top mounts or drop links	Inspect front suspension. Check recall status
Door handle snaps or feels loose	Weak hinge design on chrome handles	Replace handle kit. Lubricate hinges annually
Oil smell at front of engine	Timing cover seal or breather O-ring failure	Reseal cover. Replace O-ring.
Flashing dash lights / gauge errors	Faulty instrument cluster. Or, wiring loom chafe issues	Check recall R/2018/026. Inspect loom and grounds
Damp interior & fogged windows	Blocked scuttle drains, or maybe a door membrane leak	Clear drains. Reseal membranes. Replace boot seal

Blackcircles.com online fiat MOT booking

Common Fiat 500 Issues by Generation

Mk1 Fiat 500 (2008 – 2020)

Clutch wear and gearbox trouble.
Electric power steering failure.
Suspension knocks.
Door handle breakage.
Oil leaks.
Instrument cluster and electrical faults.
Water leaks into cabin.

Mk2 / Hybrid Fiat 500 (2020 – present)

Sensor and electrical glitches.
Occasional infotainment freezes.
Steering column noises.

Fiat 500e (Electric, 2020 – present)

Charging interruptions & software bugs.
Traffic sign recognition errors.
Occasional charging port or connector faults.

Abarth 500 / 595 / 695 (2008 – present)

Clutch and gearbox.
Early suspension wear.
Boost pressure sensor or MAP faults.

Fiat 500 Recalls & Service Actions

Over the years there have been a number of issues with Fiat 500 models which have been big enough to warrant recalls and service actions.

Below is a table based on the records carried by the UK Government of recall actions in the UK.

Before buying a Fiat 500, you can run the registration through the UK government’s recall checker.

This can help you check if the vehicle has been recalled before.

Year	Recall Code	Issue	Symptom / Risk	Remedy
2008–09	R/2008/181	Fuel manifold leak	Possible stall / fire risk	Replace manifold
2010	R/2010/101 / 212	Steering shaft fault	Loss of control possible	Replace or restake shaft
2013	R/2013/130	Fuel pump bracket	Leak / fire risk	Replace and re-route pipe
2017	R/2017/297	Power steering unit	Steering assistance loss	Replace EPS unit
2018	R/2018/026	Instrument cluster	Incorrect speed display	Replace cluster
2023	R/2023/283 / 313	Control arm joint / documentation error	Possible loss of control	Inspect and rectify
2025	R/2025/078	Traffic sign recognition software	System deactivated	OTA update

Regular Fiat 500 Servicing

Regular servicing is key to keeping a Fiat 500 working in good running order. A car with an up-to-date service record will suffer much less from issues – as any potential problems can be fixed before they become bigger faults.

If you skip routine checks this can lead to expensive repairs down the road (pun intended). Whether it is an interim, full, or major service, that you need, booking a service through Blackcircles.com lets you choose from our nationwide garage network.

So you can find a location that suits you. At a time that matches your busy schedule.

Blackcircles.com online Fiat Car Servicing booking

Fiat 500 FAQs

Is the Fiat 500 reliable?

It’s a charming city car with generally strong engines. However, small electrical and mechanical faults are common. Not all cars suffer from these issues though, so always make sure to do your research before buying a car.

My Fiat 500 steering feels heavy - is that normal?

No. It may indicate a faulty torque sensor. Restarting the car may clear it briefly but it will return until fixed. Check the car for recall status.

Why are my windows fogging up?

Likely a blocked scuttle drain or leaky door membrane. Clear drains and dry carpets promptly to avoid mould.

The clutch bite is high — should I replace it?

Yes, if it’s slipping or grinding into gear. Budget around £400 – £600 for a replacement.