Fiat 500 312
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
136–140 PS
1.4L T-Jet Turbo Benzin
Go-Kart Feeling with Sound
Fun to Drive!77 PS
1.4L 8V Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good Choice80–90 PS
0.9L TwinAir Turbo Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Fiat 500 312 is available as Schrägheck and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Engine Overview
The Fiat 500 312 is available with 8 engine variants — from 60 to 140 hp.
The Fiat 1.3L MultiJet II (Diesel, 77–84 PS) has the 199B1 (1.3L MultiJet II) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 0.9L TwinAir Turbo (Benziner, 80–86 PS) has the 312A2 (0.9L TwinAir Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.2L 8V (Benziner, 69 PS) has the 169A4 (1.2L 8V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.4L 16V (Benziner, 95–101 PS) has the 169A3 (1.4L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.4L 8V (Benziner, 77 PS) has the 350A1 (1.4L 8V) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.4L T-Jet Turbo (Benziner, 136–140 PS) has the 312A1-Abarth (1.4L T-Jet Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.0L FireFly Mild-Hybrid (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 65–71 PS) has the GSE-T3-MH (1.0L FireFly Mild-Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The Fiat 1.0L FireFly Turbo (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 65–71 PS) has the GSE-T3 (1.0L FireFly Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust Susceptibility at Sills and Wheel Arches Sills and wheel arches on the Fiat 500 (312) rust faster than average, especially with regular winter use and road salt exposure. Paint corrosion at sill edges from as early as 5–7 years. Symptoms: Paint bubbles along sill edges, visible rust spots on inner wheel arch panel, cavity corrosion at sill ends from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Exhaust System Corrodes Early The rear silencer on the Fiat 500 (312) rusts through within a few years, especially in short-trip use, as condensation water accumulates inside. Symptoms: Increasingly loud exhaust noise, visible rust perforations at the rear silencer, exhaust smell inside cabin from 60,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 52 weaknesses have been documented for the Fiat 500 312 (2007–2023) — 39 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. One problem engine: 312A2 (0.9L TwinAir Turbo). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox. Considered reliable: 350A1 (1.4L 8V).
500 (199B1, 2010–2018) — Be Careful: Oil dilution from fuel contamination, High-pressure pump wear and knocking noises, Turbocharger wear with neglected maintenance. Power: 77–84 PS.
500 (169A4, 2007–2023) — Be Careful: Cylinder head gasket failed, Water pump leaking / faulty, Ignition coil failure with misfires. Power: 69 PS.
500 (312A1-Abarth, 2008–2023) — Be Careful: Timing belt: short replacement intervals must be observed, MTA gearbox: hollow pin comes loose, gear blocking, Increased oil consumption from piston ring wear. Power: 136–140 PS.
500 (312A2, 2010–2022) — Stay Away!: MultiAir unit faulty, Timing chain jumps / chain tensioner faulty, Faulty crankcase breather increases oil consumption. Power: 80–86 PS.
500 (169A3, 2010–2013) — Be Careful: Engine overheating due to cooling system failure, Electrical failures, Hydraulic lifters rattling. Power: 95–101 PS.
500 (GSE-T3, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: EGR Fault Requires Complete MultiAir Replacement, Turbocharger Lag and Premature Wear, Increased Oil Consumption Due to Piston Ring Issue. Power: 65–71 PS.
500 (GSE-T3-MH, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Belt Drive — Observe Change Interval, Hybrid System Not Working, 12V Starter Battery Discharges Prematurely. Power: 65–71 PS.
What to watch out for with the Fiat 500? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee