IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2016 Fiat 500 Facelift / Hybrid

The 2016 facelift gave the 500 a wider grille, LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps, plus a revised cabin and Uconnect infotainment. UK cars stayed three-door only, with the 500C roof carrying over.

What changed for 2016

  • •New front grille, reshaped headlights with LED DRLs, LED tail lamps and revised 15/16-inch alloys
  • •Uconnect infotainment with a five-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth
  • •1.2 69PS and 0.9 TwinAir 85/105PS petrols, all Euro 6
  • •Revised instrument cluster, steering wheel and seat fabrics across Pop, Pop Star, Lounge and S

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rear axle bushes and front suspension top mounts still wear early on British roads
  • !Corroded rear brake discs and poor handbrake balance on low-mileage city cars
  • !Tyre sidewall damage and uneven front wear from speed cushions and kerbing
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

MultiAir / TwinAir Actuator Failure

SeriousEngine

The hydraulic valve control system is sensitive to oil quality. Sludge build-up causes the unit to fail, requiring full replacement.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Rough running/misfire, Check Engine light, Loss of power

What to Inspect:
  • Check for annual oil changes using correct spec oil
  • Listen for "tappety" noises from the top of the engine
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Tailgate Wiring Loom Damage

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Wires inside the rubber boot between the body and tailgate snap over time due to repeated opening.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£250
Warning Signs:

Rear wiper working on its own, Number plate lights fail, Boot won't unlock

What to Inspect:
  • Test every rear electrical component while moving the tailgate
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front suspension bush and ball-joint wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Front suspension bushes and ball joints wear prematurely on the facelifted 500, causing knocking over bumps and vague steering. The bumper often needs removing to access the bushes, pushing up labour costs.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£450
Warning Signs:

Knocking over speed bumps, Vague or loose steering feel, Uneven front tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect front tyres for inner-edge wear
  • Drive over rough surfaces at low speed
  • Check MOT history for front suspension advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Coolant reservoir cracking and TwinAir oil weep

ModerateEngine

The plastic coolant reservoir can crack and cause slow coolant loss, while the 0.9 TwinAir engine is prone to oil seeping from the timing cover area due to sealing issues. Both are easy to miss but can cause serious damage if ignored.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£600
Warning Signs:

Low coolant warning, Sweet smell from engine bay, Oily patches under the front of the car, Burning oil smell when driving

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect coolant reservoir for hairline cracks
  • Check the front of the engine for oil residue
  • Ask about coolant top-up history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2016 Fiat 500 Facelift / Hybrid

  • Check the Uconnect screen boots quickly and that Bluetooth pairs with a current phone
  • Look for a 2016 car with the LED headlamps working on both dip and main beam
  • Inspect the rear axle bushes and front top mounts, then compare against the MOT history
2017–2019
Check a 2016 Fiat 500 Facelift / Hybrid by Registration