The Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV may be a sleek subcompact SUV with a practical design, but it also comes with various issues. So, what are the problems with the Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV model?
Some of the problems with the Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV are delayed acceleration, faulty brakes, electrical issues, starting problems, and failing turbo. It also has a lot of wind noise, premature wear of the clutch, and excessive oil usage. So, before you invest in this car, you should be ready to deal with most of the above problems.
What are the problems with the Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV model?
Delayed acceleration
Delayed acceleration is one of the issues that Fiat 500X users face. This is very risky as you may over-accelerate and even cause an accident or crush. This is usually caused by a clogged air filter, dirty fuel injectors, and a dirty mass air flow sensor.
Faulty brakes
Another major problem that many Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV users have faced is braking problems. The rear brake caliper on this car can crack and fail. As result, it makes braking less effective and can even lead to a crash.
The good news is that the manufacturer recalled the affected cars and the issue was fixed. Note that most models affected by this problem were made in 2019, including the 1.0 T3 120 CV model.
Starting problems
Fiat models are known to have starting issues. Many Fiat 500X users have also reported this issue. And like in many Fiat models, this issue is caused by a clogged fuel filter, faulty fuel pump, weak battery, and an alternator issue. It is vital to have the car inspected by a professional mechanic before trying to fix it.
Electrical issues
Electrical problems are common in the Fiat 500X 1.0 t3 120 CV model. Some of the problems that users should be prepared to face are faulty cooling fans, broken wires, and a weak battery. So, if your car has an electrical problem, these should be the first parts to inspect. To be on the safer side, you should replace the weak battery with a quality and more powerful battery.
Excessive oil consumption
This is another issue that Fiat 500X users have reported but the manufacturer has done nothing about it. Instead, the manufacturer says it’s normal. So, if you intend to purchase a new or used Fiat 500X, you should be ready to spend on oil. To avoid refilling oil often, you should purchase quality oil that lasts longer.
Wind noise
Even though the Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 model is well-made and stylish, it still comes with several structural issues. In this case, the Fiat 500X produces a noise when the car is accelerating. This is brought about by cracked or damaged air intake hoses.
The air intake hoses in this car are not very durable. So, when they crack, they allow an unexpectedly large amount of air. As a result, you will hear loud wind noise during acceleration. This is very frustrating and can make your journey uncomfortable. Ensure the mechanic replaces the damaged air intake hose to fix the problem.
Failing turbo
This usually happens when the car hits over 31,000 miles. However, if you’re under warranty, this shouldn’t be a concern as Fiat will fix it for you. But if you’re out of warranty, this is something that you should be prepared to deal with and replace in due time.
Premature wear of the clutch
Several Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV users have also complained about having transmission issues. One of the major transmission problems is caused by the premature wear of the clutch. This makes the car to be unsafe as the driver will experience delayed shifting between gears. So, if you’re in traffic, you may even end up causing an accident.
The solution is to replace the worn-out clutch with a new and good clutch.
FAQ
Is the Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV reliable?
No, the Fiat 500X is one of the least reliable Fiat models on the market. Reliability agencies like J.D. Power and Repairpal have awarded the Fiat 500X average reliability. This is reasonably low considering most Fiat models are rated with slightly above-average reliability. This is because of the various issues that users have reported per 100 vehicles.
Is it expensive to fix the Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 model?
Yes, the Fiat 500X is pretty costly to fix. Apart from being an SUV, this car comes with several issues than most of its rivals. Therefore, the owner may spend more time in the garage than most of its competitors. On top of that, the cost of spare parts is quite high, and finding them is not easy.
How long does the Fiat 500X last?
Like most of its siblings, a well-maintained Fiat 500X should last at least 200k miles. Nevertheless, this car can still last for more than 250k miles if the owner maintains it well year in and year out. Apart from taking good care of it, the user should also drive it the right way.
Which cars are similar to the Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV model?
If you find that the Fiat 500X does not offer everything that you’re looking for in a subcompact SUV, there are various alternatives. Some of them include Fiat 500L, Jeep Compass, Fiat Toro, Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-30.
What should you look for when buying a used Fiat 500X?
Buying any used car is a great gamble. Nonetheless, there are several things that you should consider to land the best-used car on the market. Some of the things that you soul look for are the car’s history, problems in the frame, rust, paint damage, mileage, and inspecting the engine.
Bottom line
The Fiat 500X 1.0 T3 120 CV is one of the best compact SUVs on the market. This car comes with a sleek design, and it’s spacious. On top of that, it is practical and efficient. However, it also faces several challenges that we’ve discussed above. With proper care and maintenance, this car should easily clock over 200,000 miles.
