Major Problems with FIAT 500 Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Learn about the common problems with a used FIAT 500 to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.

Custom-fit Add-ons

Torque wrench
Mechanic tool set
Tool box

Best and Worst Years for FIAT 500

Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of FIAT 500.

Model Year	Complaints
2018 500	1
2017 500	4
2016 500	10
2015 500	60
2014 500	112
2013 500	112
2012 500	320

Worst 3 FIAT 500 complaints

2014 FIAT 500 AIR BAGS Victims: 2 Mileage: 18000 miles

2012 FIAT 500 AIR BAGS Victims: 2

2014 FIAT 500 AIR BAGS Victims: 2 Mileage: 45000 miles

Browse FIAT 500 complaints by category

Problems with POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from FIAT 500 owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
POWER TRAIN car does not shift from park to drive. instrument panel relays many warnings (gear not available transmission warning seek service)...	295 ~ 48456 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM after a week car mil started to blink but manual mentions it can be drive and computer may reset itself...	94 ~ 103843 miles
ENGINE today is the 30th day of the purchase of my car and haven't make a payment yet. while driving in...	89 ~ 48735 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER intermittent no crank no start when turning the key ti to start the car the engine does not engage on...	58 ~ 36683 miles
AIR BAGS driving down the road warning lights cycled through for the first time ever indicating issues with esc dts a sprocket...	43 ~ 38841 miles
STEERING tl* the contact owns a 2014 fiat 500. the contact stated that the when the engine was started the vehicle...	29 ~ 37897 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM i had my radio replaced at the dealership because the screen was having some distortion issues and also it was...	26 ~ 41416 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL while driving the car would experience jerky movements while the car shifted in 1st 2nd and 3rd gears both accelerating...	26 ~ 15172 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE question: do you think this very tiny small car that both the nypd and lapd has is unsafe for some...	23 ~ 27558 miles
SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2013 fiat 500. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v302000 (suspension). the part...	21 ~ 26448 miles
SERVICE BRAKES driving down the road warning lights cycled through for the first time ever indicating issues with esc dts a sprocket...	20 ~ 20901 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING i have met these cars on the road numerous times and each time (at night) the headlights were so bright...	20 ~ 130983 miles
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL i purchased the brand new vehicle june 8 2014 with 98 miles on it from premiere fiat of fremont. after...	16 ~ 31010 miles
WHEELS question: do you think this very tiny small car that both the nypd and lapd has is unsafe for some...	15 ~ 19988 miles
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN fiat pop. consumer writes in regards to unsuccessful attempts with dealership customer service scheduling and repairs of recall 16v-302. *ld	11 ~ 45139 miles
SEAT BELTS i was on a side street turning l onto a busy street. there was a long large white van blocking...	10 ~ 50495 miles
SEATS question: do you think this very tiny small car that both the nypd and lapd has is unsafe for some...	9 ~ 17410 miles
VISIBILITY/WIPER on 01/25/2016 was on i20 driving to work when i started to smell like something was burning then warning lights...	8 ~ 22001 miles
TIRES contiprocontact tires on a fiat 500. so far my wife has suffered two catastrophic blowouts on interstate 285 in atlanta...	5 ~ 7571 miles
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM while accelerating the speedometer would not read any higher than 20 mph even when going speeds well over 20 mph...	5 ~ 7966 miles
REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. while attempting to unlock the trunk it failed to open. the vehicle...	3 ~ 65976 miles
SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY > VISIBILITY tl* the contact owns a 2013 fiat 500. while driving approximately 60 mph the sun roof shattered abruptly. there were...	3 ~ 80667 miles
STRUCTURE i purchased my first car 2013 fiat i am a student and i drive about 1.20 hrs to my university...	3 ~ 2400 miles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine light came on engine idling rough transmission shifter light blinking trnasmission gear lags on shift. *tr...	3 ~ 6040 miles
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE car was stalling and shutting off. had my daughter in the car. couldn't start the car after 3 attempts. then...	3 ~ 16505 miles
PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE) > CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. while driving 40 mph the contact depressed the clutch pedal and a...	2 ~ 10500 miles
SIDEWALL > TIRES contiprocontact tires on a fiat 500. so far my wife has suffered two catastrophic blowouts on interstate 285 in atlanta...	2 ~ 3127 miles
VISIBILITY heavy moisture appears on the inside of the windshield after car cools. could lead to damage to electrical components. *tr...	2 ~ 9548 miles
STARTER ASSEMBLY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. while attempting to start the vehicle it failed to start and all...	1 ~ 90000 miles
BRAKE LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. the contacted stated that the brake lights failed without warning. in addition...	1 ~ 69000 miles
HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS > HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE > BODY tl* the contact owns a 2014 fiat 500. while cleaning the vehicle the key fob only unlocked the rear hatch...	1 ~ 20000 miles
RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. > ELECTRICAL > EQUIPMENT since i bought the car a year ago i have been having a problem with the radio suddenly increasing volume...	1 ~ 8700 miles
HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE > BODY > STRUCTURE tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. the contact stated that the license plate bulb was out and the...	1 ~ 133000 miles
LOCK > HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl* the contact owns a 2013 fiat 500. the contact stated that the liftgate latch malfunctioned and the hatchback could...	1 ~ 60000 miles
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY bluetooth display safety issue. a month after purchasing a new 2015 fiat 500 abarth the display for bluetooth / blue&me...	1 ~ 300 miles
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE tl* the contact owns a 1986 grumman longlife (na). while exiting the vehicle the contact closed the door and his...	1 ~ 133000 miles
CAMERA SYSTEM > BACK OVER PREVENTION tl* the contact owns a 2014 fiat 500l (na). the contact stated that while attempting to reverse the sensor on...	1 ~ 5000 miles
ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph a burning...	1 ~ 50000 miles
AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT air conditioner does not stay cold no matter what speed stopped facing or not facing the sun rush hour traffic...	1 ~ 19278 miles
TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE > TIRES i purchased my first car 2013 fiat i am a student and i drive about 1.20 hrs to my university...	1 ~ 6500 miles
IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle the vehicle...	1 ~ 39000 miles
EXTERIOR > REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES > VISIBILITY driver-side side mirror vibrates making the objects in the mirror blurry and this is extremely unsafe. it is the 500c	1 ~ 1100 miles
POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS > VISIBILITY tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. the contact stated that when using the window switch for the window...	1 ~ 3000 miles
EQUIPMENT the steering column down by the floor sucked my floor mat up under my accelerator and brake pedal. i could	1 ~ 5600 miles
PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS > TIRES really cold morning upon starting the tpms reported the left front tire low on pressure. and tire light stayed on....	1 ~ 250 miles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC i'd pulled over in a parking lot to take a phone call (bluetooth reception was static-y) and was sitting with...	1 ~ 320 miles

FAQ

What year FIAT 500 is the most reliable?

Speaking of the models produced in the last 7 years, FIAT 500 models of 2018, 2017, 2016 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.

What year was a bad year for FIAT 500?

FIAT 500 models of 2012 and 2013 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.

Torque wrench

EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrenc...
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) Corrosion-Retardant: Satin Finish. Made in Taiwan
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip Grip: Knurled handle
- Easy to Read: High...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISE - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONGEVITY -...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench 1/4-Inc...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque ...
- Includes 1-pc. 3/8 in. drive torque wrench; Storage case; Product manual with torque conversion chart
- Wrench emits a click that can be heard and felt when the preset value is reached
- Permanently marked, high-contrast dual-range...

Mechanic tool set

Crescent 180 Pc. Professional Tool Set i...
- The Crescent Professional Tool Set has a newly designed 72T quick release ratchet
- Carefully selected assortment of hand tools for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Get incredible access from combination wrenches with narrow heads,...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, ...
- MINIMAL ARCH SWING: 72-tooth 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive Ratchets produce a 5-degree arc swing. Ideal balance between access and durability.
- VERSATILE: Comprehensive set of 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Sockets and Drive Tool...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 230 Piece w...
- TACKLE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Complete automotive jobs and general mechanic fixes with this heavy-duty, 230-piece all-in-one mechanic tool set
- OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRAWERS WITH ONE HAND as you work with a spring-loaded locking...
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" &...
- 72 tooth count ratchet providing a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Anti-slip driver handle provides maximum comfort
- Housed in a durable carrying case with metal latches
- Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Se...
- Socket sets include 72 tooth count ratchets which allow for a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Ratchets include a low profile directional lever to help reduce catch points and for easy...
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Tool Set with C...
- Mechanic tool kit and socket set for tackling multiple sizes and types of fasteners, especially nuts and bolts
- Includes a 201-piece set that combines most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits
- Both metric...

Tool box

TUFFIOM 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest w/Lo...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The rolling tool chest is designed with 8 drawers and 1 bottom cabinet for storing tools, small equipment or other objects. And the bottom cabinet features side hooks for hanging tools like...
beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST...
- Sturdy + Stackable: Durable Auto-Lock Latches Make Connecting These Stackable Units Quick And Easy
- Quick Access: The Quick-Release On The Locking Latch Allows You To Easily Separate Each Module When Stacked For Quick Access To...
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20" Portable 3...
- Heavy duty tool box is made of thick steel, with powder coat red paint finish, beautiful and easy to clean
- Measures 20.5" L x 8.5" W x 12" H, and is equipped with 3 drawers...
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Rep...
- HIGH QUALITY&STANDARDS:Forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish chrome,strength, durability, anti-corrosion protection.All the tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards
- COMPLETE VARIETIES:Contains tools needed for most small repairs and basic DIY projects around the...
Torin 17-Inch Plastic Tool Box,3-Tiers M...
- Tough metal latches are solid and easy to open and close, with long use life
- Foldable three-tier tray provides you with more storage space and you can separate metric and imperial tools to take them...
CARTMAN 148 Piece Automotive and Househo...
- Comprehensive Tool Set: The Cartman 148-Piece Tool Kit includes all the crucial tools needed for everyday home repairs and maintenance, from cutting to tightening, measuring to hammering.
- Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: All tools in the kit...