FaultScore

FaultScore report

2012 Fiat 500 problems

Owners have filed 537 complaints about the 2012 Fiat 500 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 6 worst.

D

FaultScore 80/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Fiat 500.

How this is worked out

The numbers

537

Complaints

32

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

20

Injuries reported

46,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

39%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 55 vs 50 Early failure 66 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Fiat 500. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 55
10.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 66
39% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2012 compares with every other Fiat 500

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2012 Fiat 500

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,099 mi

3 crashes, 3 fires · median 41,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,516 mi

2 crashes, 2 fires · median 66,000 mi

Airbags 32 6.0%

13 crashes, 0 fires · median 66,500 mi

Median failure at 54,000 miles

Suspension 21 3.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 46,080 mi

Steering 19 3.5%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 54,918 mi

Brakes 13 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 51,080 mi

Lights 12 2.2%

Median failure at 52,125 miles

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 15,450 mi

Median failure at 36,954 miles

Body & Structure 9 1.7%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 22,890 mi

Stability & Traction Control 8 1.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,000 mi

Wheels 8 1.5%

Median failure at 39,420 miles

Seats 6 1.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,000 mi

Seat Belts 6 1.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 38,883 mi

Child Seats 1 0.2%
Equipment & Accessories 1 0.2%

Median failure at 5,600 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.2%

Median failure at 100,700 miles

Tires 1 0.2%

Median failure at 250 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Clutch Assembly 7 28.0%
Body 7 28.0%
Rear Compartment/Trunk 3 12.0%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 2 8.0%
Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) 2 8.0%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 2 8.0%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems 1 4.0%
Hatchback/Liftgate 1 4.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 33 8.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 38 9.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 34 8.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 117 29.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 89 22.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 38 9.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 29 7.3%
150,000+ miles 19 4.8%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2011 peak 23 May 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Fiat 500

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA19001 Opened 19 Apr 2019 Closed 19 Sep 2024 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Electrical overstress

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...

Recalls on the 2012 Fiat 500

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

19V817000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

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.

Risk: 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.

19E044000

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY

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.

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

16V302000

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

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.

Risk: 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.

11V550000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

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.

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

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2024548 314,717 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.

Recall 2019577 10,627 units in Canada

Powertrain

Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the shifter cable may detach. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved. If a driver attempts to exit the car while it is not in the Park position, and the parking brake is not applied, the car could move suddenly. Safety Risk: Sudden and unexpected movement of the car could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install a new transmission shift cable adjuster.

Recall 2016217 7,819 units in Canada

Powertrain

On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, clutch diaphragm springs may crack or become damaged, which could result in the driver being unable to shift gears, or potentially result in a loss of motive power. Depending on traffic conditions and the driver’s reactions, these issues could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will install a pedal travel limiter and pedal switch.

Recall 2015578 17,516 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Customer Satisfaction Notification Program involving certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will update the Powertrain Control Module software to improve activation timing of the backup lamps. This updated software will turn the backup lamps on earlier, indicating to other road users that the driver has selected reverse gear. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Recall 2011400 40 units in Canada

Brakes

Certain vehicles may have had their brake system inadvertently filled with contaminated brake fluid during vehicle assembly. This could damage certain brake components, which could increase stopping distance, and result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace all brake components that come in contact with hydraulic brake fluid.

Recall 2011315 5,652 units in Canada

Label

On certain vehicles, the compliance label indicates the vehicle type in the unilingual text "PASSENGER CAR" instead of using text in both official languages, or using the bilingual abbreviation "PC/VT". Correction: No corrective recall action is required as the technical non-compliance is deemed to be non-safety related.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 60,000 miles Broadview Heights, OH 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

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 rolled backwards. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door struck her at less than 2 MPH and knocked her back and she fell onto the parking lot floor. The contact’s daughter had the vehicle turned on and attempted to stop the vehicle; however, when she exited the vehicle to help her mom up off the parking lot floor, the vehicle rolled backwards again while the gear shifter was still in park(P). The contact stated that her daughter turned the vehicle off and the vehicle stopped rolling backwards. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was pushed into a parking space. The contact stated that she was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The Police was on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that she had not broken any bones, however she had severely bruised her coccyx bone. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had received a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11521740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pearland, TX Crash

STEERING

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 more to fix than what the car is worth.

NHTSA complaint #11513202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mayaguez,, PR Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In the morning (6AM) of September 19, my car car caught on fire while parked in my driveway. There were flames 3-4 feet height coming from the engine hood area. Once the fire was extinguished by the local fire department, I found the car was extensively damaged in the front outside and inside driver cabin. Upon further inspection I found the fire might have started with or around the battery, as it was completely melted. Further inspection on the back side of the car showed some stripped wiring in the assembly connecting to the rear hatch mechanism, lights, and other. In the days previous to this incident the battery had loss its charge completely twice in the span of a week and a half.

NHTSA complaint #11488743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mayaguez,, PR Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In the morning (6AM) of September 19, my car car caught on fire while parked in my driveway. There were flames 3-4 feet height coming from the engine hood area. Once the fire was extinguished by the local fire department, I found the car was extensively damaged in the front outside and inside driver cabin. Upon further inspection I found the fire might have started with or around the battery, as it was completely melted. Further inspection on the back side of the car showed some stripped wiring in the assembly connecting to the rear hatch mechanism, lights, and other. In the days previous to this incident the battery had loss its charge completely twice in the span of a week and a half.

NHTSA complaint #11488743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles North Richland Hills, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

WAS IN A CRASH AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NOT 1 AIR BAG DEPLOYED.HAPPENRD ON DEC. 9, 2020.

NHTSA complaint #11385650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Melbourne, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BOTH LEG INJURIES AND A INJURED NECK DURING THE CRASH THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE NOT TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FIAT OF MELBOURNE LOCATED AT 300 E NASA BLVD, MELBOURNE, FL 32901 AND EXAMINED BY A MANUFACTURERS ENGINEER WHO DETERMINED NO FAILURE HAD OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11373453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Las Vegas, NV

POWER TRAIN

The clutch went out while downshifting upon making a turn onto a street. The gear shift became wobbly and would not shift into any gear. This happened without warning. Minutes before, my passenger and I were driving across town on a freeway.

NHTSA complaint #11737416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chesapeake, VA

WHEELS

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

NHTSA complaint #11692186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chesapeake, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11692186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Topsfield, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 mechanic suggested I purchase a $600 battery though I had a brand new one. The dealership gave me a $200 credit but it happened again, the mechanic in town said the Bluetooth component was draining the battery. They removed it and no problem since. The dealership mechanic talked around the issue and would not answer my questions about this. The safety issues related to this are dangerous and it appears to be known by mechanics about this model.

NHTSA complaint #11668228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Topsfield, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 mechanic suggested I purchase a $600 battery though I had a brand new one. The dealership gave me a $200 credit but it happened again, the mechanic in town said the Bluetooth component was draining the battery. They removed it and no problem since. The dealership mechanic talked around the issue and would not answer my questions about this. The safety issues related to this are dangerous and it appears to be known by mechanics about this model.

NHTSA complaint #11668228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lexington, KY

SUSPENSION

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 mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11641144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alameda, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 didn’t work, the tried to replace handle (with license plate light). Mechanic broke more wires in bundle, back brake lights stopped working. The wiring harness bundle leading into the trunk is defective.

NHTSA complaint #11621183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 214,000 miles Rancho Cucamonga, CA

POWER TRAIN

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 contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the clutch pedal went to the floorboard and the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) which had been completed in 2023 on the vehicle by the same dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.

NHTSA complaint #11611834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yoakum, TX

POWER TRAIN

Front Wheel hub bearings grinding, very fast wear and tear Transmission still not shifting right after recall shifter cable replaced not grabbing gears

NHTSA complaint #11607886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Topeka, KS

POWER TRAIN

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 stated while attempting to reverse, the transmission failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the recall repair was not yet available and there was no expected date when parts would be available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11606101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albuquerque, NM

POWER TRAIN

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 repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11584793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,000 miles Dallas, TX

POWER TRAIN

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 warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch diaphragm spring. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train); however, the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

NHTSA complaint #11580480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

POWER TRAIN

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 any warning. I would like to be able to have my car fixed since this is a issue that many other cars made the same year make and model as mine are have been recalled for this very issue I'm having. My car is very unsafe and without warning the clutch became none responsive and has been that way ever sense. I dont have the means to repair this and since you are taking responsiblty for this issue on other cars my car is having the same issue but not on the recall alrhough it should be on the recall as it is Very very dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11577718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Hornell, NY

POWER TRAIN

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 been notified about the recall but stated that parts were not yet available and remained on backorder. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11572899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sammamish, WA

CHILD SEAT

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 mailed out; however, the contact was not provided the replacement car seat. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11564403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ewa Beach, HI

POWER TRAIN

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 vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11555529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

POWER TRAIN

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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11553080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portsmouth, RI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 issue is that if the top has failed and failed to complete the cycle to close the rear hatch locks and remains locked with no way to access rear of vehicle by emergency responders. The scenario would be inability to get to a passenger by blocked doors and only can access through the rear of the vehicle. This could require cutting through the top or some other method. This could impact time element to extract a passenger from a car.

NHTSA complaint #11546760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 187,000 miles Richmond, CA

POWER TRAIN

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 the vehicle into a parking lot. The dealer was contact and stated there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 187,000.

NHTSA complaint #11540187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Apache Junction, AZ

POWER TRAIN

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 replacing the entire master cylinder assembly, to repair this issue, it just happened again months later. The last time it happened, my husband was driving the car, and was barely able to prevent an accident after the pedal disconnected on the freeway. This topic is discussed in Fiat owners groups around the world, and it happens often. When I tried to contact Fiat with my concern, they simply replied by automated response to tell me this recall (Safety Recall S34) doesnt apply to my model based on my vin (despite the same resulting danger)

NHTSA complaint #11527076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Broadview Heights, OH 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

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 rolled backwards. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door struck her at less than 2 MPH and knocked her back and she fell onto the parking lot floor. The contact’s daughter had the vehicle turned on and attempted to stop the vehicle; however, when she exited the vehicle to help her mom up off the parking lot floor, the vehicle rolled backwards again while the gear shifter was still in park(P). The contact stated that her daughter turned the vehicle off and the vehicle stopped rolling backwards. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was pushed into a parking space. The contact stated that she was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The Police was on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that she had not broken any bones, however she had severely bruised her coccyx bone. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had received a recall letter from the manufacturer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11521740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pearland, TX Crash

STEERING

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 more to fix than what the car is worth.

NHTSA complaint #11513202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Louisburg, NC

POWER TRAIN

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, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available until February. The clutch later failed, and the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA complaint #11504686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Globe, AZ

STEERING

While I was driving on a busy dyreet the warning light flashed and my car shut off, I was nearly hit by another vehicle. I took my car in to have it checked out and the dealer days the steering module loss confection and the steering column needs to be replaced. I see that this has been a known issue by Fiat but they fail to include all vehicles in their recall. I request that this be addressed. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11490546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mayaguez,, PR Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In the morning (6AM) of September 19, my car car caught on fire while parked in my driveway. There were flames 3-4 feet height coming from the engine hood area. Once the fire was extinguished by the local fire department, I found the car was extensively damaged in the front outside and inside driver cabin. Upon further inspection I found the fire might have started with or around the battery, as it was completely melted. Further inspection on the back side of the car showed some stripped wiring in the assembly connecting to the rear hatch mechanism, lights, and other. In the days previous to this incident the battery had loss its charge completely twice in the span of a week and a half.

NHTSA complaint #11488743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.