2017 Fiat 124 Spider

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is a stylish and fun roadster that shares its platform with the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It is powered by a Fiat-sourced 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque when paired with the manual transmission and 164 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque when paired with the automatic transmission. Engine options consist of the base 1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4. Transmission options consist of the 6-speed manual transmission and the 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 124 Spider for its unique Italian styling, responsive handling, and comfortable interior. Common complaints include issues with the infotainment system and some reported reliability concerns.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, turbocharger whine, check engine light. Can be caused by oil starvation or mechanical failure of the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots on the ground, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often occurs at the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or turbocharger oil lines.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or line.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding/Difficulty Shifting into Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting, especially into 2nd or 3rd gear. Difficulty engaging the gear.
  • Solution: Could require transmission rebuild or replacement of worn synchronizers. Clutch adjustment or replacement may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or abrupt shifts between gears, especially noticeable in lower gears.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid change may help, but valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or randomly restarts.
  • Solution: Software updates may fix the issue, but sometimes the entire unit needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update) - $1,000+ (if replacement needed)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera displays a blank screen, distorted image, or fails to activate.
  • Solution: Check the camera connections, replace the camera, or replace the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin, especially around the windows or top seams during rain.
  • Solution: Adjust or replace the weather stripping, repair the top seams, or replace the entire top.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater does not get warm or only heats up intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element or the switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider, while enjoyable to drive, has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The engine can suffer from turbocharger failures and oil leaks. Both the manual and automatic transmissions can experience shifting problems. The infotainment system can be unreliable, and the convertible top may leak. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, from minor software glitches to major mechanical repairs. Overall, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider can be a rewarding vehicle to own, but buyers should be prepared for the possibility of encountering some of these common issues.