2018 Fiat 124 Spider

The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider is a stylish and fun-to-drive roadster that shares its platform with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, but features a distinct Italian design and a turbocharged Fiat engine. The 2018 model came equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It was available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the car’s nimble handling, classic roadster styling, and responsive engine. Common complaints often revolve around reliability issues, particularly with electrical components and the infotainment system, as well as limited interior space. Some also find the turbo lag noticeable at lower RPMs.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine, check engine light. Can be due to oil starvation or bearing failure within the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, difficulty starting, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual

• Grinding or Difficulty Shifting into Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable grinding noise when shifting, especially into 1st or 2nd gear. Difficulty engaging the gear, often requiring excessive force.
  • Solution: Inspect and potentially replace the synchros in the transmission. In severe cases, a full transmission rebuild or replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+

Six-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts between gears, noticeable delay when shifting, especially when accelerating.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission flush, check fluid level, and inspect the valve body. In some cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $4000+

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes completely. This can affect radio, navigation, and climate controls.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve the issue. Otherwise, the head unit might need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drains in the electrical system. Common culprits include aftermarket accessories or faulty modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues (Leaks, Difficult Operation)
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin during rain or washing. The convertible top may be difficult to raise or lower, or the motor may be slow or unresponsive.
  • Solution: Check and lubricate the convertible top mechanism. Replace worn seals or the hydraulic pump if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater does not work or only partially functions.
  • Solution: Replace the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Summary

The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider, while a stylish and engaging roadster, can present some reliability challenges. The most common issues revolve around the turbocharger, infotainment system, and transmission. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others like turbocharger or transmission replacements can be quite costly. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, and seek out detailed service records of any vehicle they are considering.