FaultScore

FaultScore report

2017 Fiat 124 Spider problems

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026. The largest single group is the airbags.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

38

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

4,624 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

100%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

How 2017 compares with every other Fiat 124 Spider

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 14 36.8%

Median failure at 35,000 miles

Electrical System 6 15.8%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 3,050 mi

Other & Unspecified 5 13.2%

Median failure at 4,700 miles

Engine & Cooling 4 10.5%

Median failure at 4,962 miles

Seat Belts 2 5.3%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 5.3%

Median failure at 4,662 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 2 5.3%

Median failure at 4,962 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 2.6%

Median failure at 35,000 miles

Lights 1 2.6%

Median failure at 900 miles

Body & Structure 1 2.6%

Median failure at 8,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 4 21.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 13 68.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 10.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Aug 2017 peak 5 Jun 2026

Recalls on the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2024536 1,583 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the driver-front and passenger-front airbags to deploy with too much force in certain crashes. Note: This recall only affects 124 Spider Abarth performance models. Safety Risk: An airbag that inflates with too much force could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the airbag control module software.

Recall 2024548 314,717 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.

Recall 2019051 954 units in Canada

Powertrain

Issue: A problem with the automatic transmission could cause it to downshift suddenly. This may cause the rear wheels to slow abruptly and create a loss of vehicle stability. Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an update to the transmission control module (TCM).

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Owasso, OK Crash Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ALARM KEEPS RANDOMLY GOING OFF, DOESN'T MATTER HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING, WHAT GEAR, WHAT TYPE OF ROAD, WENT OFF 15 TIMES ONE DAY, 5 TIMES THE NEXT DAY

NHTSA complaint #11122848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Foley, AL

ENGINE

When the automobile isn’t driven or started for 3 weeks or more the engine will not start. The multiair system will lose its oil pressure. The manufacturer needs to do a recall to fix this problem. This car isn’t designed to be an everyday driver and this is a well known and documented problem.

NHTSA complaint #11747162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cape Coral, FL

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact was informed that the dealer was not equipped with the tools to repair the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11679879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Coral Springs, FL

ENGINE

Vehicle has been consuming excessive amount of oil & has affected my engine and turbo. When the oil is low, car will just turn off and stop running.

NHTSA complaint #11666626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pickerington, OH

AIR BAGS

I am writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the lack of transparency and communication surrounding the airbag recall for the Fiat 124, first issued in 2024. As of today, Fiat has not provided any meaningful updates, solutions, or timelines regarding this serious safety issue. There has been no information uploaded to official channels, nor have customers been contacted with guidance or offered temporary remedies. This silence is particularly alarming given the nature of the defect—involving airbags, a critical safety component that can mean the difference between life and death in an accident. To date, there has been no call for refunds, replacements, or even interim safety measures while Fiat “works on finding a reliable outcome for the future.” This delay, paired with a lack of communication, suggests a disregard for customer safety and a failure to meet basic standards of accountability. I urge Fiat to immediately provide an update to the public regarding the status of this recall, including what steps are being taken, projected timelines, and what current owners of the affected vehicles should do in the meantime. Anything less is unacceptable when dealing with an issue of this magnitude.

NHTSA complaint #11666363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11664672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winter Garden, FL

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11663350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Metairie, LA

AIR BAGS

I received the airbag recall letter in December (recall A3B)on my 2017 Spyder Fiat. I understand that the recall started in September.I have called Fiat every month since. I am always advised the parts are not available with no update on when the parts will become available. The airbag warning light is on. Due to the safety recall the car is not safe to drive. Fiat does not seem in any hurry to provide a remedy. This puts the onus on the customer. I am paying insurance and long term warranty on a car I can’t drive. Surely a corporation should bear the responsibility to provide a timely solution.

NHTSA complaint #11662603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gulf Breeze, FL

AIR BAGS

*I received a safety recall notice for the airbag deployment early November 2024. *I’ve contacted the dealership twice and they claim to not have the necessary part. *I’ve called manufacturer FIAT / FCA on 11/20/24 case #91148616, 12/12/24 and4/28/25. *Other Fiat owners have also reached out to FCA unsuccessfully for this repair. *Evidently there is no specific part needed, according to the document I received it is a software update – so I don’t understand why they’re not correcting this immediately!?

NHTSA complaint #11661577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aiea, HI

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11658193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Merrimack, NH

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11655456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Austin, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spyder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated that the digitizer delaminated, and he could no longer read the information on the display and was also obstructing the rearview camera display. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: SA-027/24 as possible cause for the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was provided and estimate for the repair; however, the contact emphasized that the cost for repair was unjust due to the technical service bulletin. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11655298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Austin, TX

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spyder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated that the digitizer delaminated, and he could no longer read the information on the display and was also obstructing the rearview camera display. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: SA-027/24 as possible cause for the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was provided and estimate for the repair; however, the contact emphasized that the cost for repair was unjust due to the technical service bulletin. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11655298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belton, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11654135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belton, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11649723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Metairie, LA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11646000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Memphis, TN

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11642495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Henderson, NV

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11626278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Crescent City, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My dealership where I bought my car let me know of a recall my vehicle had during an oil change. I then asked if they could fix it to where they said no, that only FIAT could fix it or another dealership about 40 minutes away. I then went to that other dealership and they told me no because it had to be done through the dealership I bought the car from. Then the guy told me he had the parts but he won't do it because he won't get paid for it. I've looked up so many places and nobody wants to do it so what am I supposed to do? Wait for the car to break down. They are literally the worst people and lazy. They once left "forgot" to put my skid plate back on and when I told them the next time I went the lady told me they would never do such a thing or let me go months without it, but they did. This dealership is 2 hours away I can't keep going back and forth arguing with them I need this resolved now, it's been months close to a year since they mentioned the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11614801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

CA Laguna Niguel, CA

SEAT BELTS

Boyh seatbelts do not retract properly

NHTSA complaint #11473497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELTS DON'T FULLY RETRACT AND COULD NOT PROTECT IN AN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AS THEY ARE NOT TIGHT AGAINST THE BODY.

NHTSA complaint #11387019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 5,300 miles Pembroke Pines, FL

ENGINE

VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING - TYPICALLY THE VEHICLE WILL DISPLAY THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) WARNING LIGHT PRIOR TO STALL. STALL WILL HAPPEN WHILE ACTIVELY DRIVING. ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATES. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED 5 TIMES TO CORRECT. EACH TIME THE DEALER DELIVERS VEHICLE. WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DELIVERY, THE ENGINE AGAIN BEGINS TO HESITATE AND STALL, ETC AND CEL LIGHT COME ON.

NHTSA complaint #11217536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 5,300 miles Pembroke Pines, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING - TYPICALLY THE VEHICLE WILL DISPLAY THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) WARNING LIGHT PRIOR TO STALL. STALL WILL HAPPEN WHILE ACTIVELY DRIVING. ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATES. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED 5 TIMES TO CORRECT. EACH TIME THE DEALER DELIVERS VEHICLE. WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DELIVERY, THE ENGINE AGAIN BEGINS TO HESITATE AND STALL, ETC AND CEL LIGHT COME ON.

NHTSA complaint #11217536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 7,000 miles Waco, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TPMS SOUNDS WARNING ALARM AND LIGHT WHEN DRIVING - ALTHOUGH TIRE PRESSURES ARE FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE NEARLY 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP AND BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR ATTEMPTED REPAIRS. THE AUDIBLE ALARM IS ALSO SO LOUD IT SCARES ME WHEN IT GOES OFF - AND IS NOT ADJUSTABLE. THIS IS NOT SAFE WHEN I AM DRIVING, PARTICULARLY IN TRAFFIC. I DON'T WANT TO FEEL THAT I HAVE TO STOP ON THE ROADSIDE AND CHECK THE TIRES WHEN THE SYSTEM IS GIVING ME A FALSE POSITIVE. DEALER HAS NO ANSWERS. SAID TO JUST HIT THE RESET BUTTON. THE SYSTEM IS WORTHLESS - IT'S LIKE THE BOY THAT CRIES WOLF -- IT GOES OFF BUT YOU START TO IGNORE IT BECAUSE IT'S NEVER RIGHT. CHRYSLER/FIAT NEEDS TO REMEDY THIS.

NHTSA complaint #11171955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,200 miles Petaluma, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE VEHICLE'S ALARM (HORN AND FLASHERS) PERIODICALLY GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT WILL SOMETIMES STOP ON ITS OWN, BUT TYPICALLY REQUIRES THAT THE CAR IS SHUT OFF TO STOP THE ALARM. THE EVENT DOES NOT HAPPEN WITH ANY CONSISTENCY AND WILL SOMETIMES HAPPEN TWO OR THREE TIMES IN A DAY, BUT SOMETIMES WILL NOT HAPPEN FOR TWO OR THREE WEEKS. IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING ON BOTH THE FREEWAY AND CITY ROADS. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAY THAT THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE DUPLICATED, NO CODES WERE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN THE OCCURRENCE, AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO GO UNRESOLVED.

NHTSA complaint #11152652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Owasso, OK Crash Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ALARM KEEPS RANDOMLY GOING OFF, DOESN'T MATTER HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING, WHAT GEAR, WHAT TYPE OF ROAD, WENT OFF 15 TIMES ONE DAY, 5 TIMES THE NEXT DAY

NHTSA complaint #11122848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.