IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2012–2020 Fiat 500L

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2012–2020 Fiat 500L. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2012–2020 period has 1 more issue than the Fiat 500L average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Dualogic Actuator / Clutch Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The automated manual gearbox struggles with the weight of the 500L, leading to premature clutch wear and actuator faults.

Most affected: 1.3 Multijet Dualogic, 0.9 TwinAir Dualogic

Estimated cost: £1,000–£2,500Affects: 2012–2020Often appears around: 30,000–60,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Smell of burning clutch
  • •Judder when pulling away
  • •Gearbox error messages

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Perform several hill starts to check for smoothness

TwinAir oil consumption and drive-belt failure

ModerateEngine

The 0.9 TwinAir engine is sensitive to oil quality and level. Excessive oil consumption and small oil leaks can cause the drive belt to deteriorate or snap, potentially damaging the alternator and other ancillaries. Regular oil checks and belt inspections are essential.

Most affected: 0.9 TwinAir

Estimated cost: £100–£500Affects: 2012–2020Often appears around: 30,000–60,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Burning oil smell
  • •Drive belt squeal
  • •Sudden loss of power steering and charging
  • •Oil top-ups needed frequently

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check oil level and history of oil consumption
  • ✓Inspect the drive belt for cracking or glazing
  • ✓Ask about belt replacement history

DPF clogging on diesel models

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

The 1.3 MultiJet diesel requires regular motorway use to keep its DPF regenerating. Short urban journeys cause the filter to clog, triggering limp mode and expensive forced-regeneration or replacement work.

Most affected: 1.3 MultiJet

Estimated cost: £200–£1,000Affects: 2012–2020Often appears around: 30,000–70,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •DPF warning light
  • •Limp mode
  • •Loss of power on the motorway
  • •Cooling fan running after shutdown

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask about the car's typical journey pattern
  • ✓Look for DPF cleaning or regeneration invoices
  • ✓Prefer cars with evidence of regular motorway use

Buying Tips for the 2012 Fiat 500L

  • ✓Test the Dualogic gearbox extensively if fitted; it is a heavy car for this transmission.
  • ✓Check the Uconnect system for reboots or freezing.
  • ✓Inspect the rear brake discs; they often corrode prematurely on the inner faces.
2021–2022 Fiat 500L

Browse 2012–2020 Fiat 500L in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2012–2020 Fiat 500L vehicles.

View 2012–2020 Directory

Other Fiat 500L Year Periods

2012–20202021–2022

Looking at a specific 2012 Fiat 500L?

Enter the registration number to check its full MOT history, outstanding finance, write-off status, and more.

Free Vehicle Check