In June 2025, while driving my 2013 Fiat Abarth at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. This happened on one of the hottest days of the year with another person in the car, creating a serious risk of a high-speed collision. The cause was later confirmed by a different Fiat dealership: a port in the intake/PCV system had been left completely uncapped after service at a Fiat dealership in 2024. The mechanic who worked on my car apparently believed this was only a “vent” and not part of the vacuum system — a dangerous misunderstanding that allowed unmetered air into the engine. This disrupted the air/fuel mixture and led directly to the stall. I have written proof from the dealership admitting to the “vent” claim. A competent technician should know the difference between a vent and a vacuum port. Returning a vehicle in this condition is negligence and puts lives at risk. The component is still available for inspection, and I have documentation supporting my claims.
NHTSA complaint #11680788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marcó muchas fallas en las cuales les tomé foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se pegó en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las fotos de los códigos que aparecen. Tuve q ser remolcado hasta ahorita la batería sigue en un 47% pero aún así sigue sin funcionar el vehículo
NHTSA complaint #11662475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am filing this formal complaint to report the sale and interstate delivery of a dangerously defective and noncompliant vehicle sold to me by Arlington Auto Group, located at 3621 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia. On [XXX], I purchased a 2013 Fiat 500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle was delivered to my home in Englewood, Colorado on [XXX]. Within 24 hours of taking possession of the car—and having driven fewer than 100 miles—I had the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic at The Auto Repair Place in Boulder, Colorado. Their findings revealed multiple severe safety hazards, including: Rear brake pads completely worn to metal-on-metal contact Two bolts missing from the rear passenger wheel A destroyed and leaking turbocharger, which increases the risk of engine failure Inoperable tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) No Virginia safety inspection documentation provided Additionally, the car had been illegally tampered with to bypass emissions systems, including removal of the catalytic converter and installation of sensor bypass wiring, which also violates federal law and emissions standards. This vehicle was represented as safe and legally operable at the time of sale. However, these issues clearly indicate the vehicle poses a substantial risk to public safety and should not have been sold or shipped across state lines. Request for Investigation I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter for violations of federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and to determine whether this dealership has a pattern or practice of selling unsafe or defective vehicles. I am prepared to provide: Full mechanic inspection report Purchase contract and shipping records Photos of the damage and mechanical issues Communications with the dealership and lender Thank you for your time and attention to this serious safety matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] (303) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11651198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 1/24/2024 the check engine came on. I went to auto zone the same day and they check the alert. They advised the code possibly could be the spark plugs or ignition coil. The engine light went off on 2/6/2024 and I went to the dealership for them to check the code information. The code that appear PCM P0301-00 Active Cylinder 1 Misfire-
NHTSA complaint #11570365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving down the highway, I noticed my engine began to shake violently and began to make a strong knocking noise. The check engine light then illuminated and started blinking, indicating a serious problem. I immediately attempted to pull over because the car was no longer safe to drive. I waited a few hours on the side of the road and had the car towed to a mechanic shop. They told me that there was an engine misfire on cylinder 3. They then pointed me toward the dealership. At the dealership, they found that three cylinders had exhaust valves that were burnt out, and needed to be replaced. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The exhaust valves of cylinders 1, 2, and 3. I have photos of what the valves looked like, but may not be able to retrieve the defective valves. I can retrieve an invoice as soon as I receive it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Immediately once the issue started, it was no longer safe to continue driving on the highway. If I had continued to drive, it could have started a fire, or the engine could have stopped working, meaning that I would be stranded in the middle of the highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes. The dealership has determined the exhaust valves were at fault. The same dealership also had another vehicle with the same issue in the shop at the same time mine was in the shop. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes, the dealership has inspected the part. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - There were no prior warning signs to this issue besides a slightly higher idle than usual. Immediately when the issue happened, the check engine light illuminated and started blinking.
NHTSA complaint #11527261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After bringing vehicle to a complete stop at a traffic light, it died and gave a propulsion system warning. After about 20 attempts to turn off and reboot the vehicle, it restarted and behaved as if nothing had happened. This was a very dangerous situation with the vehicle stuck in the middle of the road. There have been two recalls on this very specific issue (and this vehicle has had that related software updates). Vehicle did the exact same behavior for no reason. (NHTSA campaign: 16V303000 & 15V179000). And because the vehicle wasn't sold in Georgia, no local dealers know how to work on it.
NHTSA complaint #11492602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've had 3 different issues with the transmission- There's been 1 recall on the clutch- The transmission put me in Great danger I was driving on the freeway about 60 mph when the car just popped into neutral- I was terrified and I managed to pull to safety to put the manual transmission into gear- I didn't want it to happen again- I had to hold the gear until I got to an exit to get off the freeway- I had the Fiat towed to the dealership and fixed- then 6 months later driving again and it jumps out of gear into Neutral another scare- I put it in the shop and it cost me $4646,00 to replace the transmission, I really would like this serious safety hazzard investigated so no one gets hurt- I was Blessed to be able to think fast to save my life on a busy Highway my safety and others was put at risk because it could have caused a crash- It gives no warning at all- car is available upon request I have all receipts I can send -for some reason I was unable to download to this Site
NHTSA complaint #11481114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought this car about a year ago, ever since I got the car the first issue started within a month it just started to shut off for no reason first at a traffic light, afterward while I was driving called the dealership who sold me the car I was told to bring it to find out they did not have a certified Fiat Mechanic that would be able to look at the car so it was towed to another dealership. I was told they fixed the issue but once again the vehicle started doing the same thing even more frequently fast forward my car has yet to be fixed I feel like I am going to get rear-ended and hurt really bad and all I get from the dealership is that they can't fix it. My question to them is why I sell me a car that you knew you could not repair or you knew you really didn't check properly as per your words you don't have a certified mechanic.
NHTSA complaint #11462760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: High voltage battery system, the vehicle is available for viewing. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: Long time garage storage of vehicle and limited owners manual description on procedure to maintain high voltage battery during extended non use of vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?: The problem has been reproduced and the vehicle is currently at a Fiat/Chrysler dealership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?: The component is currently under inspection, the vehicle has been at the Fiat/Chrysler since 8/11/2021, it is now 9/18/2021. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?: Error message display on cluster stating HV battery unable to be charged. General Description: Fiat 500e parked in closed garage for a year after following Fiat's Vehicle Storage instructions instruction shown pages 321 & 322 of the owners manual for the Fiat's electrical system. Returned after one year found Fiat's electric system a car went in fail mode. The instructions are limited and do not long term issues of fire danger in a enclosed space like a garage and power outages or brown outs. Fiat will not honor the vehicles warranty as the milage is a 42,625 and the warranty is only good up to 40,000 miles. The California Lemon Law does not cover this as well as it's as well. I need help!
NHTSA complaint #11433432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE STARTER MOTOR FAILS TO ENGAGE AT RANDOM TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TO LOCAL MECHANICS AND NONE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE STARTER MOTOR WILL SOMETIMES START RIGHT UP FOR THEM, CAUSING THEM TO RULE OUT A FAULTY STARTER. IF THE VEHICLE IS LEFT OVER NIGHT, IT MAY START RIGHT BACK UP. AFTER SELLING THE CAR ON 2 OCCASIONS, BOTH NEW OWNERS REPORTED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER HAVING DRIVEN IT FOR MORE THAN 10MI. I BELIEVE FCA IS WELL-AWARE OF THIS RELATIVELY COMMON ISSUE. A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR THIS PROBLEM YIELDS PAGES UPON PAGES OF OWNERS REPORTING SIMILAR ISSUES. I CAN SHARE YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF OWNER'S EITHER REPORTING THE PROBLEM OR COMMENTS OF OTHERS HAVING A SIMILAR ISSUE HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=L7SOEZKWUT4 HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=PFFVY3ARSVS
NHTSA complaint #11349768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING HOME VIA LOCAL CITY SURFACE STREETS, THE GEARBOX FAIL LIGHT AND THE HAVE TRANSMISSION CHECKED MESSAGE CAME UP ON THE DASH CLUSTER. I DROVE THE CAR 4 MORE MILES TO A SERVICE STATION, STOPPING TWICE ON THE WAY. THE CAR BEGAN RUNNING POORLY. INCLUDING BUCKING, REVVING HIGH, WHILE STAYING AT LOW SPEED, STALLING AND BUCKING AT LIGHTS LOW IDLE OR STOPS. THE SERVICE STATION SAID OTHER THAN A LOW NUMBER (4 TIMES PER 1000 I THINK...A CYLINDER MISFIRE) NO CODES CAME UP. WHEN RESET THE CAR WOULD RUN BRIEFLY AS NORMAL BUTAT FIRST STOP ALL ISSUES WOULD RESUME IN FULL AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME (2 BLOCKS) BUT WAS NOT SURE IT WOULD MAKE IT. IT SITS IN MY PARKING SPOT AS WE SPEAK.
NHTSA complaint #11339746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH. HE ALSO STATED THAT WHITE SMOKE HAD BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE. DESPITE THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE DESPITE A RECENT OIL CHANGE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSFER PLATE CLUTCH PEDAL HAD FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES DESPITE THE VEHICLE BEING PLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V302000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,263.
NHTSA complaint #11327477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWNS FIAT LOCATED AT 483 NEW YORK-112, EAST PATCHOGUE, NY 11772, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 16V303000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,483.
NHTSA complaint #11327395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HELLO, I BELIEVE I NEED AN ATTORNEY AND LEGAL ADVICE. I HAVE A DEFECTIVE CAR THAT SHOWS ON THE FIAT DEALERSHIP WEBSITE AS A RECALL. THE YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF MY CAR HAS A RECALL (2/2013 RECALL N09 REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) I HAVE HAVE BEEN REPORTED MY ISSUE TO FIAT DEALERSHIP FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS AND WAS TOLD THAT BASED ON MY VIN NUMBER I DO NOT HAVE A RECALL. WHEN I SERVICE MY CAR AT DEALERSHIP THEY JUST TURN OFF MY ENGINE LIGHT. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PASS INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE IN OVER TWO YEARS. MY MECHANIC EXPLAINED TO ME THAT I HAVE A RECALL AND HE CANNOT PASS INSPECTION. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR, BUT CANNOT SELL IT OR TRADE IT IN DIE TO THE ENGINE LIGHT ERROR. I HAVE A RECORD OF ALL OF MY RECEIPTS. THIS STARTED IN JANUARY 2018. I BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD FILE CHARGES AGAINST FIAT AND WOULD NEED LEGAL ADVISE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #11323015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE'VE REPLACED THE SHIFTER CABLE ON THE FIAT TWICE ON OUR OWN. RECENTLY, FIAT REPLACED IT UNDER RECALL NO. 19V817000. FIAT'S REPLACEMENT CABLE/BUSHING LASTED THREE SHIFTS. SHIFTED INTO DRIVE TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP. SHIFTED INTO PARK AT HOME. SHIFTED INTO DRIVE ON NEXT USE AND THE CABLE WAS DETACHED. FIAT'S SOLUTION IS NOT AN IMPROVEMENT. COMPARING THE REPLACEMENT BUSHING WITH THE OLD BUSHING, THERE ISN'T ANY DIFFERENCE THAT WILL PREVENT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED WE WERE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET FROM REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPORT AND THE CABLE BUSHING FAILING WHEN WE WENT TO PUT IT IN DRIVE. THE REPAID UNDER 19V817000 IS NOT A CORRECTIVE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11317681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAR SOMETIMES CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING. ALL GUAGES SPIKE, CAR CUTS OFF. I PULL OVER AND IT STARTS BACK UP. NO CODES WERE STORED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11317810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE HAVE RAN INTO TWO ISSUES WITH THE CAR. THE FIRST ISSUE WAS LAST YEAR THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE COMPUTER INSIDE NOT WORKING WHICH IN TURN CAUSE ISSUES WITH THE BLUETOOTH, LIGHTING, AND DASHBOARD. THE MECHANIC SAID IT COULD IN TURN RESULT IN OTHER ISSUES AS WELL. WE RECENTLY STARTED THE CAR AND IT STARTED SHAKING, THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11277185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OIL PRESURE LIGHT COMES ON SAYING STOP TURN ENGINE OFF LOW IOL PRESSURE AFTER I DRIVE IT FOR ABOUT 10 MINS I GUESS AFTER IT GET HOT. THEN CHEXK ENGINE LIGGT COMES WITH IT. OTHER PEOPLE HAS AND ARE GOING THREW THE SAME THING WITH 2012 FIAT 509 SPORTS. ITS ALL OVER THE YOU TUBE WHY IS THIS HAPPING. I REPLACE OIL PRESURE SENSOR AND CHANGED MY OIL SAME THING IT DIDNT CHANGE ANYTHING ASKING FOR A RECALL ON THE OIL PUM OR WHAT IS CAUSING THIS. PLUS IT MAKEA A SOUND AFTER DRIVING AT THE SAME TIME IT SHOWS UP WHILE PUSHING GAS PEDAL
NHTSA complaint #11265211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.