“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to operate. When the contact shifted the gear into reverse to enter a parking space and then attempted to shift into park, the gear shifter engaged into neutral instead. The contact was unable to release the gear out of neutral. The contact applied the emergency brake to secure the vehicle in the parking space.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 17, 2019 at 54,000 miles
“Shifter cable at transmission linkage broken. Will not shift gears. Vehicle was parked/turned off at gas pump. Turned vehicle on and would not get out of park/shift gears. Tow truck driver tried bypass the 'park' to put vehicle in neutral to be towed and was not able to.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 5, 2019 at 74,375 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2012 500 peaked in 2016, with 100 filed that year. Owners had filed 40 complaints about the transmission before the first recall that covers it, 16V302000 in May 2016; 136 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 3 so far.
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift19V817000
Filed Nov 15, 201951,788 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Fiat 500 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the cable to detach from the transmission.
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.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable adjuster, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB4.
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Floor Shift Assembly19E044000
Filed Jul 3, 2019740 vehiclesDlt, LLC
Defect. DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
Risk. If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.
Filed May 16, 201639,185 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission. The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fail, causing an inability to switch gears.
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.
Remedy. The remedy for this recall will include the installation of a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S34.
Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. SOME VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID AND MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF THE SEALING COMPONENTS WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2012 500.
Opened Apr 19, 2019Closed Sep 19, 2024Led to recall 20V024airbags
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors …
Technical service bulletins
132 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2012 500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
electrical system 32equipment 18body and frame 17engine 17transmission 17suspension 8visibility 5equipment adaptive/mobility 3
23-021-26Warranty extensionJun 4, 2026body and frame
Broken Exterior Driver And/Or Passenger Door Handles XB2 Warranty Extension Customers may comment the following: ● One or both exterior door handles are broken. This bulletin involves replacing one or both exterior door handles.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, …
SYMPTOM/CONDITION: Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: P1128-00 - Closed Loop Fueling Not Achieved - Bank 1 Upstream. P1524-00 - Oil Pressure Out Of Range - Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled (Sales …
Flash: 1.4L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: · P1128-00 - …
Showing the newest 6 of 17 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2012 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Early Release
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
14.5%
2012 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Later Release
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
14.7%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 21, 2026MD
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that upon shifting the gear shifter into drive(D), park(P), or reverse(R), the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear and shifted into a different gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer after each failure. The dealer repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure several times by phone and by an online complaint. Several cases were filed and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2026MD
I am filing a complaint concerning a recurring gear shift failure in my 2012 fiat 500c. The same failure has occurred three times between June 10 and September 8, 2026. On June 10, 2026 I was able to move shift lever but the transmission remained in reverse and would not shift into another gear despite multiple attempts. I did not know what the cause or problem was and had no knowledge that it might be related to a safety recall. I had vehicle towed to an independent repair shop who subsequently diagnosed a faulty gear shifter and replaced it and this restored the vehicles operation. The shop was able to replace the faulty part and the car was returned to me on June 12, 2026. On August 21, 2026the same failure occurred again. I was able to move the shifter but the transmission remained in neutral regardless of the selected shifter position and I had to push the vehicle onto the side of the road. Again the vehicle was undriveable and was towed to an authorized dealership who diagnosed a faulty gear shifter. The dealership performed the repair under safety recall VB4/NHTSA recall 19V-817 concerning the gear shifter cable adjust/bushing. The dealership then returned the vehicle to me as repaired on September 4, 2026. The vehicle sat parked for the following 3 days and was operated on September 8, 2026. On September 8, 2026 the exact same failure occurred a third time and after the authorized dealership completed the recall repaired. The gearshift lever moved, but the transmissio
Power Train
Filed May 12, 2026NV
The clutch went out while downshifting upon making a turn onto a street. The gear shift became wobbly and would not shift into any gear. This happened without warning. Minutes before, my passenger and I were driving across town on a freeway.
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 8, 2025VA
I have been dealing with identity theft and not really sure why when I put vin number to my vehicle I purchased September 25 2025 it says a different color
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 20, 2025MA
The vehicle had been stalling out on numerous occasions one being a freezing Xmas eve in Drive thru if it had happened somewhere isolated the driver could have frozen. I rented cars several times and replaced the alternator ,battery and at the final point at the dealership the mechanic suggested I purchase a $600 battery though I had a brand new one. The dealership gave me a $200 credit but it happened again, the mechanic in town said the Bluetooth component was draining the battery. They removed it and no problem since. The dealership mechanic talked around the issue and would not answer my questions about this. The safety issues related to this are dangerous and it appears to be known by mechanics about this model.
Suspension
Filed Feb 6, 2025KY
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 2024CA
The wiring harness bundle leading to the trunk failed between the trunk & upper drivers side of the car. Upper brake lights stopped working, then rear defroster, then trunk wouldn’t open & I got a license plate light warning on the dash. Mechanic tried to replace switch, still didn’t work, the tried to replace handle (with license plate light). Mechanic broke more wires in bundle, back brake lights stopped working. The wiring harness bundle leading into the trunk is defective.
Power Train
Filed Aug 30, 2024214,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the clutch pedal went to the floorboard and the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) which had been completed in 2023 on the vehicle by the same dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
Power Train
Filed Aug 12, 2024TX
Front Wheel hub bearings grinding, very fast wear and tear Transmission still not shifting right after recall shifter cable replaced not grabbing gears
Power Train
Filed Aug 2, 2024170,000 milesKS
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the transmission failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the recall repair was not yet available and there was no expected date when parts would be available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power Train
Filed Apr 23, 2024NM
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power Train
Filed Apr 1, 2024106,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch pedal briefly depressed to the floor and remained stuck before releasing. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch diaphragm spring. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train); however, the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Power Train
Filed Mar 16, 2024TX
The clutch is out in the car. This may be caused by the clutch cover diaphragm spring and results in the inability to disengage the clutch, shift gears, and loss of mode of power. Leaving the passengers in a situation that can cause wreck without warning. My clutch went without any warning. I would like to be able to have my car fixed since this is a issue that many other cars made the same year make and model as mine are have been recalled for this very issue I'm having. My car is very unsafe and without warning the clutch became none responsive and has been that way ever sense. I dont have the means to repair this and since you are taking responsiblty for this issue on other cars my car is having the same issue but not on the recall alrhough it should be on the recall as it is Very very dangerous.
Power Train
Filed Feb 20, 202450,000 milesNY
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) which was linked to the failure. The dealer had been notified about the recall but stated that parts were not yet available and remained on backorder. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Child Seat
Filed Jan 9, 2024WA
The contact owns a Cybex Car Seat, Model Name: Aton 2, Manufactured Date: Aug 2019. The car seat was used in a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23C001000 (Child Seat). The contact reached out to the manufacturer to have a replacement seat mailed out; however, the contact was not provided the replacement car seat. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power Train
Filed Nov 16, 2023HI
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch assembly. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power Train
Filed Nov 1, 2023CA
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 27, 2023RI
I just purchased this 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio. It seems it is widespread issue on the failure of the guiderails and components that work the convertible top are of poor quality and the tops become inoperable and the cost to repair can exceed the value of the vehicle. The safety issue is that if the top has failed and failed to complete the cycle to close the rear hatch locks and remains locked with no way to access rear of vehicle by emergency responders. The scenario would be inability to get to a passenger by blocked doors and only can access through the rear of the vehicle. This could require cutting through the top or some other method. This could impact time element to extract a passenger from a car.
Power Train
Filed Aug 22, 2023187,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission failed to shift gear properly and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to push the vehicle into a parking lot. The dealer was contact and stated there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 187,000.
Power Train
Filed Jun 14, 2023AZ
My 2012 Fiat 500 has had the same problem twice now. While driving, the clip attaching the clutch pedal to the master cylinder assembly breaks and disconnects. The pedal will go to the floor and stay there, and it becomes impossible to shift the manual transmission. After replacing the entire master cylinder assembly, to repair this issue, it just happened again months later. The last time it happened, my husband was driving the car, and was barely able to prevent an accident after the pedal disconnected on the freeway. This topic is discussed in Fiat owners groups around the world, and it happens often. When I tried to contact Fiat with my concern, they simply replied by automated response to tell me this recall (Safety Recall S34) doesnt apply to my model based on my vin (despite the same resulting danger)
Power Train1 injured
Filed May 12, 202360,000 milesOH
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated while her daughter was parked in a parking lot with the vehicle in park(P), the contact was attempting to enter the front passenger’s side seat, her daughter accidentally shifted her foot off the brake pedal and the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door struck her at less than 2 MPH and knocked her back and she fell onto the parking lot floor. The contact’s daughter had the vehicle turned on and attempted to stop the vehicle; however, when she exited the vehicle to help her mom up off the parking lot floor, the vehicle rolled backwards again while the gear shifter was still in park(P). The contact stated that her daughter turned the vehicle off and the vehicle stopped rolling backwards. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was pushed into a parking space. The contact stated that she was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The Police was on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that she had not broken any bones, however she had severely bruised her coccyx bone. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had received a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
SteeringCrash
Filed Mar 22, 2023TX
As reported by numerous consumers the power steering just stop working while driving with no warnings. This caused a wreck involving my son & I and we're admitted to hospital. Apparently this is a widely reported problem yet it has not attention. It's extremely dangerous and cost more to fix than what the car is worth.
Power Train
Filed Jan 31, 2023155,000 milesNC
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch was squishy while shifting gears. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available until February. The clutch later failed, and the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Steering
Filed Oct 24, 2022AZ
While I was driving on a busy dyreet the warning light flashed and my car shut off, I was nearly hit by another vehicle. I took my car in to have it checked out and the dealer days the steering module loss confection and the steering column needs to be replaced. I see that this has been a known issue by Fiat but they fail to include all vehicles in their recall. I request that this be addressed. This is a safety issue.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 11, 2022PR
In the morning (6AM) of September 19, my car car caught on fire while parked in my driveway. There were flames 3-4 feet height coming from the engine hood area. Once the fire was extinguished by the local fire department, I found the car was extensively damaged in the front outside and inside driver cabin. Upon further inspection I found the fire might have started with or around the battery, as it was completely melted. Further inspection on the back side of the car showed some stripped wiring in the assembly connecting to the rear hatch mechanism, lights, and other. In the days previous to this incident the battery had loss its charge completely twice in the span of a week and a half.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 25, 2022FL
The air bag light will come on then turn off Is their a malfunction of the air bag or is it just coming on and off and will the air bag respond normally in a crash it been happening for approximately a year now it hasn't been inspected
Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2022TX
I've had 3 different issues with the transmission- There's been 1 recall on the clutch- The transmission put me in Great danger I was driving on the freeway about 60 mph when the car just popped into neutral- I was terrified and I managed to pull to safety to put the manual transmission into gear- I didn't want it to happen again- I had to hold the gear until I got to an exit to get off the freeway- I had the Fiat towed to the dealership and fixed- then 6 months later driving again and it jumps out of gear into Neutral another scare- I put it in the shop and it cost me $4646,00 to replace the transmission, I really would like this serious safety hazzard investigated so no one gets hurt- I was Blessed to be able to think fast to save my life on a busy Highway my safety and others was put at risk because it could have caused a crash- It gives no warning at all- car is available upon request I have all receipts I can send -for some reason I was unable to download to this Site
Electrical System
Filed Apr 29, 2022FL
I bought this car about a year ago, ever since I got the car the first issue started within a month it just started to shut off for no reason first at a traffic light, afterward while I was driving called the dealership who sold me the car I was told to bring it to find out they did not have a certified Fiat Mechanic that would be able to look at the car so it was towed to another dealership. I was told they fixed the issue but once again the vehicle started doing the same thing even more frequently fast forward my car has yet to be fixed I feel like I am going to get rear-ended and hurt really bad and all I get from the dealership is that they can't fix it. My question to them is why I sell me a car that you knew you could not repair or you knew you really didn't check properly as per your words you don't have a certified mechanic.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 9, 2022IL
Check engine light keeps reappearing after the parts have been replaced with new parts the computer codes stated need replacement. Specifically, the spark plugs and coil packs. They’ve been replaced twice now. And the light keeps coming back.
Power Train
Filed Feb 1, 2022112,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while depressing the clutch, the clutch was vibrating and shuddering. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the vehicle started vibrating while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in gear, the shuddering was not felt. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clutch plate needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The contact attempted to reach out to the dealer by phone but was not successful. The manufacturer was not contacted nor notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Power Train
Filed Jan 26, 2022117,525 milesFL
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the vehicle would not reverse while the gear shifter was in Reverse. The dealer had previously replaced the gear shifter in June 2021; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle had previously been serviced in 2019 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was 117,525.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 4, 2022TX
Every time I pump fuel in the vehicle, the pump stops prematurely. It’ll pump for a few seconds and then seize. I would have to continuously press the handle every time the pump stops and clicks every few seconds. After I’m done fueling, it smells like gasoline inside my vehicle. I took my Fiat 500 to the dealership in January of 2019 to have Sunland Park technicians check the issue. Technicians diagnosed the vehicle and claimed it was a faulty fuel tank. Fuel tank was replaced and issue had gone away for approximately a year then proceeded to do the same issue again. Went back to the dealership when I began having the same issue and technicians say there is nothing wrong with my vehicle and they said that the repairs of my whole fuel tank were no longer under warranty. My fiat 500 is still having the same fuel issue of clicking nonstop and odor of the fuel is still strong. There are many fiat 500 owners going through this same issue continually paying fiat dealerships just to have the same issue of inhaling fuel and not being able to pump fuel in properly. This is a major hazard and needs to be resolved.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Dec 14, 202167,000 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that she was having difficulties refueling the vehicle as the gas pump would constantly stop pumping gas though the tank was not full. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank sensor had failed, and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that it was a known failure however, she would be responsible for the cost of the repair since there was no recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Power Train
Filed Nov 23, 2021FL
Transmission gear box. Having issues with shifting - 11/23/2021
Power Train
Filed Aug 29, 2021IN
I bought this car from a dealer in Fortville (Carlux) who said it had a clean history, this car was meant to be driven by my 17 year old to school, after driving it for 1 week she noticed weird sounds on turning and the engine being very loud and not responding to acceleration or deceleration, thankfully she made it back home safely, I then took it to my local mechanic who noticed major safety issues with the vehicle and on running the VIN number found out there are 2 safety recalls on it. Is there a law or regulation against the dealership that does that? It could have cost my child's life. Their address is: 222 W Broadway street, Fortville , IN 46040 and contact # is (317) 777 1931
Power Train
Filed Jul 21, 2021CA
The car has two recalls for power train. In the past year and a half of owning the Fiat, the car’s power train has been stuck in park 3 times. The shift is unable to move out of park without being forced out manually. When the car is driven, it has to be manually removed from park to move and the dashboard goes blank. The car doesn’t show speed or gas amount. This is dangerous and can lead to crashes resulting in death. It is emotionally, mentally and financially exhausting having to do a $600+ repair every so often because the power train becomes damaged. This issue has caused me to lose lots of sleep and money since my car is my main source of transportation during this tough time. It is unreliable to its driver and the Fiat dealership has deemed it as okay to drive when it clearly is a safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians.
Power Train
Filed Jul 6, 2021CA
While driving it fails to switch gears.It gets stuck on first gear.
Visibility › Windshield
Filed May 20, 202138,045 milesCA
The contact owns a 2012 FIAT 500. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked, when she noticed there was a crack in the center of the windshield going towards the driver's side. There was no impact to the windshield that could have caused the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,045.
Power Train
Filed Apr 27, 202138,000 milesOH
DRIVING VEHICLE NEAR MY HOME ON A CITY STREET WENT TO SHIFT GEARS AND THE CLUTCH DID NOT FULLY DISENGAGE. HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF TO PUT IT IN SECOND GEAR TO GET BACK HOME. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE S34 RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 20,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 38,000 MILES AND IT IS EXHIBITING THE FAILED CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE FINGERS. CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE BASICALLY TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL LIMITER WAS INSTALLED.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 3, 202151,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK REAR DRIVER LIGHT WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE LEFT LICENSE PLATE BULB WAS NOT ILLUMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER ARRIGO FIAT WEST PALM BEACH (6500 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411, (561) 618-3160) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE REAR LIGHTS ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR WOULD COST $475 AT THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE LICENSE PLATE BULBS AND PERSONALLY INSTALLED THE BULBS.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 26, 202153,250 milesRI
THE REAR HIGH BRAKE LIGHT WIRING ON THE CONVERTIBLE WEARS AND BREAKS IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE C PILLAR DUE TO USE OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP RENDERING THE BRAKE LIGHT NON-OPERATIVE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FIAT 500 CONVERTIBLE.
Steering
Filed Jan 14, 202186,400 milesCA
2012 FIAT 500C MILEAGE 86649. WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE A LOUD METALLIC SOUND IS HEARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND TO A LESSER EXTENT FROM IN FRONT OF THE ENGINE DOWN LOW WHEN BOTH WHEELS GO OVER A CRACK IN THE ROAD SIMULTANEOUSLY. CARCOMPLAINTS.COM SAYS SOME PERSONS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE CONTROL ARM DISENGAGING FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. OTHER'S REPORT A BROKEN BALL JOINT CAUSING CAR TO LOSE CONTROL. ONE PERSON REPORTED THAT WHEN "FIRESTONE" TRIED TO GET A "D/S" AXLE REPLACEMENT PART THEY WERE TOLD IT WAS A "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RECALL." BUT WHEN THE FIAT 500 WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THEY SAID NO SUCH RECALL EXISTED AND WANTED OWNER TO PAY THE TOTAL COST. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 2012 FIAT 500C SPECIAL ORDER DEALER SHOWROOM MODEL. THOUSAND OAKS FIAT ORDERED [XXX] WITH ALL THE TOP FEATURES, COLOR COMBINATIONS AND OPTIONS SPECIAL FROM THE FACTORY FOR THEIR SHOWROOM AND NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL SALE. BEING A GOOD TALKER AND HAVING A LOAD OF CASH I WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN THIS MACHINE. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DRIVEN GENTLY. NOW WITH THE CLUNKING NOISE AND LEARNING OF OTHERS HAVING SERIOUS BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM SEPARATION CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A REPORTED CUSTOMER "SATISFACTION" QUIET RECALL - I THINK FIAT KNEW OF THE PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR ANY OWNER REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE TO REPAIR THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 5, 2021130,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS INSTALLING THE CAR SEAT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE SEATBELT DETACHED FROM THE SEAT ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT 'S WIFE WAS WAITING TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Power Train
Filed Jan 4, 2021180,000 milesDE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V817000 (POWER TRAIN) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT I.G. BURTON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT (605 BAY RD, MILFORD, DE 19963). THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE AT THE GAS STATION, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK, THE SHIFTER CABLE DETACHED. THE CONTACT STATED HER HUSBAND REATTACHED THE CABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 30, 2020200,000 milesTX
WAS IN A CRASH AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NOT 1 AIR BAG DEPLOYED.HAPPENRD ON DEC. 9, 2020.
Engine
Filed Dec 22, 2020110,000 milesKY
JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE THAT OWNS A 2012 IT WON'T HOLD OIL PRESSURE
Power Train
Filed Dec 2, 202081,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO PROPERLY CHANGE GEARS. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND WAS TOWED TO ARRIGO FIAT LOCATED AT 6500 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V817000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Power Train
Filed Nov 20, 2020155,000 milesOK
WHILE EXITING HIGHWAY, TRIED TO TAKE VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR TO DOWN SHIFT ON DECELERATION. AND WOULD NOT COME OUT OF GEAR. MOVED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD ATTEMPTING TO GET VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR AND WOULD NOT. VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AT STOP. WHILE KEY IS OFF, IT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO ALL GEAR SLOTS, BUT WHEN TURNING BACK ON VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO OR COME OUT OF GEAR.
Suspension
Filed Nov 9, 2020100,000 milesTX
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END ON VEHICLE-WHEN I TAKE OFF IT WOBBLES-I WAS TOLD THAT THESE CARS ARE POPULAR WITH FRONT END PROBLEMS- ALSO I DID READ THERE WAS A RECALL TO REPLACE FRONT END PARTS COULD YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS -HOPRFULLY THIS DEFECT WILL BE ADDRESSED THANKS THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME AND I WAS ON A CITY STREET- I'M TRULY CONCERNED ON
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 6, 2020100,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BOTH LEG INJURIES AND A INJURED NECK DURING THE CRASH THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE NOT TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FIAT OF MELBOURNE LOCATED AT 300 E NASA BLVD, MELBOURNE, FL 32901 AND EXAMINED BY A MANUFACTURERS ENGINEER WHO DETERMINED NO FAILURE HAD OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 396, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the 500 years to avoid: owners filed 396 complaints, 2.7 times as many as a typical 500 year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (44%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 3 stars overall.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Fiat 500?
The transmission: 176 of the 396 complaints (44%) are about it. Owners most often say it drops into neutral (8%), shifts hard, late or not at all (7%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (6%). The typical report comes at 47,433 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Fiat 500 have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Nov 15, 2019. The largest, 19V817000, covered 51,788 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2012 Fiat 500 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 47,700 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 47,433 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2012 Fiat 500?
Yes, once. EA19001 ("Electrical overstress") was opened Apr 19, 2019 and closed Sep 19, 2024.
Are there service bulletins for the 2012 Fiat 500?
The manufacturer filed 132 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (32), the body and frame (17) and the engine (17). They include a warranty extension, 23-021-26, filed Jun 4, 2026. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Nov 15, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.