2009 Fiat 500
The 2009 Fiat 500 is a retro-styled city car known for its nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and distinctive Italian design. In the US, the 2009 Fiat 500 was not officially sold. We will use European-market data for this analysis. The primary engine option for the 2009 Fiat 500 was a 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine producing approximately 69 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque. Other available engines included a 1.4-liter gasoline engine and a 1.3-liter Multijet diesel engine. Transmission options were generally a 5-speed manual or a Dualogic automated manual transmission. Owners often appreciate the 500’s compact size for navigating urban environments and its iconic styling, while some criticisms include limited rear passenger space, and potentially unreliable electronics.
Engine
1.2L Inline-4 Gasoline Engine
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher-than-normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and blue smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: Regularly check and top-up oil levels. If consumption is excessive, a mechanic should perform a compression test to check the health of the piston rings and valve stem seals. In severe cases, engine rebuild or replacement may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (top-up) to $150 (compression test) to $1,500 - $4,000+ (engine rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and a decrease in power are common symptoms of failing coil packs. The engine management light may illuminate.
- Solution: Diagnose the faulty coil pack using an OBD-II scanner. Replace the affected coil pack(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per coil pack replacement
- Recalls: None Found
1.4L Inline-4 Gasoline Engine
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise, particularly on cold starts, can indicate a stretched or failing timing chain. If left unaddressed, this can lead to severe engine damage.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
- Recalls: None Found
1.3L Multijet Diesel Engine
- EGR Valve Problems
- Description/Symptoms: This engine is known for EGR Valve problems. Symptoms include poor performance, excessive smoke, and the engine management light coming on.
- Solution: Replace the EGR Valve
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Difficulty Shifting into Gear
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with difficulty engaging gears, particularly first and second. This can be caused by worn synchros or a failing clutch.
- Solution: Inspect and replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing if worn. If the issue persists, the synchros within the transmission may need to be replaced or the entire transmission rebuilt.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 (clutch replacement), $800 - $2,000+ (transmission rebuild)
- Recalls: None Found
Dualogic Automated Manual Transmission
- Erratic Shifting and Clutch Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The Dualogic transmission is known for its jerky shifting, particularly at low speeds. Clutch wear and hydraulic actuator failure are common causes.
- Solution: Inspect and replace the clutch if worn. Diagnose and repair or replace the hydraulic actuator unit. Recalibration of the transmission system may also be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ (actuator repair/replacement), $300-$800 (clutch replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Suspension Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps, can indicate worn suspension bushings (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar bushings).
- Solution: Replace the worn bushings. Replacing the entire control arm may be necessary in some cases if the bushings are not available separately.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400 per corner
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Dashboard Warning Lights
- Description/Symptoms: Illumination of various dashboard warning lights, sometimes intermittently, can indicate a range of electrical issues, from sensor failures to low battery voltage.
- Solution: Use an OBD-II scanner to read the fault codes and diagnose the underlying issue. Address the specific fault code.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the issue. $50 - $100+ (Diagnostic scan), $50 - $500+ (Sensor replacement), $100+ (Battery replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning power windows that fail to operate or operate intermittently.
- Solution: Check the power window switch, motor, and wiring. Replace faulty components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower panels or underbody of the car.
- Solution: Remove the rust and repaint the affected area or replace the body panels if it is too severe.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
- Solution: Repair the dashboard with a filler or replace the entire dashboard. Installing a dashboard cover can prevent further damage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Fiat 500, while stylish and economical, can suffer from a variety of issues. Engine problems, particularly with oil consumption and coil packs on the 1.2L gasoline engine and timing chain problems on the 1.4L gasoline engine, can be relatively costly to address. The Dualogic transmission is prone to erratic shifting and clutch problems, adding to potential maintenance costs. Suspension issues and electrical glitches can also be common. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and thoroughly inspect any used 2009 Fiat 500 before purchase. The severity and cost of these repairs can vary widely, but some issues can be expensive to resolve.