IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2008 Fiat 500 (Type 312)

The 500 reached UK showrooms in 2008 as a three-door retro city car on the Fiat Mini platform. Launch engines were the 1.2 and 1.4 FIRE petrols plus a 1.3 MultiJet diesel, in Pop, Sport and Lounge trims.

What changed for 2008

  • •1.2 8v 69PS and 1.4 16v 100PS FIRE petrols, plus a 1.3 16v MultiJet diesel with a DPF
  • •Five-speed manual as standard, with the five-speed Dualogic automated manual as an option
  • •Three-door hatch only at launch; the 500C fixed-roof cabriolet joined the range in 2009
  • •Seven airbags as standard, with ABS, ESP and hill holder available; five stars in the 2008 Euro NCAP test

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Perished rear twist-beam axle bushes causing clonks and an MOT advisory or failure
  • !Corroded rear brake pipes and seized rear wheel cylinders on cars that stand for long periods
  • !Worn front lower ball joints and split wishbone dust covers picked up on the MOT ramp
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Dualogic Gearbox Actuator Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The Selespeed-derived Dualogic system frequently suffers from internal leaks or electrical motor failure in the actuator unit.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Drops into Neutral while driving, Refuses to select Reverse, Gearbox warning light on dash

What to Inspect:
  • Listen for the pump priming when opening the driver door
  • Check for smooth shifts during a long test drive
  • Look for gearbox fluid leaks under the car
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rear Axle Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The rubber bushes in the rear twist-beam axle perish, leading to MOT failure and poor handling.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Clonking from the rear over bumps, Vague handling, Uneven rear tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Check MOT history for "Rear axle pin/bush" advisories
  • Visually inspect bushes for tearing
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Blue&Me Module Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The Microsoft-developed infotainment module is prone to hardware failure, often triggered by battery swaps or voltage drops.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£450
Warning Signs:

Flashing odometer, Bluetooth not connecting, USB port not reading music

What to Inspect:
  • Confirm the odometer is not flashing
  • Test Bluetooth pairing with a modern smartphone
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2008 Fiat 500 (Type 312)

  • Bounce the rear of the car and listen for a knock from the axle bushes before test driving
  • Check the MOT history for repeated rear axle bush and brake pipe advisories
  • Start the 1.3 diesel from cold and watch for blue smoke and a glowing DPF warning
2009
Check a 2008 Fiat 500 (Type 312) by Registration