2016-2020 · 1.4 MultiAir Turbo (140hp) · Mazda MX-5 based
Italian styling wrapped around proven Mazda MX-5 underpinnings makes this roadster more reliable than typical Fiats. The 1.4 MultiAir turbo is the weak link - it demands strict oil change discipline (every 10,000 km with correct 5W-40 spec), and camshaft wear affects some early cars. Timing belt is interference-type requiring replacement at 6 years/54,000 km in Europe. Built in Japan alongside the MX-5 but with Fiat-specific electrical gremlins and higher parts costs. Soft top drains clog easily causing water leaks. Rust protection is poor - expect corrosion on subframes and welds within 3-5 years unless rustproofed. MultiAir valve system is sensitive to oil quality and doesn't like sitting idle.
Timing belt failure (interference engine)€750 - €2,500
Belt must be replaced at 6 years/54,000 km - catastrophic engine damage if it fails · more· less
North American schedule lists 15 years/150,000 miles but European owners widely consider this dangerously long. The 1.4 MultiAir is an interference engine - when the timing belt snaps, valves contact pistons causing bent valves, damaged pistons, and potentially cracked engine blocks. Replacement costs €530-750 for belt alone, or €750-950 when including water pump and tensioner (strongly recommended). Always replace at 6 years/54,000 km, whichever comes first. This is not optional maintenance - it's essential prevention of €2,000-4,000 engine rebuild costs.
Camshaft lobe wear (exhaust lobes)€1,500 - €3,500
Premature camshaft wear typically before 40,000 km causing misfires and dump-truck idle · more· less
Multiple 124 Spider owners report camshaft failures between 15,000-40,000 km, particularly on exhaust lobes of cylinders 1 and 4. Symptoms include loud ticking that increases with RPM, rough idle described as "dump truck idle", and P0304 misfire codes. This appears specific to the 124 Spider (not reported in 500 Abarth with same engine). Both stock and tuned cars affected. Root cause unclear - possibly oil starvation or manufacturing defect. Cylinder head replacement required. Using high-ZDDP oils (like ZROD 10W-40) may help prevent wear but evidence is anecdotal. Listen carefully for unusual ticking noise during test drive.
Soft top water leaks and drainage issues€150 - €1,200
The convertible top drainage system clogs easily with debris. Clogged drains cause water to overflow into cabin footwells - some owners report inches of water after heavy rain. Clean drain baskets annually minimum. The roof fabric can rub against rollbar creating holes in the leading edge - dealers fix by replacing top (€800-1,200) and shimming rollbar with washers. Drain fitting seals deteriorate allowing water to seep through sheet metal. Poor quality control on roof fabric reported with tape breaches and tears. Water can also leak through roof mechanism itself. Prevention: clean drains every 6 months, inspect rollbar clearance, consider aftermarket rollbar for extra spacing.
Water pump failure (2018 models particularly)€700 - €1,350
Premature pump failures on 2018s at very low mileage; normal replacement at 70,000 km · more· less
2018 model year had batch of defective water pumps failing between 4,000-8,000 km with coolant leaks. Multiple owners report green fluid on garage floor shortly after purchase. Normal water pump lifespan is 70,000 km or when timing belt is replaced (since both require similar disassembly). Symptoms: coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating, visible coolant leak from weep hole. Replacement requires 1-2 days at dealer due to engine disassembly. Always replace water pump when doing timing belt to save on duplicate labor costs. If buying 2018 model, verify pump was replaced under warranty.
Subframe and structural rust/corrosion€500 - €2,000
Even new cars develop rust on welds and subframes within 2-3 years · more· less
Built by Mazda in Japan and Mazdas are not known for rust resistance. Owners report corrosion visible behind every wheel within first 2-3 years, particularly at welds on front/rear subframes. Dashboard metal brackets rust even without moisture exposure. Boot lid drainage holes develop corrosion veins. Soft top mechanism shows rust. Turbo bracket corrodes (normal). UK warranty covers "perforating rust" but excludes surface corrosion. Prevention essential: Krown or similar rustproofing treatment costs €150 and significantly reduces rust. Wash thoroughly after winter road salt exposure. Inspect yearly and treat surface rust with phosphate converter before painting.
PCV valve and air-oil separator clogging€100 - €400
Stuck PCV pumps oil into intake causing smoke and excessive consumption · more· less
Clogged air-oil separator or stuck PCV valve causes blue smoke on acceleration, oil-saturated air filter, and oil consumption of 1-2 quarts per 3,000 km. Stuck-open PCV literally pumps oil into intake. Oil in combustion chamber decreases octane and causes pre-ignition. Symptoms often dismissed as "normal" by dealers. PCV valve available separately (part 4893073AA, €25-40) despite dealers claiming it's not. Shake valve to hear internal rattle - if silent, it's stuck. Clean air-oil separator every 30,000 km (undocumented maintenance). Many owners install aftermarket catch can to prevent oil reaching intake. Do NOT delete PCV - it's a one-way valve preventing boost pressure from destroying seals.
MultiAir system failure from oil neglect€1,200 - €3,500
Hydraulic valve system fails if oil is low, wrong spec, or changes are delayed · more· less
The MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve actuation system is oil-pressure dependent. Low or degraded oil causes rough running, misfires, loss of compression, and eventual failure requiring cylinder head replacement. MUST use correct 5W-40 Euro specification oil (Selenia K Pure Energy or equivalent) - other viscosities cause serious damage. Change oil every 10,000 km or 12 months maximum. MultiAir filter should be changed at 60,000 km. Engine doesn't like sitting - if parked over 2 weeks, oil drains from MultiAir system causing hard starting. Some owners run 5,000 km oil change intervals for extra protection. All MultiAir engines are inherently noisy - quiet ticking is normal, loud ticking that increases with RPM requires immediate inspection.
Battery drain and electrical issues€150 - €600
Parasitic drain kills battery within 1-2 weeks; infotainment glitches common · more· less
High parasitic electrical draw drains battery within 1-2 weeks if not driven. RAC technicians report this as widespread 124 Spider issue. Alarm draws 20mA baseline but wakes periodically using more. Solution: keep on trickle charger if parked over a week. Infotainment system freezes, reboots spontaneously, or becomes unresponsive. Random dashboard warning lights (Check Engine, Service Transmission). Common causes: poor ground connections, corroded wiring, aftermarket devices left plugged into OBDII port. Check battery negative connection to body - must be clean and tight. Most electrical problems are ground-related. Wiring degrades over time in exposed areas requiring inspection and repair of frayed wires.
Washers clog from infrequent use causing MOT failure; parts increasingly scarce · more· less
Only affects LED-equipped models. Headlight washers clog when screenwash sits unused becoming "gunky". Causes MOT failure in UK. Dealer replacement quoted at €370+. Finding parts difficult as Fiat no longer imports 124 Spiders. Prevention: cycle through full screenwash tank every 6-8 weeks. Try cleaning nozzles with fine wire or welding tip cleaner first. Headlight washers activate every 5th windshield washer use. System vulnerable to wax/polish contamination and deteriorated washer fluid. Regular use prevents clogging better than any fix.
Clutch and hydraulic system issues (manual)€800 - €2,200
Uses Mazda NC (previous generation) 6-speed manual - proven robust design but some issues reported. Clutch failures at surprisingly low mileage (2,600-42,000 km) though many are abuse-related. Clutch won't disengage: can't shift when running, car moves with clutch pedal floored - master or slave cylinder failure. Parts availability issues (same as Mazda parts but dealers charge 50% markup). Gearbox doesn't like being rushed when cold - give it time to warm up. 4th gear can pop out of engagement if you rest hand on shifter - wears shift forks. Gearbox considered notchier but more reliable than newer ND Miata transmission. Normal clutch life should exceed 100,000 km with proper technique.
More reliable than typical Fiat, but maintenance-sensitive
The Mazda-built platform is solid and many owners exceed 100,000 km trouble-free. However, the 1.4 MultiAir turbo punishes neglected oil changes and wrong oil spec far more severely than naturally aspirated engines. Timing belt replacement is critical and non-negotiable. Rust protection must be added from new. Overall pattern: not a trouble magnet when properly maintained, but skipped maintenance leads to expensive failures quickly.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000 km maximum with correct 5W-40 specification. Any gaps in service history are red flags.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age date codes, uneven wear. Size 205/45R17 (most models) or 195/50R16 (base). Expect €400-700 for set of 4.
Cold start
Engine must be completely cold. Listen for unusual ticking, rattling, or rough idle. MultiAir is normally noisy but loud ticking that increases with RPM indicates camshaft wear.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Feel for turbo lag around 2,500-3,500 RPM (common issue). Check gearbox shifts smoothly when warm.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify timing belt replacement date/mileage
Critical check. Belt MUST be replaced every 6 years or 54,000 km. If over 5 years or 50,000 km, factor €750-950 into purchase price. No documentation = walk away.
Check extensively for rust and corrosion
Inspect all four wheel wells for rust on subframes and welds. Check boot lid drainage areas, soft top mechanism, dashboard brackets. Surface rust is almost certain on 3+ year old cars unless rustproofed.
Test soft top drains and check for water damage
Pour water onto closed roof and verify it drains properly from all four corners. Check cabin carpets and footwells for water stains or dampness. Musty smell indicates leak history.
Inspect soft top for rollbar rubbing damage
When top is down, check leading edge of fabric for wear holes or thin spots where it contacts rollbar. Feel for proper clearance. Replacement top costs €800-1,200.
Listen for camshaft wear on cold start and during revs
Start completely cold. Loud ticking that increases with RPM = camshaft wear requiring €1,500-3,500 repair. Quiet valve ticking is normal for MultiAir.
Check for oil consumption and PCV issues
Verify oil level is correct. Remove air filter - if saturated with oil, PCV valve stuck. Ask owner about oil consumption between changes (should be minimal). Check for blue smoke on acceleration.
Check battery voltage and electrical systems
Battery should read 12.6V+ when off, 14V+ when running. Test all electrical functions: headlights, washers (if LED), windows, infotainment. Random warning lights are red flag.
Verify recalls completed (airbag software, transmission)
Contact Fiat dealer with VIN to confirm 2024 airbag recall and 2019 transmission software recall completed on 2017-2020 models.
Test headlight washers (LED models only)
Use windshield washers 5 times - headlight washers should activate. If not working, €200-400 repair and parts may be unavailable.
Inspect water pump for leaks (especially 2018 models)
Look for green coolant stains near water pump area. Check coolant level. 2018 models had defective pump batch failing at very low mileage.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Airbag control module software error (2017-2020)Verify completed
Aluminum body panel corrosion TSB (2022)Check applicability
Thermostat CEL issue (2017 models)Early '17s had bad batch
The 2024 airbag recall is critical - accelerometer voltage specs set incorrectly may cause excessive deployment force. Contact Fiat dealer with VIN to verify all recalls and TSBs completed. Notification letters sent November 2024.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years/50,000 miles)Expired on all 2016-2020
Rust perforation warranty (8 years UK)Check if active
Extended warranty availabilityLimited as Fiat exited market
All 2016-2020 models are outside factory warranty. Extended warranty difficult to obtain as Fiat/Chrysler ceased 124 Spider imports. Rust warranty covers "perforating rust" on structural body elements only - excludes surface corrosion which is the primary issue. Check VIN-specific warranty status with Stellantis dealer.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.