FIAT 500 Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used FIAT 500 options? We analyzed 8 model years (2012–2019) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact FIAT 500 you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FIAT 500 has 806 owner complaints and 26 safety recalls across model years 2012–2019. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2012 drew the most complaints; 2019 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FIAT
- Model
- 500
- Model years analyzed
- 2012–2019 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 806
- Safety recall campaigns
- 26
- Crash-related complaints
- 48
- Fire-related complaints
- 16
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2012 (394 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2019 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
FIAT 500: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
PoorThe FIAT 500 has 806 NHTSA complaints and 26 recalls on record. 48 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 806 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 26 federal recall campaigns
- 48 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
26 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012–2019. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 806 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
806 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
See attached document for complaint
I was notified of the recall for my car and took it to the dealer. The dealer told me there is no fix for this recall and that they could not do anything about it sending me away.
The contact owns a 2018 Fiat 500. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop and was informed that the lug nuts needed to be shattered to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
CAR HAS 12XXX MILES ON IT - 80% OF WHICH BEING FREEWAY MILES. BROUGHT INTO THE DEALER TODAY FOR A COMPLAINT OF THE CAR DIVING TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AGGRESSIVELY AT THOSE SPEEDS. DISCS, PADS, AND CALIPERS ALL FOUND TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION. INTERNET FORUMS ARE CRAWLING WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. DEALER TEST DROVE AN IDENTICAL MODEL WITH ONLY 83 MILES ON IT AND EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A PERFORMANCE CAR WITH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT IN ONE OF ITS MOST IMPORTANT SYSTEMS. DEALER REPORTED ALL THEY CAN DO AT THE MOMENT IS SEND THE INFORMATION UP THE CHAIN TO THEIR REGIONAL DIRECTOR.
BOUT THE CAR AND WAS CLEANING THE SEATS (I'M A SMOKER SO WIPING THE ASHES OFF) AND NOTICED A DEPRESSION/INDENTATION IN THE DRIVER SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT AS WELL AS A PLASTIC CORD INDER THE SEAT COVER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HAD THE DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD FIX THE PROBLEMS, WELL THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE SEATS EVEN WORSE DOING A CRAP JOB ON THE COVERS. VERY DISSATISFIED WITH FIAT AS WELL AS THE DEALERSHIP.
El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marcó muchas fallas en las cuales les tomé foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se pegó en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las fotos de los códigos que aparecen. Tuve q ser remolcado hasta ahorita la batería sigue en un 47% pero aún así sigue sin funcionar el vehículo
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The contact restarted the vehicle and forcefully shifted the transmission into 2nd gear to prevent losing motive power. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,350.
Passenger side drive axle failed on 2016 500e with only 35650 miles but no longer under warranty. Method of failure: Bolts holding axle to transmission sheered resulting in a loss of power. Car was brought to Orange County Chrysler for repair. Dealer informed me that there was a Chrysler Recall N51 for 2013 Fiat 500e for the same problem, but it didn't apply to my year. Numerous blogs on the internet show similar failures for newer models. A sound engineering fix should be developed and implemented as a Safety Recall.
MY VEHICLE WAS T-BONED ON MY DRIVERSIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS GOING 50MPH ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT. I WAS CROSSING THE STREET AT ABOUT 10-15MPH. NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG ENGAGED, SIDE CURTAIN, SEAT, ETC. IT WAS ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR THAT HIT ME WAS SPEEDING.
FIAT 500E VEHICLE BRAKING BEHAVIOR IS UNEXPECTEDLY HARD, SUDDEN, OR UNPREDICTABLE UNTIL THE USER USES AN OBD SCAN TOOL WITH APPROPRIATE DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE- AND INITIATES BRAKE CONTROLLER SENSOR RE-CALIBRATION. THIS OPTION IS FOUND UNDER THE DIAGNOSTIC MENU UNDER: ABS>RENENERATIVE BRAKE CONTROLLER>ACTIVE DIAGNOSTICS, AND THEN SELECTING THE PROCEDURE TO START (RBC SENSOR CALIBRATION). ONLINE FORUM USERS (PLEASE SEE LINK BELOW) ARE CURRENTLY USING 3RD PARTY SOFTWARE, AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE, TO CORRECT THE BRAKING DEFICIENCY (APPROXIMATELY $49). MY PERSONAL VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED AND WAS EXHIBITING SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED BRAKING ISSUES AT APPROXIMATELY 8,500 MILES; THIS IS IN MY OPINION A VERY LOW NUMBER OF MILES TO BE EXPERIENCING REGENERATE BRAKING AND CONTROL ISSUES. PLEASE REFERENCE THE ONGOING DISCUSSION THREAD AT FIAT 500E ONLINE FORUMS: HTTPS://WWW.FIAT500OWNERS.COM/THREADS/FIX-GRABBY-BRAKES-FOR-70.149282/#POST-1292483
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE MANUAL CLUTCH FAILED AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM CHANGING GEARS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A CEMENT BARRIER TO AVOID TRAFFIC. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CAUSING THE CONTACT'S HEAD TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT INJURED HER NECK, LEFT SHOULDER, AND LEFT FOOT. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY FAMILY MEMBERS. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. *DT *TR *DT*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS AND POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH ACADIANA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM FIAT (1700 SW EVANGELINE THRUWAY, LAFAYETTE, LA 70508, (337) 232-7361). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION JERKED AND SHIFTED ROUGHLY. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AND FAIL TO IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (NYLE MAXWELL FIAT, 13049 RESEARCH BLVD, AUSTIN, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. COMPUTER UPDATES WERE PERFORMED TO THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
CAR SWITCHES INTO NEUTRAL UNEXPECTEDLY CREATING A DANGEROUS INOPERABLE VEHICLE SCENARIO WHERE THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES ON THE OPEN ROAD AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET HIT FROM BEHIND. THIS IS A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WHICH I HAVE TO PREDICTIVELY ALLOW FOR BY ANTICIPATING THIS MAY HAPPEN.
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS MY WIFE'S CARE HAS REFUSED TO SRMTART WITH NOW ANSWER FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHY, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY FIAT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY STILL SQUEAK WHEN IN REVERSE, AND LATELY IT SAYS THERE IS A TIRE SENSOR THAT IS DAMAGED OR LOW ALONG WITH DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE, THIS KEEPS US FROM USING THE AWD SYSTEM EFFECTIVELY, AND FIAT SAID THEY FIXED THE ISSUE ONCE BEFORE AND IT CAME BACK WITHIN THE WEEK. THE CAR HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE DAY SHE BOUGHT IT ALONG WITH MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH NOT STARTING AND MULTIPLE COMPUTER PROBLEMS WITH NOW HELP FROM THE DEALERSHIPS, THIS CAR IS STILL COVERED UNDER ALL WARRANTIES AND STILL CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH MY WIFE GOING TO WORK. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE ERROR CAME UP WHILE DRIVING, THIS DOESN'T ALLOW THE CAR TO OPERATE THE AWD SYSTEM LIKE IT SHOULD
THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, CAUSING A MINOR ACCIDENT (LITTLE DAMAGE TO BUMPERS OF BOTH VEHICLES). CAR WAS RETURNED HOME (1 MILE AWAY) WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON MOVING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY LATER THAT SAME AFTERNOON, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AGAIN WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE; HAD TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. *BF *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION COMPLETELY SNAPPED WITH NO ACCIDENT OR ROAD DEBRIS INVOLVED. THE WHEEL TURNED SIDEWAYS AND LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE'S ABILITY TO TURN. THE ENGINE THEN GAVE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE WARNING AND THE ENGINE CUT OUT. WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE LANE AND WAITED FOR TRIPLE A TO SHOW UP UNTIL 5AM. TOOK PICTURES OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WHICH WAS BASICALLY DANGLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS EXCEPTIONALLY DANGEROUS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK WHILE USING THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
THE CAR STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, STARTED TO GIVE ERROR MESSAGES AND TURNED ON ENGINE SERVICE, TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKES LIGHTS. A FEW SECONDS AFTER WE JUST GOT THE MESSAGE: DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS AND MY FAMILY AND I WERE IN A TERRIBLE RISK OF HAVE A PRETTY BAD ACCIDENT. WE ARE REALLY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAPPENED TO US, WE COULD DIE THAT NIGHT.
Just before coming to a stop the brakes grab and jerk the car. The brakes work normally otherwise.
Showing 20 of 806 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact FIAT 500
These pages show model-year patterns across 8years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FIAT 500 has 806 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FIAT 500 has 26 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 48 of the FIAT 500's 806 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FIAT 500 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FIAT 500 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FIAT 500 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Buyers Also Compare
How does the FIAT 500 stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
📍 Check a FIAT 500 by State
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FIAT 500.
FIAT 500 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FIAT 500 reliable?
Poor. The FIAT 500 has 806 NHTSA owner complaints and 26 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FIAT 500 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2012 (394 complaints), 2013 (164 complaints), 2014 (124 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FIAT 500 problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (388 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (135 complaints); ENGINE (108 complaints).
Does the FIAT 500 have recalls?
Yes — 26 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FIAT 500. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.