Most common 2013 Fiat 500 problems
Share of the 165 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 →
2013 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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 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 2013 Fiat 500 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 79 →
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that there was a jingling sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the contact stated that while the clutch was depressed, the vehicle jerked and then rolled forward. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the hard braking warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact was fearful of driving the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. …
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space, he attempted to shift into drive; however, the gear shifter failed to move. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon researching the failure online, the contact was able to reset the gear shifter by depressing an unknown button. The contact was then able to move the gear shifter into drive position; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle remained at the scene. Upon further investigation online, the contact disconnected the battery of the vehicle, purchased the shifter cable bushing adjuster from the local dealer and replaced the part himself. The contact was then able to drive the vehicle. …
Engine & cooling all 22 →
In June 2025, while driving my 2013 Fiat Abarth at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. This happened on one of the hottest days of the year with another person in the car, creating a serious risk of a high-speed collision. The cause was later confirmed by a different Fiat dealership: a port in the intake/PCV system had been left completely uncapped after service at a Fiat dealership in 2024. The mechanic who worked on my car apparently believed this was only a "vent" and not part of the vacuum system - a dangerous misunderstanding that allowed unmetered air into the engine. This disrupted the air/fuel mixture and led directly to the stall. I have written proof from the dealership admitting to the "vent" claim. A competent technician should know the difference between a vent and a vacuum port. …
While driving down the highway, I noticed my engine began to shake violently and began to make a strong knocking noise. The check engine light then illuminated and started blinking, indicating a serious problem. I immediately attempted to pull over because the car was no longer safe to drive. I waited a few hours on the side of the road and had the car towed to a mechanic shop. They told me that there was an engine misfire on cylinder 3. They then pointed me toward the dealership. At the dealership, they found that three cylinders had exhaust valves that were burnt out, and needed to be replaced. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The exhaust valves of cylinders 1, 2, and 3. I have photos of what the valves looked like, but may not be able to retrieve the defective valves. …
Electrical system
Ed Payne Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM 2101 E Expressway 83, Weslaco, TX 78599 [phone] For the past years, I have complained to the car dealer I take my vehicle into that there is an issue with the fuel tank. I have been told that other Fiat car owners have had the same issues as I. Issues, the 2013 - 2014 Fait Sport 500, tank issue, when filling up the tank, the tank does not fill up normal. When filling up the gas take, the gas handle stops every 10 sec, I have to keep clicking on the gas pump handle every 10 sec. To keep the flow of gas to fill the gas tank up. I was told by the car dealer that the issue was the gas tank on the Fait, not the gas pump machine. When adding a new gas tank to the vehicle, the problem stop, and the owners were able to fill the gas tank without any issues. I keep having headlights, blinkers, stop lights burn out all the time. …
Car break shift lock stuck in park with various different elements illuminating on the dash. Must manually override break shift lock to put car in neutral, start the car, and put it in drive or reverse. Will no go over 40 mph. Power steering will unexpectedly go out in addition to fuel cut off, ABS, and electronic stability control also stopping. Have had brake light switch replaced for temporary fix, and replaced the battery. Has passed multiple 20 point inspections with no visible damage. The same problem has reoccurred and the fiat mechanics only idea is to replace the entire shifter column and see if any other codes are appearing.
2013 Fiat 500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 30 / 38 / 34 |
| 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 2013 Fiat 500 a good car?
Based on 165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 500 rates use caution: 1.6× 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 2013 Fiat 500?
The transmission & drivetrain — 79 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year, most often about manual transmission › column shift assembly. Next are the engine & cooling (22) and electrical system (17).
How many recalls does the 2013 Fiat 500 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 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 2013 Fiat 500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 44,000 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.