Fiat Panda Recall R/2009/078: Possibility Of Fire, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/2009/078, campaign code 5155. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Urgent
How serious
3 Sep 2009
Launched
25,977
vehicles in the UK
5155
Manufacturer’s campaign code

Fiat recalled Panda vehicles built between 1 June 2003 and 30 April 2007. There is a possibility of a short circuit in the ABS control unit due to infiltration of chemical solutions. The dealer will replace ABS module with modified type which is also fitted with plastic cover. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

There is a possibility of a short circuit in the ABS control unit due to infiltration of chemical solutions.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: POSSIBILITY OF FIRE Defect: There is a possibility of a short circuit in the ABS control unit due to infiltration of chemical solutions. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace ABS module with modified type which is also fitted with plastic cover

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

The recall notice describes the concern as: possibility of fire.

The Fix

The dealer will replace ABS module with modified type which is also fitted with plastic cover.

Are You Affected?

Panda built between 1 June 2003 and 30 April 2007 may be included. Fiat estimates 25,977 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Fiat, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Fiat.
  2. Book with any franchised Fiat dealer, quoting the campaign code 5155 or the DVSA reference R/2009/078. See how to get a Fiat recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
LaunchedVehicle and faultSeverityReference
500, PandaIncorrect information on the registration document and CoC (certificate of Conformity)LowR/2023/313
500, PandaReverse gear switch not functioning as intendedLowR/2024/144
PandaSide airbag/head airbag crash sensor not correctly connectedUrgentR/2023/282
PandaNon-conformity of the height adjustment mechanism of the steering columnUrgentR/2019/096
PandaEngine suspension reaction bracket not fitted on the transmission sideBook soonR/2018/208

This is one of 199 Fiat recalls in DVSA’s data. The Fiat recall launched before it was R/2009/077 on 3 Sep 2009, for brake pedal may need increased force during application. The one launched after it was R/2009/130 on 14 Dec 2009, for steering may fail. You can also see every Fiat recall, all recalls launched in 2009 and brake recalls across every make.


Source: DVSA recall R/2009/078, launched 3 September 2009. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.