Fiat 500
Solid small diesel from GM/Fiat with a fundamentally long-lived reputation. However, frequent short trips lead to DPF blockage, fuel dilution of the oil and EGR clogging. With consistent maintenance and regular motorway driving, a manageable unit.
Diesel in a City Car
Diesel in the 500 or Punto? Timing chain risk, DPF stress on short trips, and no driving fun whatsoever. The 500's charm disappears under diesel clatter.
Engine Weaknesses 5
With frequent short-trip use and incomplete DPF regeneration, diesel enters the engine oil. The oil level rises measurably and the lubricating properties of the oil deteriorate significantly.
Symptoms: Rising oil level, diesel smell in engine oil, blue smoke, increased oil consumption after normalisation
At higher mileages, knocking noises from the engine bay occur, indicating high-pressure pump wear. Misdiagnosis (confusion with injectors) is common.
Symptoms: Knocking/clattering in engine bay from approximately 2,000 rpm especially when engine is warm, power loss
With long oil change intervals or incorrect oil specification, the turbo bearings wear prematurely. Whistling noises and blue exhaust fumes are typical early warning signs.
Symptoms: Whistling or hissing noises from the turbo area, blue smoke, increased oil consumption
With predominantly urban use, the diesel particulate filter can become blocked. Engine goes into limp mode, engine warning light comes on. Active regeneration is prevented by journeys that are too short.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, engine judders
The EGR valve carbons up due to soot deposits and no longer opens or closes correctly. The typical symptom is a power drop below 3,000 rpm and hesitant throttle response.
Symptoms: Power loss below 2,500–3,000 rpm, engine goes into limp mode, EGR fault code in fault memory
Vehicle Weaknesses 13
The semi-automatic Dualogic gearbox on the Fiat 500 (312) tends to jerk when shifting, drop into neutral unexpectedly and fail completely. Control unit replacement costs 2,000–2,400 Euro.
Multiple recall actions on the Fiat 500 (312) involved defective brake hoses, incorrect brake torque and non-compliant brake pads.
Recall action on the Fiat 500 (312) for faulty airbag wiring that could impair correct deployment of the driver's airbag.
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.
The electric power steering on the Fiat 500 (312) can fail intermittently. Water ingress into the steering rack has been documented, which in the worst case can lead to complete seizure.
Recall for faulty seatbelt pretensioner activation. Pretensioners could fire too late or not at all in a collision.
Control arm rubber bushings and ball joints wear faster than usual on the Fiat 500 (312) and regularly draw attention at MOT. Typical problem from around 60,000 km.
Electric window regulators on the Fiat 500 (312) fail frequently, typically due to cable break or motor failure. Repair by a mechanic costs 150–400 Euro per side.
The rear silencer on the Fiat 500 (312) rusts through within a few years, especially in short-trip use, as condensation water accumulates inside.
Brake discs and pads on the Fiat 500 (312) wear faster than average and frequently fail inspection for insufficient braking performance.
The AC condenser on the Fiat 500 (312) sits exposed behind the grille and is vulnerable to stone chip damage causing refrigerant loss. Condenser repair costs 400–800 Euro.
The wiring loom in the rubber grommet of the Fiat 500 (312) tailgate breaks due to constant bending. Typically affected are tail lights, brake light and rear window heating.
The lighting system on the Fiat 500 (312) fails inspection at above-average rates. Misadjusted headlights and defective light elements cause MOT failures.