2013 Fiat 500 recalls and problems

The 2013 Fiat 500 has 3 safety recalls and 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Fiat dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
166
Crashes / fires
9 / 2
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Fiat 500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 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 15V-291: Power Train

Reported May 18, 2015 · 3,851 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015. The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) of the affected vehicles may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift to neutral.

Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EVCU, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R20.

2013 Fiat 500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train80
Engine22
Unknown or Other18
Electrical System17
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Air Bags10
Structure10
Exterior Lighting9
Steering7
Service Brakes7
Vehicle Speed Control5
Tires5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 8
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock — 1
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission › Column Shift Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,000 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 2013 Fiat 500 complaints

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

Power Train · at 117,627 miles · reported Oct 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the shifter cable bushing had failed. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train); however, the failure recurred 25 miles later. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the shifter cable bushing under the hood had detached again. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired with the part provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the…
Power Train · reported Sep 29, 2026
Gear cable broke. Automatic engine could not allow gears to shift. Would like for my vehicle to be included under NHTSA TECALL 19V-817. FCA Campaign Vb4.Fiat 500c 2012-13. MOPAR Fiat case #98205553.
Power Train · reported Apr 30, 2026
Systemic Hydraulic Defect & Safety Recall Circumvention I am reporting a critical safety defect in the clutch hydraulic system of my 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth, which directly mirrors the failures described in NHTSA Recalls 16V-302 and 20V-124. Diagnostic measurements confirm a 1.23mm hydraulic over-travel in the clutch release bearing/slave cylinder assembly. This over-travel causes the diaphragm spring to be over-extended, leading to the catastrophic failure of the pressure plate and subsequent inability to disengage the clutch. This poses an immediate safety risk of vehicle surge or inability to…
Power Train · reported Nov 4, 2025
While driving 40mph, pressed clutch and the transmission would not shift into gear. Car began to slow in traffic ans I was unable to accelerate as the clutch would not engage a gear. Mamaged to sagely get iff road. No fluid leaks found. Would shift into gear with car off. Gear selection works, not a shift cable issue.
Engine · reported Aug 14, 2025
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…

Other Fiat 500 years

Compare all Fiat 500 years · All Fiat models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Fiat 500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Fiat 500: 19V-817 (power train), 16V-302 (power train), 15V-291 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Fiat 500?

Owners report power train problems most often (80 reports), followed by engine (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,000 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.