The Fiat 186 A8.000 is a 1,368 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2016. It forms part of Fiat's Fire Evo family, designed for compact and subcompact vehicles with emphasis on cost-effective production and urban efficiency. Featuring multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 16 valves, it delivers 73 kW (99 PS) with 127 Nm of torque, providing adequate performance for city driving and light highway use.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat 500 (127), Fiat Punto (199), and Fiat Bravo (198), the 186 A8.000 was engineered for economical daily commuting and low maintenance costs. Its driving character prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth low-RPM operation, making it suitable for urban environments. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda feedback control, enabling Euro 5 certification across its production run.
One documented service concern involves premature wear of the timing belt tensioner, particularly in high-temperature operating conditions. This issue, referenced in Fiat Service Information Bulletin 32/2013, is attributed to material degradation in early tensioner designs. In 2014, Fiat introduced a revised tensioner assembly with improved heat resistance, reducing failure incidence in later production units.
All production years 2011–2016 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Fiat 186 A8.000 is a 1,368 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for subcompact models (2011–2016). It combines multi-point fuel injection with DOHC 16-valve architecture to deliver responsive urban performance and low running costs. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances simplicity, fuel economy, and emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,368 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 73 kW (99 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (replaced every 120,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30, API SM/CF or ACEA A1/B1 | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for city driving but requires high engine speeds for peak performance, affecting highway efficiency. Strict adherence to 120,000 km timing belt replacement intervals is critical to prevent catastrophic interference engine damage. Use of 95 RON minimum unleaded petrol is required to prevent knock under load. The MPFI system is robust but sensitive to poor fuel quality; carbon buildup on intake valves may occur over time, necessitating periodic cleaning. The revised 2014 tensioner design significantly improves belt system durability—pre-2014 units should be inspected for wear. Cooling system maintenance prevents overheating in stop-start traffic.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30 meeting API SM/CF or ACEA A1/B1 (Fiat SIB 32/2013). Not compatible with long-life specifications.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2016 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Fiat Group PT-2011).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F13680, F14122, SIB 32/2013
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ECE Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Fiat 186 A8.000 was used across Fiat's 127/199 platforms with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the 500 and revised engine mounts in the Bravo-and from 2014 the updated tensioner design created service part differentiation. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Fiat TIS F13680). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for 1.4L Fire Evo). Pre-2014 models have black plastic timing covers with silver tensioner housings; post-2014 units feature all-black housings. Critical differentiation: Original tensioner uses ribbed plastic housing, while revised version has smooth finish and updated part number. Service parts require model year verification—timing belt kits for pre-2014 engines are not interchangeable with post-2014 revisions due to tensioner redesign (Fiat SIB 32/2013).
The 186 A8.000's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner failure on pre-2014 builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Internal Fiat quality reports from 2015 indicated a measurable number of pre-2014 engines requiring belt replacement due to tensioner degradation, while VCA MOT data links a portion of engine failures in urban-driven 500s to missed service intervals. Extended replacement periods and stop-start driving increase belt slippage risk, making adherence to 120,000 km intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (2011-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 186-A8-000.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FIAT or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FIAT Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFIAT documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
