2019 Fiat 124 Spider

The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider is a stylish and fun-to-drive roadster that shares its platform with the Mazda MX-5 Miata. It features a turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir inline-4 engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque (164 hp in Abarth trim). Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners often praise its engaging driving dynamics, distinctive Italian styling, and open-air experience. Common criticisms include limited interior space, some turbo lag, and concerns about reliability, although largely sharing the Miata’s mechanical underpinnings helps address the latter.

Engine

1.4L MultiAir Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbocharger, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots on the ground, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often found around the turbo oil lines or valve cover gasket.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into gear, grinding noise when shifting, especially into 2nd or 3rd gear.
  • Solution: Could be caused by a worn synchro. May need to replace synchros or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable jerking or clunking during gear changes, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: May need to reprogram transmission control module (TCM) or replace valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or reboots randomly.
  • Solution: Update the infotainment software. If the issue persists, the unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty latching or unlatching the convertible top, leaks around the seals.
  • Solution: Adjust or replace the latching mechanism, replace weather stripping.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattles and Squeaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Various rattles and squeaks emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or seats.
  • Solution: Locate and tighten loose panels or components. May require the application of sound-dampening materials.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider, while enjoyable to drive, can suffer from issues such as turbocharger problems and oil leaks with its 1.4L engine. Transmission issues can occur in both manual and automatic versions, including grinding gears and harsh shifting. The infotainment system can be prone to freezing, and convertible top latches may require adjustment or replacement. Interior rattles can also be a nuisance. While some issues are relatively minor, others like turbocharger failure can be costly to repair. Overall, it’s essential to have a pre-purchase inspection done to identify any potential problems.