IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Fiat 500 (Type 312)

The 500C cabriolet arrived in 2009, keeping the hatchback's pillars and side windows but adding a three-position fabric roof. It gave UK buyers open-air motoring without the scuttle shake of a full convertible.

What changed for 2009

  • •500C fixed-profile cabriolet with a three-stage electric cloth roof and a glass rear window
  • •Rear parking sensors fitted as standard to the 500C because of reduced rear visibility
  • •Start&Stop added to the 1.2 petrol to cut urban fuel use and CO2
  • •500C offered with the same 1.2, 1.4 and 1.3 MultiJet engines as the hatch, including Dualogic on the 1.2

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Roof mechanism and rear window demister faults, plus leaks into the boot and rear quarters
  • !Rear axle bush wear is made worse by the extra 40kg of the cabriolet body
  • !Corroded exhaust back box and mountings on cars used mainly for short urban trips
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 2009 Fiat 500 (Type 312)

  • Cycle the roof through all three positions and check for creaks, tears and damp rear carpets
  • Check the boot floor and spare wheel well for water after rain or a wash
  • On Start&Stop cars, confirm the system cuts and restarts reliably in traffic
20082010
Check a 2009 Fiat 500 (Type 312) by Registration