IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2016–2019 Fiat 124 Spider

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2016–2019 Fiat 124 Spider. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

1.4 MultiAir Actuator Failure

SeriousEngine

The "MultiAir" brick can fail if oil changes are missed or the wrong viscosity is used. This is a common and expensive failure.

Most affected: 1.4 Multiair Turbo

Estimated cost: £800–£1,500Affects: 2016–2019Often appears around: 30,000–60,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Engine misfire
  • •Limp mode
  • •Severe loss of power

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for a smooth idle
  • ✓Check service receipts for correct oil specs

Parts availability and escalating costs

ModerateBodywork & Rust

With production ceased and the Mazda-Fiat partnership ended, 124 Spider-specific parts are becoming scarce and expensive. Body panels (especially aluminium items), windscreens, key fobs and even the bonnet pedestrian-safety actuators can be on backorder for months. Some cars have been written off due to parts being unavailable for minor accident repairs.

Most affected: All 124 Spider models

Estimated cost: £200–£10,000+Affects: 2016–2019Often appears around: Any mileage; especially cars with accident damage

Typical symptoms

  • •Long wait times for replacement parts
  • •Dealer unable to source 124-specific components
  • •Very high quotes for bodywork repairs
  • •Key fob replacement discontinued in some markets

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask the dealer to check part availability before buying
  • ✓Check for any previous accident repair history
  • ✓Verify key fob condition and whether a spare exists

MultiAir oil drain-back when sitting unused

ModerateEngine

If the 1.4 MultiAir engine sits unused for several months, oil can drain from the hydraulic MultiAir unit ("the brick"), affecting the valve train and preventing the engine from starting due to lack of compression. The fix is usually to crank it until the unit re-primes, but repeated occurrences can damage the unit.

Most affected: 1.4 MultiAir Turbo

Estimated cost: £0–£500Affects: 2016–2019Often appears around: Any mileage; storage-duration related

Typical symptoms

  • •Engine cranks but will not start after extended storage
  • •Rough idle on first start-up
  • •Misfire immediately after sitting unused

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask whether the car has been stored or sat unused for long periods
  • ✓Start it from cold and listen for a smooth idle
  • ✓Check for any MultiAir unit replacement invoices

Buying Tips for the 2016 Fiat 124 Spider

  • ✓Check for a full service history with the correct Selenia oil to protect the MultiAir unit.
  • ✓Inspect the convertible top for wear around the friction points.
  • ✓Check for signs of water ingress in the footwells (blocked drain holes).

Browse 2016–2019 Fiat 124 Spider in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2016–2019 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles.

View 2016–2019 Directory

Other Fiat 124 Spider Year Periods

2016–2019

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