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Fiat · Sports Car · 2016–2019 Custom Search

Fiat 124 Spider NF

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Engine Overview

The Fiat 124 Spider NF is available with one engine variant at 170 hp.

1.4L MultiAir Turbo · Petrol· 170 PS
2016 2019

Identical engine to the 312B4 in the 180 hp spec of the Abarth 695 — same strengths and weaknesses, sometimes more worn through exclusive use and frequent track sessions.

  • !! Cylinder head gasket fails on overheating from 120,000 km

    The cylinder head gasket of the 695 T-Jet fails when the cooling system is neglected or the engine is overheated. The turbo housing and exhaust manifold can crack simultaneously.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, white exhaust cloud, CO₂ in coolant (sniff test positive)
    700–2,000 $
    Ad cylinder head gasket 55253268cylinder head gasket Abarth 695 T-Jet
  • !! Piston crack under extreme load from 100,000 km

    In race use or extreme tuning, pistons can crack. The damage manifests as persistent misfires; forged pistons are recommended as an upgrade.

    Symptoms: Persistent misfire cylinder 1, wet spark plug, blue smoke
    2,000–5,000 $
    Ad Schmiedekolben 55253268forged piston Abarth 695 T-Jet 180PS
  • !! MTA clutch — calibration required from 40,000 km

    The MTA gearbox of the 695 must be calibrated regularly and the hydraulic oil changed. If neglected, the clutch slips in 3rd and 4th gear.

    Symptoms: Clutch slip when accelerating, late-engaging gearbox
    200–800 $
    Ad MTA clutch 695hydraulic oil MTA Abarth

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!MultiAir Engine Won't Start After Storage

The 1.4L MultiAir turbo will not start after standing for more than 4–6 weeks. Oil drains from the cylinder head; without oil pressure the system deactivates valve control.

Symptoms: Starter cranks normally but engine won't fire; spark plugs are oily; no OBD fault codes
from 20,000 km
Ad MultiAir Einheit Fiat 124 SpiderMultiAir valvesteuerung 1.4 Turbo
 Medium
!Recall Y92: Fuel Pump May Fail (2019 MY)

A safety recall was issued for 2019 model year: the fuel pump impeller can deform and cause the pump to fail.

Symptoms: Engine stalls while driving, difficult or impossible to restart
from 30,000 km
Ad fuel pump Fiat 124 Spider 2019Fuel Delivery modulee 124 Spider Y92
 Low
!Recall 6221: Gearbox Software Engages 1st Gear

An official FCA recall affected 124 Spiders with automatic gearbox: faulty gearbox control software could engage 1st gear under certain conditions.

Symptoms: Abrupt locking of rear wheels without driver input; unexpected shift jolt
from 10,000 km
Ad gearboxcontrol unit Fiat 124 Spider AutomatikTCU Update 124 Spider
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
56 complaints · 2016–2019
  1. 01 Airbags
    22
  2. 02 Electrical
    8 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Seat Belts
    8
  4. 04 Engine
    6
  5. 05 Other
    6

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (22 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (8 complaints)
⚠ Seat Belts (8 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the Fiat 124 Spider NF (2016–2019) — 4 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Body, Gearbox.

124 Spider (55253268-Abarth, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Cylinder head gasket fails on overheating, Piston crack under extreme load, MTA clutch — calibration required. Power: 170 PS.

What to watch out for with the Fiat 124 Spider? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Fiat 124 Spider NF have? +
The Fiat 124 Spider NF has 4 known engine weaknesses and 14 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Fiat 124 Spider NF? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 55253268-Abarth (1.4L MultiAir Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 55253268-Abarth (1.4L MultiAir Turbo).
Which Fiat 124 Spider NF engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Fiat 124 Spider NF — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} On MX-5 underpinnings, but with its own turbo character and Abarth sound. Turbo punch instead of high-rev feeling — if torque is your thing, this is the place.
Is the Fiat 124 Spider NF worth buying used? +
The Fiat 124 Spider NF requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Fiat 124 Spider NF? +
The Fiat 124 Spider NF is available with engine variants from 170 to 170 hp. Petrol: 55253268-Abarth (1.4L MultiAir Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee