General Fiat 500 Steering Rack Shortage – Anyone Experienced This?

[BarbarellaSilvestre]

Hi everyone,

I'm writing from Portugal and I wanted to share a frustrating situation I’m currently facing with my Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge from 2014.

My car was involved in an accident back in April and since then it’s been stuck at the Mechanic's shop, waiting for a replacement steering rack. The garage says the delay is due to the part being unavailable, and they’ve put the blame on Fiat. I’ve contacted Fiat directly and they’ve confirmed that this part is indeed low in stock, with no clear delivery forecast from the importer.

I find it really surprising that a car as popular as the Fiat 500 — which sold millions of units worldwide — is having this kind of supply issue for such an essential component.

So, I wanted to ask:

• Has anyone else gone through something similar?
• How long did you have to wait for the steering rack replacement?
• Is there any way to speed up the process or source the part elsewhere reliably?

I’d be very grateful for any insights, advice or shared experiences.

Thanks in advance!

Barbarella

 

[bugsymike]

Hi everyone,

I'm writing from Portugal and I wanted to share a frustrating situation I’m currently facing with my Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge from 2014.

My car was involved in an accident back in April and since then it’s been stuck at the Mechanic's shop, waiting for a replacement steering rack. The garage says the delay is due to the part being unavailable, and they’ve put the blame on Fiat. I’ve contacted Fiat directly and they’ve confirmed that this part is indeed low in stock, with no clear delivery forecast from the importer.

I find it really surprising that a car as popular as the Fiat 500 — which sold millions of units worldwide — is having this kind of supply issue for such an essential component.

So, I wanted to ask:

• Has anyone else gone through something similar?
• How long did you have to wait for the steering rack replacement?
• Is there any way to speed up the process or source the part elsewhere reliably?

I’d be very grateful for any insights, advice or shared experiences.

Thanks in advance!

Barbarella

OEM part may be available from local Motor Factors or even second hand off eBay to get you back on the road.
See what your mechanic advises.
You may have to sign a disclaimer or something with insurance company re none genuine parts, although around here insurance companies seem quite happy to use the cheapest option.
I am assuming your insurance didn't incude free hire car or they would be chasing it up by now.

 

[BarbarellaSilvestre]

OEM part may be available from local Motor Factors or even second hand off eBay to get you back on the road.
See what your mechanic advises.
You may have to sign a disclaimer or something with insurance company re none genuine parts, although around here insurance companies seem quite happy to use the cheapest option.
I am assuming your insurance didn't incude free hire car or they would be chasing it up by now.

Thanks for the suggestions! I do have a hire car, but it's being covered by the insurance company of the other driver involved in the accident, as they were the ones responsible for the collision. Regarding the replacement part, I'm not sure whether the garage or the insurer would agree to use a refurbished or second-hand component, considering warranty issues and potential complications.

 

[bugsymike]

Thanks for the suggestions! I do have a hire car, but it's being covered by the insurance company of the other driver involved in the accident, as they were the ones responsible for the collision. Regarding the replacement part, I'm not sure whether the garage or the insurer would agree to use a refurbished or second-hand component, considering warranty issues and potential complications.

I tend to agree, it was just an option and it may be possible that the local Motor Factors can supply a new "pattern" one if insurance company agrees.
Fiat do seem to be letting their customers down in aftersales these days.
I wonder if it is because they were trying to force the EV purchase side.