Buyer Research

2017 Fiat 124 Spider — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $15,000–$22,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.

Kestrel Take

A Miata in an Italian suit — built alongside the ND Miata but with a torquey 1.4L MultiAir turbo and softer styling. It's a charming, cheap-to-run roadster with the Miata's excellent chassis. The turbo four adds a little complexity versus the Mazda's naturally aspirated engine. A fun, distinctive convertible if the turbo was cared for.

What we checked

Partly reconciled against public records, 2026-09-25

NHTSA holds 32 owner complaints for the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider, and 1 recall campaign.

A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 44% of them are about one thing — airbags. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.

One recall campaign covers this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.

Not written up yet: electrics and electronics (6 complaints). That group is in the public record and is not covered by the issues below. Treat it as something to ask about, not as absent.

Looked at and set aside: airbags (14) — 14 airbag complaints on file, almost always a recall matter rather than a repair bill; have a dealer check this VIN for open airbag campaigns and confirm any were performed.

Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.

Known Issues for the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.

1.4L MultiAir turbo maintenanceMedium

The Fiat turbo four wants clean oil and can have MultiAir/actuator and oil-consumption quirks; check service and oil level.

Repair cost (estimate): $150-$1,200

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (4).

Convertible top wear / leaksLow

Inspect the soft top for wear, leaks, and proper operation.

Repair cost (estimate): $100-$1,500

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Parts / dealer supportLow

Fewer Fiat dealers than Mazda; some parts can be slower/pricier.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Tight cabin / small trunkLow

Roadster packaging — snug and low on cargo. Character.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Turbo oil consumption / neglected oil
✗Top leaks or damage
✗Modified/abused example
✗No service records

Good Signs

✓Documented oil service, steady level
✓Stock, adult-owned car