IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2011 Fiat 500 (Type 312)

The 0.9 TwinAir turbo arrived in 2011, giving the 500 a characterful two-cylinder option with sub-100g/km CO2. At the same time the 1.3 MultiJet was upgraded to MultiJet II specification with 95PS.

What changed for 2011

  • •0.9 TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder petrol with 85PS
  • •1.3 16v MultiJet II diesel replaced the original MultiJet with 95PS
  • •TwinAir Dualogic offered a 92g/km automatic alternative for company car drivers
  • •TwinAir won the 2011 International Engine of the Year award in its class

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Oil leaks from the TwinAir timing cover and turbo pipework dripping onto the MOT bay floor
  • !Emissions lambda and CO readings out of range on high-mileage 1.2 cars with tired catalysts
  • !Front coil spring breakage and top mount noise on pothole-damaged UK roads
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 2011 Fiat 500 (Type 312)

  • Cold-start a TwinAir and listen for a rough idle or a rattle from the MultiAir unit
  • Check for fresh oil around the timing cover and sump, not just a clean engine bay
  • Confirm the Dualogic changes cleanly from cold and does not slip in first
20102012–2015
Check a 2011 Fiat 500 (Type 312) by Registration