VehicleVerdict

2011 Fiat 500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2011 Fiat 500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other 500 years?

500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted537 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 537 complaints2013: 215 complaints2014: 172 complaints2015: 141 complaints2016: 27 complaints2017: 19 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 0 complaints
500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Fiat 500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Other150%

Does the 2011 Fiat 500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19E044000TransmissionJuly 3, 2019 · 740 units

Defect

DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.

Consequence

If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500 SPORT.... CONTACT STATED VEHICLE HAS 23000 MILES,,, CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM THE VEHICLE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED... WENT TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS... CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP FILED A FALSE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT... STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM HE HAD TO PAY FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 22, 2017

“TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500 SPORT.... CONTACT STATED VEHICLE HAS 23000 MILES,,, CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM THE VEHICLE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED... WENT TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS... CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP FILED A FALSE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT... STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM HE HAD TO PAY FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 22, 2017

2011 Fiat 500 — common questions

Is the 2011 Fiat 500 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Fiat 500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Fiat 500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Fiat 500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 500 years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among 500 years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.