Fiat 500 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 188 owner complaints and 6 recalls on file for the Fiat 500 (2012–2019). The 2012 500 has the most serious complaints, most often about transmission & drivetrain.

Complaints
188
Recalls
6
Model years
8
Worst year
2012

Complaints by model year

76201252201312201431201542016102017320182019
NHTSA complaints per Fiat 500 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Fiat 500 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2012 Fiat 500 — 76 complaints, 5 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  2. 2015 Fiat 500 — 31 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  3. 2013 Fiat 500 — 52 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2019 (0 complaints).

Every Fiat 500 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 50000001—
2018 50030001Visibility & Wipers
2017 500100001Electrical System
2016 50041013Transmission & Drivetrain
2015 500312133Transmission & Drivetrain
2014 500122013Transmission & Drivetrain
2013 500520103Transmission & Drivetrain
2012 500765133Transmission & Drivetrain

Most common Fiat 500 problem areas (all years)

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    88 complaints
  • Electrical System
    33 complaints
  • Engine
    19 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    15 complaints
  • Airbags
    10 complaints
  • Brakes
    10 complaints
  • Lighting
    9 complaints
  • Steering
    7 complaints
  • Suspension
    6 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    6 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Fiat 500 received by NHTSA each month.

Fiat 500 recalls

  • Recall 24V474000Jun 25, 202412,675 vehiclesModel years 2014–2019

    Risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V817000Nov 15, 201951,788 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013

    Risk: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the transmission may not shift into the gear selected by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V667000Sep 15, 201632 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the spare tire is used while overinflated, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V302000May 16, 201639,185 vehiclesModel years 2012–2016

    Risk: If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V291000May 18, 20153,851 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015

    Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 11V550000Nov 10, 2011340 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: This could lead to loss of braking ability increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Fiat models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology