VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Fiat 124 Spider2017–2020
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Fiat 124 Spider
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Fiat 124 Spider Years to Avoid
1 recall · 20 complaints
Top issue: AIR BAGS
2 recalls · 5 complaints
Top issue: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 recall · 7 complaints
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Fiat 124 Spider — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 96 | 87 | 93 | Good |
| 2019 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 85 | 83 | 84 | Caution |
| 2018 | 1 | 7 | — | — | 88 | 77 | 84 | Caution |
| 2017 | 1 | 20 | — | — | 75 | 70 | 73 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Fiat 124 Spider Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the 124 Spider compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2020 (Buyer Score 93).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 73).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year 124 Spider to buy?+
The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider scores highest on our Buyer Score (93/100) — combining a reliability score of 96/100 with a value score of 87/100. It has 0 recalls and 4 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which 124 Spider years have the most problems?+
The 2017, 2019, 2018 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2017 124 Spider leads with 1 recalls and 20 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common 124 Spider problems?+
The most frequently reported Fiat 124 Spider issues involve: AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.