I purchased one of the very first Fiat 500's in the US market, a black 500 sport 5 speed. L Like all my cars, routinely serviced and cared for. At 53,000 miles the engine let go. Not sure the exact mode of failure, its a mix of steam and oil smoke out the tail pipe. Its 3,000 miles and 10 months off warranty an the dealer wants $6.5k for a new short block. I have a claim into Fiat, not sure what they are going to do. Geno
I have a 13 Abarth with 20k miles and no issues. My cousin also with a 13 Abarth with 27k miles just had her engine replaced under warranty, I believe they determined one of the cylinders was scorched due to not enough oil to that cylinder. Don't know all the details. Let us know what they finally decide. What are u going to do if they choose not to cover? Value of the car is probably not much more.
Do some research into TSBs that might apply in your situation and determine if the dealer followed them if there were any. Might give you some leverage in pursuing your claim. 3K and 10 months may also be close enough for Fiat to "goodwill" the repair. Good luck.
I was right on the verge of buying a 4c, holding off on that until they decide what to do, if anything. Will research bulletins, good idea.
This is a common problem on early production 500's. Cant find the links right now, but I have messages out to a few folks
Seems to me that you should be able to find a used engine for short money, and then just drop it in for much less than $6500. Good luck!
Steam and oil coming out of the exhaust seems more likely to be some form of top end failure... so offering a short block replacement doesn't make any sense. More info required but agree a second hand engine seems a sensible route if no warranty assistance forthcoming.
Probably head gasket.. Happened to quite some Fiat Punto's and Lancia Ypsilon's in the past as well....
Yes, probably a head gasket. If you go the do it yourself route, Ebay has many engines for sale from about $425 & up. That sucks. You would think something like that wouldn't happen on a car with that mileage.
Hi, I have had a similar issue. My 2012 fiat pop has 53662 miles. I've well taken care of it. It's a 5spd, all recalls repaired, synthetic oil, premium gas. Valves clicking, took to dealer . They ran a compression test, found fuel was being sucked into valve area and no oil. I checked oil frequently and was full. Never over filled. Leaks in front. No warning, no warning light. Contacted fiat company, they aren't doing a thing. And the cost of extended warranty is about the same as a new engine. Like you I'm over the mileage (barely) and 6months ended. I get the feeling they knew this. I loved my car, but looked at value and realized they haven't done anything to better this issue. I don't want another car payment, is it worth it? Knowing that more than likely another 53k down the road I'll need another engine?
