VehicleVerdict

2018 Fiat 500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2018 Fiat 500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other 500 years?

500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Fiat 500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes120%
Other120%
Seats120%
Tires & Wheels120%
Visibility & Wipers120%

Does the 2018 Fiat 500 have recalls?

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

24V474000Tires & WheelsJune 25, 2024 · 12,675 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence

A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.

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.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 8, 2024

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 1, 2023

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 23, 2019

“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,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 18, 2018

2018 Fiat 500 — common questions

Is the 2018 Fiat 500 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Fiat 500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Fiat 500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Fiat 500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.

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.