Most common 2012 Fiat 500 problems
Share of the 396 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Fiat 500 complaints by model year
Best 500 years: 2018, 2017, 2016. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013. Compare all years →
2012 Fiat 500 recalls (3)
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Fluid
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Fiat 500:
Electrical overstress
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.
What 2012 Fiat 500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 201 →
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 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.
Electrical system all 63 →
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.
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.
Engine & cooling all 53 →
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 …
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.
2012 Fiat 500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 30 / 37 / 32 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 28 / 33 / 30 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 33 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Fiat 500 a good car?
Based on 396 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 500 rates avoid: 4.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the 500 at the same age. It is one of the 500 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Fiat 500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 201 complaints, 51% of all complaints for this model year, most often about clutch assembly. Next are the electrical system (63) and engine & cooling (53).
How many recalls does the 2012 Fiat 500 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2012 Fiat 500, the most recent from November 15, 2019 (floor shift). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Fiat 500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2017 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012 and 2013. See the full Fiat 500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Fiat 500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 55% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.