2018 Fiat 124 Spider: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Fiat 124 Spider? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 16 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2018 Fiat 124 Spider Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2018 Fiat 124 Spider trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2018 Fiat 124 Spider Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider has 16 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Fiat
- Model
- 124 Spider
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 35
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Seat Belt Issues
Fuel System
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Seat Belt Issues, Fuel System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Fiat 124 Spider?
The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Fiat 124 Spider
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system operation and check for any warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for reported components: airbags, seat belts, fuel system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on electrical and fuel systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system operation and check for any warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for reported components: airbags, seat belts, fuel system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on electrical and fuel systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Fiat 124 Spider, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 16 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 FIAT 124 Spider, issues appear concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for half of all reports. Seat belt and fuel system problems are also noted, though the low complaint volume and single model year limit broader conclusions.
- Airbag malfunctions represent the most frequently reported component, with 8 complaints.
- Seat belt issues are the second most common concern, with 3 complaints.
- Fuel system and gasoline-related complaints total 4, indicating potential fuel delivery or vapor issues.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Seat Belt Issues
- Fuel System Problems
All 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
manufacturer is not able to perform recall service. No dealers have the proper tool necessary to complete repair. I've tried all dealers in Atlanta GA area.
Hello, Can you please direct me to the proper office to file a complaint against a Fiat dealership which refuses to complete a recall? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 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 re…
The contact owns a 2018 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available…
Received recall letter last year and FIAT still does not know when there will be a remedy.
The contact owns a 2018 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 re…
The contact owns a 2018 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…
The contact owns a 2018 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 r…
The contact owns a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle had been towed to the dealer several times where battery, spark plugs, starter, and other engine parts were repl…
The contact owns a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed NHTSA Campaign however, the VIN wa…
We purchased a 2018 Fiat Spider from a dealer as a new vehicle. It apparently had recalls but the dealers never notified Fiat that we were the new owners and the dealer has been listed as the owner all of this time so we never received notifications. The vehicle is only used as…
Both the drivers side and passenger side have to be hand pushed back up into their retreival mechanism after use, or they end up hanging down into the path of the closing doors. My car had less than 18,000 miles on it when I bought it, and it was already a problem. This is a kn…
The Blind spot warning which illuminates on the side mirrors is indicating false positives, staying on for prolonged periods even one no other vehicle or object is within the blind spot. Also, the warning does not always illuminate when another vehicle is in the blind spot this w…
The driver's side (left) seat belt does not properly retract when unbuckling and exiting the vehicle, making it difficult to use on a daily basis. I have not yet taken the car in for service, because apparently this issue is widespread for this model and the replacement parts are…
The seat belt retractors, BOTH PASSANGE SIDE AND DRIVER Side are failing at an alarming rate according to FIAT Forums (and my personal experience). Mine was diagnosed by Ramsey FIAT (Authorized Dealer and Service Center) in Oct or Nov of 2020. I purchased car new, only owner. I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FIAT 124 SPIDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, KEYFOB, AND TPMS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLASSIC CHRYSLER DO…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider.
2018 Fiat 124 Spider Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Fiat 124 Spider Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (8 complaints). #2: Seat Belt Issues (3 complaints). #3: Fuel System (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. A major recall area is AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider?▾
The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Fiat 124 Spider reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.