Is the Fiat 500 Reliable?
Find out how reliable the Fiat 500 city car is from our expert review that takes a look at the history of this popular model
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The Fiat 500 is an incredibly popular option for first-time buyers and experienced drivers alike, thanks to its compact dimensions and retro charm.
Apart from checking out what you’ll get with specific trim level and options to look out for, you may also be asking, ‘are Fiat 500 reliable?’
Fiat 500 reliability history
When you’re spending thousands of pounds, you want to make sure that you’re buying something with a solid reputation. Thankfully, all versions of the Fiat 500 have proven to be pretty reliable.
Fiat 500 1st generation reliability
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Compared with modern standards, original Fiat 500 cars built from the 1950s onwards aren’t especially comfortable or powerful, and they’re less safe.
Their simplicity does mean there’s less to go wrong, and they’re quite easy to repair if it does.
The original model’s tiny two-cylinder engine was fairly tough, but the non-syncromesh manual gearbox needs to be used in a specific way to get the most out of it.
Fiat 500 2nd generation reliability
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Fiat relaunched the 500 in 2007, and while it’s not a class leader, it has relatively simple mechanics and carries on the original model’s reputation for reliability.
For example, the engines remained simple compared to similar modern cars and have proven to be pretty robust.
Some common problems to be aware of include faulty fuel injector seals, and oil leaks for the 0.9-litre TwinAir model.
Earlier models also had some clutch problems, so get it checked out if you feel a lack of pressure from the pedal.
Spare parts for Fiat 500 cars are usually widely available, and the fact that this car shares some parts with the Ford Ka helps.
Fiat 500 3rd generation reliability
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The latest electric model, sometimes known as the Fiat 500e, continues the small city car’s reputation for reliability.
Being an electric model, there are even fewer moving parts to go wrong, which really helps this car’s durability.
Although it’s a still new car, initial consumer feedback has been positive. You also get an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty that covers the battery to sweeten the deal.
Most reliable areas of the Fiat 500
Below, we outline some of the standout features of the Fiat 500 that help it to maintain its reputation as a reliable and dependable model.
Engines
Various engines have been available over the years, but apart from a pretty rare 1.3-litre diesel, the rest are small petrol engines.
The simplest engine is the 1.2-litre unit shared with the Ford Ka. Fiat also sold the 500 with its own 0.9-litre two-cylinder turbocharged engine, which has mixed reviews, and then a 1.0-litre mild hybrid from 2020.
Keep up with regular services and watch out for age-related issues (oil leaks, worn seals, perished hoses) and you should be able to steer clear of major issues.
Safety features
When it launched in 2007, the second-generation Fiat 500 was awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It was then re-tested in 2017 and reduced to three stars because of stricter regulations.
The latest Fiat 500E has a four-star rating and scores well for child occupant protection which is great news for small families.
Airbags, ABS and electronic stability control have been standard safety features on Fiat 500s since 2007. The 2016 facelift added X, and the 500e comes with X.
Interior and comfort
While they may not be as supportive as some more premium city cars, the Fiat 500’s retro-inspired seats are pretty comfortable and great for nipping around town.
There’s a reasonable amount of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, but taller drivers may find it harder to find their ideal driving position.
Thanks to the car’s bubble-like shape, headroom in the back might be better than you think. There are also only two seats in the back, so rear passengers have a decent amount of shoulder room.
Some older and lower-spec 500s only have a basic radio setup, so it’s worth finding one with a touchscreen infotainment system because you’ll get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Fiat 500 reliability compared to rivals
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There aren’t many cars that offer the charm of the Fiat 500, but the equally iconic MINI Hatchback records similar or slightly higher levels of reliability. MINI is related to BMW, so its cars tend to be more premium.
If you’re after a compact model with a choice of petrol engines or electric motors, you could also consider a Volkswagen Up, Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii, which are built on the same platform.
They tend to score better for reliability and benefit from belonging to one big group of manufacturers, but they can cost a little more than the Fiat.
What is the reliability score of a Fiat 500?
There isn’t one centralised database of reliability scores, so results will vary depending on the source. Fiat tends to fall somewhere in the middle of most reliability surveys, but the 500 tends to perform less admirably within its class.
On the whole, long-term reviews and consumer feedback paints a reasonably positive picture of Fiat 500 ownership.
You may also wish to check out owner forums to see what other, real-world drivers are saying about their Fiat 500 before you decide to buy.
Should I buy a used Fiat 500?
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There’s a reason why so many people buy the Fiat 500 – it’s compact, charming, affordable and, arguably more importantly, offers decent reliability. So, are Fiat 500 good cars?
If you’re happy with a city car that has space for two adults in the front and two occasional rear-seat passengers, then it’s a car that you should really consider.
Thanks to the small engines or electric motors, a Fiat 500 will be considerably more economical than bigger hatchbacks, helping to reduce the cost of motoring.
What to know when buying a used Fiat 500
The simpler 1.2-litre petrol is usually the most reliable option, with the 0.9-litre unit marginally more prone to issues However, it’s a really nice engine to drive around town, and you shouldn’t rule it out.
Be wary of intermittent electrical problems, such as faulty sensors, power windows problems and infotainment glitches.
The automatic gearbox is an automated manual rather than a conventional automatic, so it can be jerky and more prone to faults. Stick to the manual if you can.