2013 FIAT 500 ABARTH

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 500-1,000 miles), blue smoke on cold start or acceleration, fouled spark plugs, loss of power, Check Engine Light for misfires

Fix: The 1.4L MultiAir often suffers piston ring land failure or ring carbon buildup, leading to oil burning. Full engine rebuild or short block replacement required — 18-24 labor hours including removal, disassembly, machining inspection, and reinstallation. Some shops opt for used engine swaps (12-15 hours) but risk inheriting same problem.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission fluid puddle under car, burnt smell, rough or delayed shifts, transmission overheating warning

Fix: Factory oil cooler lines corrode or cooler itself cracks. Requires trans removal or subframe drop for access — 6-8 hours labor. Replace cooler, lines, and fluid. If ignored, leads to clutch pack damage and full trans rebuild.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking on launch or gear changes, excessive drivetrain movement, vibration at idle, difficulty engaging gears

Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount tears or leaks fluid, especially under spirited driving. Replacement is straightforward — 1.5-2.5 hours — but OEM part is pricey. Upgraded aftermarket mounts available for those tracking the car.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: rattling noise on cold start that fades when warm, overboosting or underboosting, Check Engine Light for boost control, loss of power

Fix: Wastegate actuator rod bushing wears or arm cracks, causing rattle and boost control issues. Turbo replacement or rebuild required — 4-6 hours including exhaust manifold removal. Some techs attempt actuator-only replacement but access is tight.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: rough idle, Check Engine Light for cam/crank correlation, stalling when cold, poor fuel economy, lack of power

Fix: The electrohydraulic MultiAir system's solenoids clog or fail, disrupting valve timing. Replacement involves valve cover removal and careful bleeding — 3-4 hours. Use only OEM parts; aftermarket solenoids often fail quickly. Clean system with proper MultiAir-compatible oil.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: extended cranking, hesitation under load, limp mode, fuel starvation at high RPM

Fix: While not unique to Abarth, owners using 87 octane (instead of required 91+) see accelerated fuel system deposits. Filter is in-tank with pump module — 2-3 hours to drop tank. Many shops replace entire pump assembly for reliability.

Estimated cost: $400-700