2012 Fiat 500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 394 |
| 2013 | 164 |
| 2014 | 124 |
| 2015 | 92 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
49% of complaints: power train — 193 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20231116
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, 20231101
14% of complaints: electrical system — 55 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY13% of complaints: engine — 51 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: air bags — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20190729
ON NOVEMBER 20, 2018, I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH MY FIAT 500 SPORT (IMAGES AND VIDEO ATTACHED).
NHTSA ODI report, 20190113
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, 20130421
5% of complaints: suspension — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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 FL
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.
Campaign 11V550000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V302000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
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.
Campaign 19E044000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V817000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Fiat 500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (193 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V550000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V302000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19E044000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V817000 (power train) has been completed.
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 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Fiat 500 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.