VehicleVerdict

2012 Fiat 500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 537 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 19.9 times the median 500 year — the 2012 model ranks #1 of 9 500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 202 reports (38% of the total). Its NCAP crash-test rating is 3 of 5 stars overall.

537

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

32

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

3

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other 500 years?

500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Fiat 500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission20238%
Electrical System7113%
Engine5310%
Other367%
Airbags326%
Fuel System234%
Suspension214%
Steering194%
Brakes132%
Lighting122%
Speed Control122%
Visibility & Wipers112%
Body & Structure92%
Tires & Wheels92%
Seats61%
Seat Belts61%
Latches & Locks10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V817000TransmissionNovember 15, 2019 · 51,788 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Fiat 500 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the cable to detach from the transmission.

Consequence

If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the transmission may not shift into the gear selected by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable adjuster, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB4.

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.

16V302000TransmissionMay 16, 2016 · 39,185 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission. The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fail, causing an inability to switch gears.

Consequence

If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The remedy for this recall will include the installation of a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S34.

11V550000BrakesNovember 10, 2011 · 340 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. SOME VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID AND MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF THE SEALING COMPONENTS WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS BURNED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 25, 2014

“THIS OCCURRED ABOUT 6 TIMES ALREADY. WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AND COASTS UNTIL YOU STOP TO SHUT IT OFF AND TURN BACK ON. THE BATTERY AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS COME ON DURING THE COASTING. CAME VERY CLOSE TO BEING HIT TWICE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE DEALER SAY THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 12, 2012 · crash

“THIS OCCURRED ABOUT 6 TIMES ALREADY. WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AND COASTS UNTIL YOU STOP TO SHUT IT OFF AND TURN BACK ON. THE BATTERY AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS COME ON DURING THE COASTING. CAME VERY CLOSE TO BEING HIT TWICE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE DEALER SAY THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 12, 2012 · crash

“"MANUAL TRANSAXLE CLUTCH PEDAL" THERE IS AN ONGOING RECALL THAT SINCE MAY 2016 HOWEVER PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE DEALER FINALLY INFORMED US PART WAS AVAILABLE AND SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT FOR 5/9/2017 AT 9AM. CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN TO APPOINTMENT WHEN CLUTCH FAILED TO DISENGAGE RESULTING IN CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 9, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A WHIPLASH THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 11, 2015 · crash

2012 Fiat 500 — common questions

Is the 2012 Fiat 500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 537 complaints put the 2012 model at #1 of 9 500 years. It is one of the 500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (202 complaints), electrical system (71 complaints), engine (53 complaints).

Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Fiat 500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Fiat 500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.

How safe is the 2012 Fiat 500?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Fiat 500 earned an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

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.