Fiat 500
Larger FIRE variant with 77 hp, shares most characteristics and weaknesses with the 1.2. Robust in character, but needs higher revs for decent power delivery. Cold start and temperature issues have been documented repeatedly. Overall reliable with consistent maintenance.
Golden Mean
Best FIRE engine in the 500 family. Enough power for brisk city driving, and in the lightweight 500 it actually feels genuinely lively.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Faulty ignition coils are also a known issue on the 1.4 FIRE. In severe cases, a coil failure can affect the ECU. Fault codes P0351/P0352 typically occur at operating temperature.
Symptoms: Juddering at operating temperature, engine warning light, occasional power loss, rough idle
As with the 1.2 FIRE, the water pump of the 1.4 FIRE is considered a wear item that should be replaced at the latest during the timing belt service. Workshops report frequent leaks from 80,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, temperature rise, coolant level drops without visible leak
On the Grande Punto with 1.4 FIRE, fuel pumps have been documented that could no longer maintain operating pressure of 3 bar. Result: power loss, rough running and engine warning light.
Symptoms: Significant power loss, engine won't pull, engine warning light, juddering under load
The 1.4 8V tends to cold-start problems from a faulty or incorrectly controlled coolant temperature sensor. Typically: engine starts, stops after 2–4 seconds and only starts on repeated attempts.
Symptoms: Engine starts and immediately stops, only driveable after multiple attempts, only with cold engine
The lambda sensor of the 1.4 FIRE wears out on schedule and generates mixture fault codes and increased fuel consumption when faulty. Documented multiple times on the Grande Punto and Panda 169.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, increased consumption, mixture fault code, unstable idle
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.