VehicleVerdict

1976 Fiat 131 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1976 Fiat 131 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 1976 Fiat 131 have recalls?

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

78V236000TransmissionOctober 23, 1978 · 28,975 units

Defect

THE DRIVE SHAFT FRONT CENTERING SPLINE MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION. THIS CAN RESULT IN TRANSMISSION JAMMING, A SUDDEN ELIMINATION OF POWER AND HANDLING DIFFICULTIES. EXCESSIVE WEAR COULD ALSO RESULT IN REAR TRANSMISSION HOUSING DAMAGE.

Remedy

THE DRIVE SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED IF EVIDENCE OF PREMATURE WEAR IS FOUND. ALSO, THE REAR HOUSING AND OUTPUT YOKE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW TYPE THAT WILL PERMIT SUFFICIENT LUBRICATION OF THE SPLINE. THIS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE.

78V010000Speed ControlJanuary 19, 1978 · 26,600 units

Defect

THERE MAY BE BREAKAGE IN THE SPRIRAL-SHAPED SPRING MOUNTED ON THE CARBURETOR THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER. THIS WILL AFFECT THE RESPONSIVENESS OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO DRIVER PRESSURE AND COULD AFFECT ENGINE CONTROL.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER SYSTEM WITH THE SYSTEM IN CURRENT PRODUCTION.

77V154000BrakesSeptember 20, 1977 · 47,177 units

Defect

ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE REAR RUBBER SEAL OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY PREMATURELY WEAR. ABNORMAL AIR INFILTRATION INTO THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM WOULD RESULT, CAUSING SELF-BLEEDING DIFFICULTY. ALSO, LONGER BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WOULD BE EXPERIENCED AND COULD LEAD TO PARTIAL OR TOTAL LOSS OF ACTION ON THE FRONT END BRAKES.

Remedy

DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND INSTALL A NEW TYPE OF BRAKE LEVEL WARNING INDICATOR, WITHOUT CHARGE.

76V115000TransmissionJuly 26, 1976 · 25,905 units

1976 Fiat 131 — common questions

Is the 1976 Fiat 131 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1976 Fiat 131 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1976 Fiat 131. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.