2018 Fiat 500

The 2018 Fiat 500 is a subcompact car known for its retro styling, nimble handling, and fuel efficiency. It typically features a 1.4-liter MultiAir inline-4 engine producing around 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate its small size for city driving and distinctive look, but some find the interior cramped and the ride quality less comfortable on longer journeys. Reliability can also be a concern for some Fiat 500 owners.

Engine

1.4L MultiAir Inline-4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may develop from the valve cover gasket or the oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• MultiAir Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The MultiAir actuator, which controls valve timing, can fail, leading to reduced engine performance, misfires, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the MultiAir actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, particularly between gears.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement or, in severe cases, transmission repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid flush) / $2,000 - $4,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Dashboard Display Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may flicker or display inaccurate information.
  • Solution: Replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain or failure.
  • Solution: Replacing the battery. Ensure the replacement battery meets the vehicle’s specifications.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Mirror Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power mirrors stop functioning properly.
  • Solution: Replace the power mirror assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may malfunction, failing to open or close correctly, or becoming stuck.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Fiat 500 can present several issues, most notably related to the engine’s MultiAir system, potential transmission problems with the automatic variant, and electrical glitches. While some issues like battery drain are relatively inexpensive to address, others like MultiAir actuator failure or transmission problems can be quite costly. Owners should be diligent with maintenance and be aware of the potential for these issues to arise. The vehicle has been subject to only minor recalls and is generally reliable.