Problem: 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."
Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A3B.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
NHTSA recall 19V068000 · Feb 5, 2019 · 8,950 vehicles
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Fiat Spider 124 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.
Risk: If a downshift occurs, the vehicle will suddenly decrease speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V20.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2017 Fiat 124 Spider C RWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
124 Spider
30mpg combined
City / highway
26 / 35 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,750/year to fuel
124 Spider
29mpg combined
City / highway
25 / 36 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,850/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags
14
0
0
0
—
Electrical system
6
1
1
0
3,050 mi
Unknown or other
5
0
0
0
4,700 mi
Engine
4
0
0
0
—
Fuel/propulsion system
2
0
0
0
—
Visibility/wiper
2
0
0
0
—
Seat belts
2
0
0
0
—
Structure Body
1
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting
1
0
0
0
—
Back over prevention Display function
1
0
0
0
—
Wheels
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 10, 2026Wheels I am submitting this complaint to request an independent investigation into a reported wheel-fitment safety concern involving the above-identified Fiat 124 Spider, which is currently being offered for sale by Carvana. My concern is that a potentially unsafe wheel configuration was identified by a Fiat dealership service advisor, communicated to SilverRock, Carvana's warranty administrator, and has not, to my knowledge, been corrected before the vehicle was relisted for sale. I believe this matter warrants regulatory review to determine whether the vehicle is safe for operation and whether appropriate action has been taken to address the reported condition.
Jun 26, 2026Engine When the automobile isnât 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 isnât designed to be an everyday driver and this is a well known and documented problem.
May 15, 2025Air bags 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.
Jun 9, 2023Engine Vehicle has been consuming excessive amount of oil & has affected my engine and turbo. When the oil is low, car will just turn off and stop running.
Jun 2, 2025Air bags I am writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the lack of transparency and communication surrounding the airbag recall for the Fiat 124, first issued in 2024. As of today, Fiat has not provided any meaningful updates, solutions, or timelines regarding this serious safety issue. There has been no information uploaded to official channels, nor have customers been contacted with guidance or offered temporary remedies. This silence is particularly alarming given the nature of the defectâinvolving airbags, a critical safety component that can mean the difference between life and death in an accident. To date, there has been no call for refunds, replacements, or even…
Oct 15, 2024Air bags 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
May 28, 2025Air bags 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Dec 1, 2024Air bags I received the airbag recall letter in December (recall A3B)on my 2017 Spyder Fiat. I understand that the recall started in September.I have called Fiat every month since. I am always advised the parts are not available with no update on when the parts will become available. The airbag warning light is on. Due to the safety recall the car is not safe to drive. Fiat does not seem in any hurry to provide a remedy. This puts the onus on the customer. I am paying insurance and long term warranty on a car I canât drive. Surely a corporation should bear the responsibility to provide a timely solution.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.