VehicleVerdict

2018 Fiat 124 Spider problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other 124 Spider years?

124 Spider NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted38 complaints2017: 38 complaints2018: 18 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 8 complaints
124 Spider NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 124 Spider years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Fiat 124 Spider problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags844%
Seat Belts317%
Electrical System211%
Engine211%
Fuel System211%
Driver Assistance16%

Does the 2018 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 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 dealer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 18, 2024

“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 not available /…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 2, 2019

“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 was not included. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 25, 2021

“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 was not included. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 25, 2021

“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 DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2019

2018 Fiat 124 Spider — common questions

Is the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 124 Spider problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (8 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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.