Fiat Cinquecento Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Fiat Cinquecento was one of Fiat’s most iconic small cars of the 1990s. Lightweight, easy to drive and cheap to run, it became a favourite among young drivers and budget-conscious motorists across the UK. Despite its charm, the Cinquecento is an old car now, and like any vehicle of its age, it has a few well-known problems. If you’re looking to buy or maintain one, here’s a full breakdown of the most common Fiat Cinquecento faults and what they’ll cost to repair.
1. Head Gasket Failure
What goes wrong
The 899cc engine is prone to overheating, often caused by poor cooling maintenance. A blown head gasket results in white smoke, coolant loss and creamy residue under the oil cap.
Cost to fix
Around £350 to £500 including a skimmed head, new gasket, coolant and labour.
2. Rust on Sills, Floor and Arches
What goes wrong
Cinquecentos rust badly, especially around the rear wheel arches, inner wings, floorpan and sills. It’s one of the most common MOT fail points.
Cost to fix
Localised welding or patching: £100 to £250
Replacing full sill sections: £300 to £600 per side depending on the severity
3. Gearbox and Linkage Issues
What goes wrong
You may notice stiff gear changes or difficulty selecting certain gears. This is usually due to worn linkages or internal gearbox wear.
Cost to fix
New gear linkage or cable repair: £120 to £180
Reconditioned gearbox and fitting: £350 to £500
4. Cooling Fan or Thermostat Failure
What goes wrong
Cinquecentos are known for poor cooling systems. If the fan motor or thermostat fails, overheating can happen quickly in traffic.
Cost to fix
Cooling fan motor: £80 to £120
Thermostat and coolant change: £60 to £100
5. Suspension Wear and Front Spring Breakage
What goes wrong
The front coil springs and wishbones are prone to wear. Knocking sounds when turning or driving over bumps usually mean suspension problems.
Cost to fix
Front coil spring replacement: £120 to £160 per side
Wishbone/control arm: £100 to £150 each
6. Rear Brakes and Handbrake Faults
What goes wrong
The rear brake drums can seize, and handbrake cables often stretch or snap. It’s a frequent MOT advisory or fail.
Cost to fix
Rear drum service or replacement: £150 to £250
Handbrake cable: £60 to £90
7. Electrical Faults and Fusebox Problems
What goes wrong
Electrical issues are common, from central locking faults to failed indicators or lighting gremlins. Fuseboxes can corrode, and poor earth connections can cause random faults.
Cost to fix
Minor wiring or relay repairs: £60 to £150
New fusebox or major loom fix: £200 to £400
8. Heater Matrix and Fan Failure
What goes wrong
Heater fan speed issues or full fan failure is usually caused by a resistor or fan motor fault. A leaking heater matrix can fog up the cabin or cause coolant loss inside the car.
Cost to fix
Resistor replacement: £40 to £70
Heater matrix: £200 to £300 due to dash removal
9. Speedometer and Dashboard Display Issues
What goes wrong
The mechanical speedo cable may snap or come loose, and the dash cluster may fail or flicker. Very common in older models.
Cost to fix
Speedo cable: £50 to £90
Used replacement cluster: £60 to £100 fitted
10. Exhaust Corrosion and Leaks
What goes wrong
Most Cinquecentos by now will have needed at least one exhaust system replacement. Backboxes tend to rust and fail, causing rattling or loud exhaust noise.
Cost to fix
Rear backbox section: £80 to £120
Full system replacement: £200 to £300
Fiat Cinquecento Common Repair Cost Summary
| Issue | Estimated Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Head gasket replacement | £350 to £500 |
| Welding or rust repair | £100 to £600 |
| Gearbox or linkage problems | £120 to £500 |
| Cooling fan or thermostat | £60 to £120 |
| Front suspension repairs | £100 to £160 per side |
| Rear drum brakes or handbrake | £60 to £250 |
| Electrical or fusebox issues | £60 to £400 |
| Heater matrix or fan fault | £40 to £300 |
| Speedo cable or cluster | £50 to £100 |
| Exhaust repairs | £80 to £300 |
Final Advice
The Fiat Cinquecento is an easy car to live with if you’re prepared to give it some care. Most repairs are affordable and parts are still available for now, though getting rarer by the year. Rust is the biggest concern, especially for MOT tests. If you’re buying one today, check the bodywork thoroughly underneath and around the sills.
For peace of mind, book a proper vehicle inspection with CAREXAMER before you buy. That way, you can avoid unexpected rust repairs, electrical faults or hidden mechanical issues. It’s especially worth it if the car has been sitting unused for a while.
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