Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Fiat 500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that his check engine light had illuminated while driving at 65 MPH. He also stated that white smoke had began emitting from the engine. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. Upon inspection, the contact stated that there was no oil in the vehicle despite a recent oil change. The contact also stated that the transfer plate clutch pedal had failed multiple times despite the vehicle being placed under NHTSA campaign number: 16V302000 (power train). The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 47,263.
I took my vehicle in for a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The afternoon after I dropped off my car I received a call from the service adviser telling me that the noise was coming from an interior component of my engine and that the engine would have to be replaced. The engine did not come in until July 20, 2015. Within a day or two I received another call from the service adviser telling me that the clutch pressure plate was worn down to the metal and that it needed to be replaced. He went on to say that this particular part was not covered under the manufacturers warranty and I would now incur an out of pocket expense. At fifty three years of age I have had several vehicles with manual transmissions and never have had problems with my clutch let alone with the pressure plate. …
Engine light came on and it revealed a EVAP leak which has happened before and mechanic found no leak and said it must have been gas cap. A couple months later light came on again for the same EVAP leak code. But then the car began to shudder while coming to stop and ran odd. Took it to Fiat dealership. Turns out there were three codes or more which cannot be read unless at dealership. Surprise surprise. Total repair costs were 2500 and I had no idea my car was messed up cause engine light did not indicate issues. Kept saying EVAP when I had an oil pressure sensor messed up. Gaskets leaking and a blown valve actuator assembly. Car has less than 45K and is well maintained and driven. Very upset at the lost of income. It hurts. It's a lot of money for no reason. Disappointed in American built cars.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the oil pressure and service engine warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V302000 (power train). The contact stated that the manufacturer had not supplied the remedy and parts within a reasonable time frame. Months after waiting for the recall repair parts, the clutch was not functioning properly and there was a strong vibration coming from the pedal. The manufacturer had a dealer (bob frensley Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat in madison, tn) schedule an appointment for July 6, 2017. In the interim, the contact could obtain a rental vehicle and would be reimbursed. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
On July 14, 2018, I began experiencing trouble with my Fiat 500 sport ive only had 2-3 months. I was driving the vehicle in some traffic when it suddenly loss of power. The car began sending multiple codes dealing with the powertrain and transmission. Right now no OBD ii devices are able to read the codes because nothing shows. I am unable to track my vehicle's mileage as well. The check engine and ESC lights are on. If driven the transmission light comes on and the car tries to stall. The oil has been changed as required. There is very rough idling. There are constant misfires in one of the cylinders. I haven't driven this car in over a month. Today I have finally managed to get it to the dealership. I'm not sure what they will say is the problem but I feel its a bad ECU/BCM/PCM.
I was driving to an appointment and was sitting at a red light when my Fiat began to shake. I took it to the Fiat dealership after my appointment on June 16, 2017. The following Tuesday they said I was my spark plugs and I approved changing them. When they started the car again then they got a message stating no compression in cam 2. I an the original owner and have had the car just under 4 years. I have had all the scheduled maintenance done there at the dealership. I however have 54K on the engine so I am just outside of the warranty. I have been going through various Fiat forums and see that this seems to be an issue with cam 2.
I have received several recalls on my clutch. I took it to my dealership and they were made aware of the issue January 11th, 2017 and they still have yet to contact me. Also I have an oil leak in which they said they fixed. Right after I took it home oil has been flooding out of it and spraying all over my car. This should not be a problem given my miles and year of my car. I got all of the necessary oil changes but have no proof since my husband did them himself and paid cash for the items he needed. So the dealership is refusing to work with me at all with this issue even though they made the oil leak worse then it originally was.
Check engine light, transmission light come on intermittently. Ambient temp sensor records crazy temps as low as negative 40 f. Plastic casing around passenger side view mirror melted which is where ambient temp sensor is located and could be fire hazard. Dealer has changed ambient sensor but warnings and wild temps still occurring. Incidents occur as soon as car is turned on and stay on for various amounts of time
Engine complaints in other 500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Fiat 500?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Fiat 500, 13% of the model year's 165 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Fiat 500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Fiat 500, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Fiat 500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.