2020 Fiat 124 Spider

The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is a stylish and fun-to-drive roadster, known for its Italian flair and enjoyable driving experience. It features a 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 when paired with the automatic transmission. Drivers appreciate the 124 Spider for its nimble handling, attractive design, and open-air experience. Some common dislikes include limited cargo space and some interior materials that don’t feel as premium as some competitors. The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is offered with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires can occur due to issues with the ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors. Symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the misfire using an OBD-II scanner. Replace faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors as necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the component needing replacement and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various seals and gaskets within the engine, such as the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the oil leak. Replace the faulty gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding/Difficulty Shifting into Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing grinding noises when shifting into gears, particularly 1st and 2nd. Difficulty engaging gears can also be a symptom. This is likely due to worn synchros or other internal transmission damage.
  • Solution: A transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+ depending on whether the transmission is rebuilt or replaced, and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifting can occur due to low transmission fluid, a faulty valve body, or worn internal components.
  • Solution: Check and adjust the transmission fluid level. If the fluid is dirty or burnt, a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement might be necessary. If the problem persists, the valve body may need to be replaced or the transmission rebuilt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for fluid flush and filter, $500 - $1500+ for valve body replacement, $2000 - $5000+ for transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Try resetting the system by turning the car off and on. Check for software updates. If the problem persists, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software update) - $1000+ for head unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining quickly, especially if the car is not driven frequently. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic draws on the battery. Ensure the battery is properly charging. If the battery is old, replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ depending on the cost of the battery and diagnostic labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulties opening or closing the convertible top. This can be due to a faulty latch mechanism, hydraulic issues, or sensor problems.
  • Solution: Inspect the latch mechanism for damage or debris. Check the hydraulic system for leaks. Diagnose and replace faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to function properly or may not heat up consistently.
  • Solution: Check the wiring and connections to the seat heaters. Replace faulty heating elements or control modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the component needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rattling Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises can originate from various locations within the interior, such as the dashboard, door panels, or center console.
  • Solution: Locate the source of the rattle and secure the loose components. Adding sound deadening material may help reduce noise.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if fixed yourself) - $300+ depending on the severity and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider, while a fun and stylish roadster, has a few common issues to watch out for. Engine misfires and oil leaks are potential concerns, with repair costs varying depending on the specific issue. Transmission problems, particularly harsh shifting with the automatic and grinding with the manual, can be expensive to fix, potentially requiring a rebuild or replacement. Electrical issues such as infotainment system problems and battery drain can also be troublesome. Overall, while some issues can be relatively inexpensive to resolve, others can be more costly, so a thorough inspection before purchase is recommended.