DecodedCars2018 Fiat 124 Spider
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 26 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 160.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,456 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2018 two seaters (19.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider is a two seaters offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 160 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 91-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,456 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 36 highway), 53% better than the 2018 two seaters average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 124 Spider — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 124 Spider →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible | 160.2 in | 68.1 in | 48.8 in | 90.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 2,456 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124 Spider | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +53% | $2,750 | 298 |
| 124 Spider | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +48% | $2,850 | 302 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider.
Similar 2018 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Fiat 124 Spider (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Mazda MX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 Subaru BRZ | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota 86 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 RUF Automobile RUF TURBO 12/CTR3 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module › Software · Sep 18, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V694000 · 15,835 vehicles
- 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) · Feb 5, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V068000 · 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.
Not every 2018 Fiat 124 Spider is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Fiat 124 Spider buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Seat Belts — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 124 Spider years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 124 Spider | 30 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2019 124 Spider | 30 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2017 124 Spider | 30 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Fiat. How we calculate this →