2012 Fiat 500: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Fiat 500? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 393 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2012 Fiat 500 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2012 Fiat 500 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2012 Fiat 500 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Later ReleaseOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Fiat 500 has 393 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Fiat
- Model
- 500
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 393
- Crash-related complaints
- 21
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 28 / 33
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Fiat 500 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Fiat 500?
The 2012 Fiat 500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Fiat 500
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Fiat 500, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2012 FIAT 500 has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, with the majority concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain. Electrical faults and engine problems are also frequently reported. Crash-related complaints are relatively low compared to total complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported component.
- Engine problems are the third most common complaint category.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concern.
- Electrical Faults appear as a recurring theme in complaints.
- Engine Problems are also commonly cited.
All 2012 Fiat 500 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Fiat 500. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 199 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 63 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 53 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 35 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 32 | 13 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 19 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Fiat 500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I have been dealing with identity theft and not really sure why when I put vin number to my vehicle I purchased September 25 2025 it says a different color
The vehicle had been stalling out on numerous occasions one being a freezing Xmas eve in Drive thru if it had happened somewhere isolated the driver could have frozen. I rented cars several times and replaced the alternator ,battery and at the final point at the dealership the me…
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mec…
The wiring harness bundle leading to the trunk failed between the trunk & upper drivers side of the car. Upper brake lights stopped working, then rear defroster, then trunk wouldn’t open & I got a license plate light warning on the dash. Mechanic tried to replace switch, still di…
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 …
Front Wheel hub bearings grinding, very fast wear and tear Transmission still not shifting right after recall shifter cable replaced not grabbing gears
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall …
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch pedal briefly depressed to the floor and remained stuck before releasing. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warn…
The clutch is out in the car. This may be caused by the clutch cover diaphragm spring and results in the inability to disengage the clutch, shift gears, and loss of mode of power. Leaving the passengers in a situation that can cause wreck without warning. My clutch went without…
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) which was linked to the failure. The dealer had bee…
The contact owns a Cybex Car Seat, Model Name: Aton 2, Manufactured Date: Aug 2019. The car seat was used in a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23C001000 (Child Seat). The contact reached out to the manufacturer to have a replacement seat…
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch assembly. The vehicl…
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stat…
I just purchased this 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio. It seems it is widespread issue on the failure of the guiderails and components that work the convertible top are of poor quality and the tops become inoperable and the cost to repair can exceed the value of the vehicle. The safety issu…
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission failed to shift gear properly and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to push t…
My 2012 Fiat 500 has had the same problem twice now. While driving, the clip attaching the clutch pedal to the master cylinder assembly breaks and disconnects. The pedal will go to the floor and stay there, and it becomes impossible to shift the manual transmission. After replaci…
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 rol…
As reported by numerous consumers the power steering just stop working while driving with no warnings. This caused a wreck involving my son & I and we're admitted to hospital. Apparently this is a widely reported problem yet it has not attention. It's extremely dangerous and cost…
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch was squishy while shifting gears. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Fiat 500.
2012 Fiat 500 Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Fiat 500. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Fiat 500 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Fiat 500 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 393 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Fiat 500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Fiat 500?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (199 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (63 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (53 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Fiat 500?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Fiat 500?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Fiat 500, NHTSA complaints include 21 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 393 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Fiat 500. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Fiat 500?▾
The 2012 Fiat 500 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Fiat 500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Fiat 500 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.