MYRModel Year Report

2012 Fiat 500

○ Not enough data
2012 Fiat 500
BUILT 2026-10-10

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
395
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

51% of complaints

Complaints per year

2011: 1 complaint 2012: 395 complaints 2012 395 2013: 165 complaints 2014: 124 complaints 2015: 92 complaints 2015 2016: 14 complaints 2017: 13 complaints 2017 2018: 5 complaints 2019: 0 complaints 2019
2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 395 complaints 2012 395 2013: 165 complaints 2013 2014: 124 complaints 2014 2015: 92 complaints 2015 2016: 14 complaints 2016 2017: 13 complaints 2017 2018: 5 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019
2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 395 complaints 2012 395 2013: 165 complaints 2013 2014: 124 complaints 2014 2015: 92 complaints 2015 2016: 14 complaints 2016 2017: 13 complaints 2017 2018: 5 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019

2012: 395 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20111
2012395
2013165
2014124
201592
201614
201713
20185
20190

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

51% · 202 reports

Most commonly citing clutch assembly and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-16

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-01

Electrical system

16% · 63 reports

Most commonly citing rear compartment/trunk and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine

13% · 51 reports
CRASH

Air bags

8% · 32 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owed a 2012 Fiat 500.the contact stated while in standstill traffic, another vehicle driving at 45 MPH rear ended the contact, causing his vehicle to push forward and crash into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-29

On November 20, 2018, I had an accident with my Fiat 500 sport (Images and video attached).

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-13

A vehicle in the right lane made a u-turn, crossing the left lane causing the Fiat to t-bone the vehicle making the u-turn.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-21

Also filed under Seat belts and structure

Suspension

5% · 21 reports
CRASH

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2012-03-01Service brakes, hydraulic11V550000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2016-11-10Power train16V302000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  4. R
    2019-07-24Power train19E044000 DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2020-01-09Power train19V817000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Fiat 500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 202 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 63 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 51 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11V550000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 16V302000 · Power train
  • Recall 19E044000 · Power train
  • Recall 19V817000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2012 Fiat 500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Fiat 500?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Fiat 500 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.