2019 Fiat 124 Spider

Introduction:

The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider is a rear-wheel-drive roadster that offers a blend of Italian flair and Japanese reliability. It comes with a single engine option, a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The 124 Spider has a playful handling and responsive steering that make it a joy to drive on winding roads. However, it is not without its flaws.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure: The turbocharger can fail prematurely, leading to a loss of power and acceleration.
  • Description/Symptoms: Decreased engine power, rough idling, excessive smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup: Carbon deposits can accumulate on the intake valves, reducing engine performance and fuel efficiency.
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, decreased power
  • Solution: Clean or replace intake valves
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Shift Linkage Issues: The shift linkage can become loose or misaligned, causing difficulty shifting gears.
  • Description/Symptoms: Gears slipping out of place, difficulty engaging gears
  • Solution: Adjust or replace shift linkage
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Wear: The clutch can wear out prematurely, causing slipping or shuddering during gear changes.
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slippage during acceleration, burning smell
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leaks: The transmission fluid pan gasket can fail, causing fluid leaks.
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, low fluid levels, slipping gears
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Solenoid Valve Failure: The solenoid valves in the transmission can fail, affecting gear shifting and causing erratic behavior.
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shuddering, difficulty shifting gears, delayed gear engagement
  • Solution: Replace solenoid valves
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Shock Absorber Failure: The shock absorbers can fail prematurely, leading to a rough ride and poor handling.
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncing, excessive body roll, reduced ride quality
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per corner
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Bearing Problems: The strut mount bearings can wear out, causing a knocking noise during steering or suspension movement.
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, especially on rough roads
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain: The 12-volt battery can drain prematurely, especially when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, dim lights, loss of electrical power
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drain, replace battery if necessary
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Issues: The headlights can experience condensation or moisture buildup, leading to impaired visibility.
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation inside the headlight housings, poor lighting output
  • Solution: Replace or repair headlight housings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Hinge Issues: The hood hinges can wear out prematurely, causing the hood to misalign or pop open unexpectedly.
  • Description/Symptoms: Hood shaking or rattling, difficulty opening or closing the hood
  • Solution: Replace or adjust hood hinges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Convertible Top Issues: The convertible top can experience issues with the folding mechanism or the material itself.
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the top, tears or leaks in the material
  • Solution: Repair or replace convertible top components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Audio System Malfunctions: The audio system can experience problems with the radio, CD player, or Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Description/Symptoms: No sound, skipping or stuttering music, Bluetooth pairing issues
  • Solution: Repair or replace audio system components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Issues: The air conditioning system can experience leaks or malfunctions, leading to reduced cooling performance.
  • Description/Symptoms: Weak airflow, no cooling, leaks in the system
  • Solution: Repair or replace air conditioning components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

While the Fiat 124 Spider offers a fun and engaging driving experience, it is not without its issues. Engine and transmission problems, suspension concerns, and electrical gremlins can be costly to repair. Exterior and interior problems, though less severe, can still be inconvenient and detract from the overall ownership experience. If you are considering purchasing a Fiat 124 Spider, it is important to be aware of the potential issues and factor them into your decision-making process.