VehicleVerdict

2017 Fiat 124 Spider problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median 124 Spider year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 4 124 Spider years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (37% of the total).

38

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other 124 Spider years?

124 Spider NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted38 complaints2017: 38 complaints2018: 18 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 8 complaints
124 Spider NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 124 Spider years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Fiat 124 Spider problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1437%
Electrical System616%
Other513%
Engine411%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Fuel System25%
Seat Belts25%
Driver Assistance13%
Body & Structure13%
Lighting13%

Does the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V694000AirbagsSeptember 18, 2024 · 15,835 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A3B.

19V068000TransmissionFebruary 5, 2019 · 8,950 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Fiat Spider 124 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.

Consequence

If a downshift occurs, the vehicle will suddenly decrease speed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V20.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 3, 2025

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 11, 2018 · crash · fire

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE MY ALARM GOES OFF. HORN BEEPS AND FLASHES FLASH. THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT STOP IS TO PULL OVER AND TURN CAR OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW ON DEC 4, 2017 THE 1ST TIME WAS DEC 5. AND SO ON. THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP NOW.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 5, 2017

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 26, 2026

“THIS CAR HAS BEEN TOWED IN 3 TIMES WITH STATING PROBLEMS, ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND ALL LIGHTS COMING ON DASH. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER 7 TIMES AND I ONLY HAVE 4700 MILES ON A 1 YEAR OLD CAR. EACH TIME THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 1, 2018

2017 Fiat 124 Spider — common questions

Is the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 4 124 Spider years. It is one of the 124 Spider years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 124 Spider problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (14 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Fiat 124 Spider years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 124 Spider years to avoid are 2017. The cleanest record among 124 Spider years belongs to 2020.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.