Technical FIAT 500X SPORT water pump failed

[Hattie]

HI All,

My fiat 500x sport was sent back as was under warranty from the garage i brought it from (Not fiat directly) to have a new head gasket. On the test drive, the water pump went.

my question is, its a 2021 with 30k on the clock, why would the water pump/ head gasket go when it isn't that old? Is it just a case of 'one of those things' ?

 

[The Panda Nut]

Its certainly one of those things!! I had two Citroens with diesel engines have failed gaskets just 12 months from purchase new. In that case poor design, rectified by the manufacturer. Fiats are generally reliable and it may be bad luck. Even a pretty new car could have overheated and been damaged, patched up and sold on. The good news is that if fixed properly it should be fine. Old hands on here would probably insist on extra works being done while the cylinder head was off. I would say fit a new cam belt every time and water pump too at this age. Mostly unecessary but peace of mind long term and it buys time. The work is really limited to the parts cost as well. I think its worth changing the thermostat as a matter of course with this fault too,its no expensive. Once its repaired it may take a while for you to get oyur confidence in it back, but Im sure it will be fine and an enjoyable car too. Im sorry to hear of the problems you are having.

 

[Hattie]

Its certainly one of those things!! I had two Citroens with diesel engines have failed gaskets just 12 months from purchase new. In that case poor design, rectified by the manufacturer. Fiats are generally reliable and it may be bad luck. Even a pretty new car could have overheated and been damaged, patched up and sold on. The good news is that if fixed properly it should be fine. Old hands on here would probably insist on extra works being done while the cylinder head was off. I would say fit a new cam belt every time and water pump too at this age. Mostly unecessary but peace of mind long term and it buys time. The work is really limited to the parts cost as well. I think its worth changing the thermostat as a matter of course with this fault too,its no expensive. Once its repaired it may take a while for you to get oyur confidence in it back, but Im sure it will be fine and an enjoyable car too. Im sorry to hear of the problems you are having.

Thanks for your reply. I had a 2016 fiat 500x before that but 4 cylinder and it was great but it got wrote off due to someone running in it! i think i just have bad luck with cars!! This one is a 3 cylinder and ive heard that they are just not great engines unfortunately. I will get the garage to check the other things that you mentioned too.

thanks for youre help!