2012 Fiat 500 recalls and problems

The 2012 Fiat 500 has 3 safety recalls and 396 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Fiat dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
396
Crashes / fires
21 / 4
Injuries / deaths
17 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Fiat 500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Fiat 500 recalls

Recall 19V-817: Power Train

Reported Nov 15, 2019 · 51,788 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-302: Power Train

Reported May 16, 2016 · 39,185 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S34.

Recall 11V-550: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Nov 10, 2011 · 340 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2012 Fiat 500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train203
Electrical System63
Engine51
Unknown or Other36
Air Bags32
Suspension21
Steering19
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Service Brakes12
Vehicle Speed Control12
Exterior Lighting12
Structure9

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 7
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 7
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/Trunk — 3
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 47,700 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Fiat 500 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Sep 10, 2026
I am filing a complaint concerning a recurring gear shift failure in my 2012 fiat 500c. The same failure has occurred three times between June 10 and September 8, 2026. On June 10, 2026 I was able to move shift lever but the transmission remained in reverse and would not shift into another gear despite multiple attempts. I did not know what the cause or problem was and had no knowledge that it might be related to a safety recall. I had vehicle towed to an independent repair shop who subsequently diagnosed a faulty gear shifter and replaced it and this restored the vehicles operation. The shop…
Power Train · reported May 12, 2026
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.
Unknown or Other · reported Oct 8, 2025
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
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 20, 2025
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…
Suspension · reported Feb 6, 2025
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.

Other Fiat 500 years

Compare all Fiat 500 years · All Fiat models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Fiat 500: 19V-817 (power train), 16V-302 (power train), 11V-550 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Fiat 500?

Owners report power train problems most often (203 reports), followed by electrical system (63). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 47,700 miles.

Are Fiat recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Fiat dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.