Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | −93% | 1 | Seat | Good |
| 2017 | 14 | −88% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2016 | 14 | −87% | 3 | Transmission | Good |
| 2015 | 92 | −24% | 3 | Transmission | Average |
| 2014 | 124 | 1.3× | 3 | Transmission | Average |
| 2013 | 165 | 1.6× | 3 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2012 | 396 | 4.0× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median 500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Fiat 500 problems
Latest Fiat 500 recalls
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
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.
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016. The tire placard on the affected vehicles lists a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall.
Remedy: Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will add an overlay on the tire placard to the correct tire inflation information, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2016.
Power train › Manual transmission
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.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015. The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) of the affected vehicles may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift to neutral.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EVCU, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R20.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Fiat 500 should you avoid?
2012 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 500 years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2012.
What is the best year for the Fiat 500?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other 500 years at the same age, followed by 2017 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Fiat 500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (390), electrical system (136) and engine & cooling (112). Transmission complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the Fiat 500 had?
6 recalls across 2012–2018. The model year with the most is 2012. See all Fiat 500 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.