TransmissionHigh
Dualogic automated manual jerky shifting and actuator failure
- Typically appears
- 50,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test in traffic; feel for long pauses between shifts
- Typical repair
- Significant repair · £400–£1,400
FI
Is the 2012–2024 Fiat 500 reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
5.2/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Fiat 500 rates 5.2 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 2 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around transmission, electrical and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 2
Weak points cluster around transmission, electrical, suspension, bodywork.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
SteeringHigh
Loss of power assistance, steering pulling to one side, or EPS warning light due to torque sensor failure.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine, engage 'City' mode, and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock. Feel for juddering, uneven weight, or listen for column clicking.
- Typical repair
- Steering rack / column repair · £400–£1,500
ElectricalMedium
Ignition switch, warning light clusters and battery drain
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test start reliability and all warning lights
- Typical repair
- Water-ingress trace & seal · £150–£800
SuspensionMedium
Rear beam and shock wear from potholes
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Bounce test the rear
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
BodyworkMedium
Rear arch and sill corrosion on older cars
- Typically appears
- 8+ years
- What to inspect
- Inspect arches and sills carefully
- Typical repair
- Body & corrosion repair · £250–£1,800
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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