Research · Two Seaters

2017 Fiat 124 SpiderRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 33 owner complaints for the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. Most complaints involve air bags (14) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 29–30 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
29–30mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2024
Owner complaints
33
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: air bag

Free remedy

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."

Air bagsReported Sep 18, 2024NHTSA 24V694000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

33 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Air bags14
  2. Electrical system6
  3. Engine4
  4. Seat belts2
  5. Fuel/propulsion system2
  6. Visibility/wiper2
  7. Wheels1
  8. Back over prevention1
  9. Exterior lighting1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 124 Spider model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201733
201816
20199
20208
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

14 reports
“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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact was informed that the dealer was not equipped with the tools to repair the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2025Air bagsODI 11679879

Electrical system

6 reports1 crash1 fire
“My dealership where I bought my car let me know of a recall my vehicle had during an oil change. I then asked if they could fix it to where they said no, that only FIAT could fix it or another dealership about 40 minutes away. I then went to that other dealership and they told me no because it had to be done through the dealership I bought the car from. Then the guy told me he had the parts but he won't do it because he won't get paid for it. I've looked up so many places and nobody wants to do it so what am I supposed to do? Wait for the car to break down. They are literally the worst people and lazy. They once left "forgot" to put my skid plate back on and when I told them the next time I went the lady told me they would never do such a thing or let me go months without it, but they did. This dealership is 2 hours away I can't keep going back and forth arguing with them I need this resolved now, it's been months close to a year since they mentioned the recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2024Electrical systemODI 11614801

Engine

4 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2026EngineODI 11747162
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
124 Spider
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
263530$2,650298
124 Spider
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
253629$2,750302
  • 124 Spider
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    26 city · 35 hwy · $2,650/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • 124 Spider
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    25 city · 36 hwy · $2,750/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 11514
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 124 Spider questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Fiat 124 Spider problems?

Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (14), electrical system (6), engine (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider at 29–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026