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Fiat 124 Problems & Known Issues

The most common Fiat 124 problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

124 — Fiat 124 Spider
2016–2019
1.4 MultiAir Turbo

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Fiat 124 problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
Front coil spring failure (124)
1242016–20190k–20k miles
Front coil springs fracture or weaken seriously at 2.3 times the fleet average, with failures occurring surprisingly early in the vehicle's life. This appears to be a quality control issue with the spring steel or manufacturing process, as failures are documented on very low mileage examples. A fractured spring can cause sudden loss of vehicle height and handling control, and poses a significant safety risk.
What happens if ignoredA fractured coil spring can cause complete loss of suspension control on one corner, leading to dangerous handling characteristics and potential loss of vehicle control. The sharp edges of broken spring steel can damage tyres, brake lines, or other components. This is a safety-critical defect requiring immediate repair.
Independent garage
£150–£250
Specialist
£200–£300
Main dealer
£250–£400
Parts only
£60–£120
Major
Suspension component wear (124)
1242016–201920k–60k miles
This affects the front lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and track rod ends most commonly. The suspension shares components with the Mazda MX-5 platform but appears more susceptible to wear, possibly due to different bush compound specifications. Early failure affects handling precision and tyre wear patterns.
What happens if ignoredWorn suspension components compromise handling safety and cause rapid tyre wear. Complete failure of a ball joint or track rod end while driving can cause loss of steering control. Typical repair involves replacing multiple components simultaneously, with labour costs inflated by the need for wheel alignment.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£400–£700
Parts only
£80–£200
Major
Brake disc warping and uneven wear (124)
1242016–20190k–40k miles
The 124 Spider experiences brake disc problems at 3.6 times the national fleet average, with excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution appearing unusually early in the car's life. This manifests as brake judder or pulsing through the brake pedal and steering wheel under braking. The front discs appear particularly susceptible to warping, possibly due to the lightweight sports car application generating high thermal loads on relatively thin discs.
What happens if ignoredWarped discs reduce braking efficiency and can cause dangerous loss of control under emergency braking. The vibration damages wheel bearings and suspension components over time. Disc replacement is typically required rather than skimming due to the thin disc design.
Independent garage
£250–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£400–£650
Parts only
£120–£250
Major
Wheel bearing wear (124)
1242016–201920k–40k miles
Wheel bearings show excessive play at 3.3 times the fleet average, typically affecting the front bearings between 20,000-40,000 miles. This is unusually early for wheel bearing failure and may be related to the sports car suspension setup placing higher lateral loads on the bearing assemblies during cornering. The bearings are integrated hub units requiring complete hub replacement rather than bearing-only service.
What happens if ignoredA failed wheel bearing can cause wheel separation and complete loss of vehicle control. Advanced wear creates excessive heat that can damage the brake disc and caliper. The noise and vibration worsen rapidly once play develops in the bearing.
Independent garage
£200–£300
Specialist
£250–£350
Main dealer
£300–£450
Parts only
£80–£150

1 more known issues tracked

Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.

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MOT failure hotspots

Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Fiat 124 fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.

Suspension ball joints worn
Suspension · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 86x the fleet average
Sample: 635 tests
Suspension pin, bush or joint worn
Suspension · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 23x the fleet average
Sample: 1,188 tests
Headlight fault
Lights & Electrics · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 22x the fleet average
Sample: 4,830 tests

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Related

Fiat 124 reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Fiat 124?

The Fiat 124 has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most serious are: Front coil spring failure (124).

Is the Fiat 124 reliable?

The Fiat 124 has 1 dangerous and 4 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Fiat 124 problems?

Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Front coil spring failure (124)) costs £150–£250 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.