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Fiat · Van · 2012–2022

Fiat 500L 330

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

80–90 PS

0.9L TwinAir Turbo Benzin

Two-Stroke Feeling Deluxe

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

120 PS

1.4L T-Jet Turbo Benzin

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Fiat 500L 330 is available with 5 engine variants — from 77 to 120 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.3L MultiJet II · Diesel· 84 PS
2012 2022
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.6L MultiJet II · Diesel· 105–120 PS Engine Change
2013 2022
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
2014 2022
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
0.9L TwinAir Turbo · Benziner· 86 PS
2012 2022
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.4L 16V · Benziner· 95 PS
2012 2022
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.4L T-Jet Turbo · Benziner· 120 PS
2014 2022
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses

The Fiat 1.3L MultiJet II (Diesel, 84 PS) has the 199B1 (1.3L MultiJet II) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Fiat 1.6L MultiJet II (Diesel, 105–120 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 199B5 (2013–2022, Be Careful) und 955A3-D (2014–2022, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L MultiJet II!

The Fiat 0.9L TwinAir Turbo (Benziner, 86 PS) has the 312A2 (0.9L TwinAir Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The Fiat 1.4L 16V (Benziner, 95 PS) has the 843A1 (1.4L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Fiat 1.4L T-Jet Turbo (Benziner, 120 PS) has the 940B7 (1.4L T-Jet Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Dualogic Gearbox Actuator Defective

The automated manual gearbox (Dualogic) is the main weak point of the 500L. The shift actuator drops into neutral without warning or refuses to change gear.

Symptoms: Gearbox shifts itself into neutral, gears cannot be engaged, jerky gear changes, delayed pull-away
from 75,000 km
Medium
Manual Gearbox Shift Quality Deteriorates

Even on the manual 500L, owners report decreasing shift precision with higher mileage. Gears become harder to engage, especially reverse.

Symptoms: Reverse gear difficult or impossible to engage, imprecise shift feel, gearbox noise at idle
from 100,000 km
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
208 complaints · 2012–2022
Powertrain
130 ⚠ 3
Engine
32
Electrical
29
Cruise Control
22 ⚠ 1
Other
21

Top Reported Issues

Powertrain (130 complaints)
Engine (32 complaints)
Electrical (29 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Fiat 500L 330 (2012–2022) — 26 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: 312A2 (0.9L TwinAir Turbo), 940B7 (1.4L T-Jet Turbo). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Rust, Electronics, Brakes.

500L (199B1, 2012–2022) — Be Careful: Oil dilution from fuel contamination, High-pressure pump wear and knocking noises, Turbocharger wear with neglected maintenance. Power: 84 PS.

500L (199B5, 2013–2022) — Be Careful: Timing belt and tensioner wear, EGR valve carbon build-up, Injectors failed. Power: 105 PS.

500L (955A3-D, 2014–2022) — Be Careful: VTG turbo position sensor faulty, EGR Valve Carbon Deposits, DPF clogged on short trips. Power: 120 PS.

500L (312A2, 2012–2022) — Stay Away!: MultiAir unit faulty, Timing chain jumps / chain tensioner faulty, Faulty crankcase breather increases oil consumption. Power: 86 PS.

500L (843A1, 2012–2022) — Be Careful: Cylinder head gasket leaking, Water pump as timing belt tensioner — coolant loss, Timing belt — interference engine with zero tolerance. Power: 95 PS.

500L (940B7, 2014–2022) — Stay Away!: Timing belt snap, Leaking water pump, Turbo bearing damage after hot shutdown. Power: 120 PS.

What to watch out for with the Fiat 500L? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Fiat 500L 330 have? +
The Fiat 500L 330 has 26 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Fiat 500L 330? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 199B1 (1.3L MultiJet II), 199B5 (1.6L MultiJet II), 955A3-D (1.6L MultiJet II), 843A1 (1.4L 16V). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 312A2 (0.9L TwinAir Turbo). Problem engine: 940B7 (1.4L T-Jet Turbo) — stay away!
Which Fiat 500L 330 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Fiat 500L 330 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} In the lightweight 500 with manual gearbox the TwinAir is an experience: unique two-cylinder sound, surprising torque, real go-kart feeling. If only the oil consumption wasn't there.
Is the Fiat 500L 330 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Fiat 500L 330 — 2 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Fiat 500L 330? +
The Fiat 500L 330 is available with engine variants from 77 to 120 hp. Petrol: 312A2 (0.9L TwinAir Turbo), 843A1 (1.4L 16V), 940B7 (1.4L T-Jet Turbo). Diesel: 199B1 (1.3L MultiJet II), 199B5 (1.6L MultiJet II), 955A3-D (1.6L MultiJet II).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee