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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2011–2019

Fiat 500 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 810 owner complaints for the Fiat 500, covering model years 2011 to 2019. The 2012 model year drew the most complaints (396), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Fiat 500 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 6 recall campaigns on file
  • 810 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 9 model years with data (2011–2019)
  • most complaints: 2012 (396 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (389 complaints)
  • latest recall 24V474000 (reported Jun 25, 2024)
  • 48 complaints reporting a crash (5.9%)
  • 16 complaints reporting a fire (2.0%)
  • 34 complaints reporting an injury (4.2%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Fiat 500 complaints by model year

8 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2012 model year has the most complaints: 396 of 810, or 48.9%. Next come 2013 (164) and 2014 (124). The fewest are for 2011, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Fiat 500 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2011–2018Column chart of 810 complaints across 8 model years. The highest is 2012 with 396. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2011: 1 complaint120112012: 396 complaints39620122013: 164 complaints16420132014: 124 complaints12420142015: 92 complaints9220152016: 14 complaints1420162017: 14 complaints1420172018: 5 complaints52018
Fiat 500 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Fiat 500 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201110000
2012396214160
20131649260
20141249760
2015924330
2016143020
2017142010
201850000
All model years8104816340

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Fiat 500 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 389 complaints (48.0% of all 810), followed by Electrical System (136) and Engine (109).

Components named most often in Fiat 500 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Fiat 500 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train38948.0%
Electrical System13616.8%
Engine10913.5%
Unknown or Other9011.1%
Air Bags526.4%
Fuel/Propulsion System404.9%
Steering384.7%
Service Brakes344.2%
Structure324.0%
Exterior Lighting303.7%
Vehicle Speed Control293.6%
Suspension273.3%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)192.3%
Wheels182.2%
Seat Belts121.5%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Fiat 500 recalls

6 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name 500, newest first. The 6 campaigns cover model years 2012 to 2019. 5 model years tie for the most campaigns (3 each).

  • 6 recall campaigns
Fiat 500 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2012: 3 campaigns2013: 3 campaigns2014: 3 campaigns2015: 3 campaigns2016: 3 campaigns2017: 1 campaign2018: 1 campaign2019: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 24V474000

    Reported

    Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems

    Model years 2014–2019

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

    Consequence:
    A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V817000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift; Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 2012–2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    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.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  3. NHTSA campaign 16V667000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels; Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire

    Model year 2016

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016. The tire placard on the affected vehicles lists a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Consequence:
    If the spare tire is used while overinflated, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will add an overlay on the tire placard to the correct tire inflation information, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is S69.

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  4. NHTSA campaign 16V302000

    Reported

    Power Train › Manual Transmission

    Model years 2012–2016

    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.

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

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V291000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 2013–2015

    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.

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

    Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

  6. NHTSA campaign 11V550000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid

    Model year 2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    This could lead to loss of braking ability increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Fiat 500 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Fiat 500 have?

NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns for the Fiat 500, covering model years 2011 to 2019. The most recent, 24V474000, was reported on June 25, 2024 and is filed under “Tires”.

Which Fiat 500 model year has the most complaints?

The 2012 model year, with 396 of the 810 complaints in NHTSA’s file (48.9%). The next are 2013 (164) and 2014 (124). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Fiat 500 complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 389 complaints, or 48.0% of all 810. Electrical System (136) and Engine (109) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Fiat 500?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Fiat dealer.

How many Fiat 500 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 810 complaints, 48 report a crash, 16 a fire, 34 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Fiat models

4 models · most complaints first

The Fiat models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Fiat VIN decoder with every Fiat model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Fiat 500L 2014–2017 · 4 recalls · 209 complaints
  • Fiat 500X 2016–2023 · 6 recalls · 187 complaints
  • Fiat 124 Spider 2017–2020 · 3 recalls · 65 complaints
  • Fiat 500e 2013–2025 · 6 recalls · 52 complaints

All Fiat models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.