Fiat 126

Fiat 126
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Fiat 126 is a city car manufactured and marketed by Fiat from 1972 until 2000 over a single generation. It has a rear-engine design and seats four passengers. Introduced by Fiat in October 1972 at the Turin Auto Show, the 126 replaced the Fiat 500, using major elements from its design. A subsequent iteration, marketed as the 126 Bis, used a horizontally oriented, water-cooled engine, and featured a rear hatchback with additional cargo space.

Technical data
ManufacturerFiat
ProductionFrom 1972
Body typeSedan

Generations

Other Fiat models

Similar Sedan models

Common problems & reliability

In the UK, 85% of Fiat 126s pass their MOT test first time, based on 206 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)

Based on real owner complaints and inspection data โ€” not an editorial rating. Sources: DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).

Recalls & safety

No recorded recalls for the Fiat 126 in EU Safety Gate or NHTSA (US).

Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Fiat recalls.