VehicleVerdict

2013 Fiat 500 transmission problems

The 2013 Fiat 500 has 78 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 36% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

78

Transmission complaints

36%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

4

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

500 transmission complaints by model year202 complaints2012: 202 complaints2013: 78 complaints2014: 67 complaints2015: 34 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 3 complaints
500 transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

15V291000TransmissionMay 18, 2015 · 3,851 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015. The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) of the affected vehicles may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift to neutral.

Consequence

If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EVCU, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R20.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DOWNSHIFT TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ENGAGE IN GEAR. THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND WAS RUNNING VERY SLOWLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTICED A BURNING ODOR.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 20, 2017 · fire

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2013 Fiat 500 have?

NHTSA has 78 complaints about the 2013 Fiat 500 transmission — 36% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Fiat 500 transmission?

Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 15V291000, 16V302000, 19E044000, 19V817000.

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.