Power
Combined, EPA 2023
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on vehicle age, mileage, and powertrain.
9 problems reported (2 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failures
Complete failure requiring replacement, harsh/jerky shifting when cold, inability to shift out of first gear, expensive repairs ($4,500+).
- Very frequentElectrical system gremlins
Intermittent no-crank/no-start conditions, faulty clutch switch relays, blown fuses (F11), malfunctioning instrument clusters, trunk latches failing, headlights not turning off due to faulty Body Control Modules (BCM).
- RecurrentClutch and release bearing failure (Manual models)
Squeaking/whining noise when depressed, requiring complete clutch kit and flywheel replacement.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentEngine misfires and sensor issues
P0101 MAF errors causing limp mode, P0299/P1068/P2178 codes on Abarth models, rough idle, attributed to spark plugs, coil packs, vacuum leaks, or purge valves.
- RecurrentSuspension and bearing noise
Clunky suspension, wheel bearing whine at higher speeds, often requiring replacement.
- RecurrentInterior component failures
Window regulator clips breaking repeatedly, armrests and door handles snapping off.
- RecurrentOil and vacuum leaks
Leaks from spark plug tube seals, valve cover gaskets, vacuum pump gaskets, and dried/cracked breather hoses.
- IsolatedTurbocharger failure (Turbo models)
Complete failure of the turbo unit, with high replacement cost and part scarcity.
- IsolatedVehicle stalling while driving
Engine shutting off momentarily at low speeds (<35 mph / 56 km/h) and restarting, potentially related to camshaft or crankshaft sensors.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim or version. Feedback suggests the manual transmission models are preferred to avoid the notorious automatic transmission issues. The 1.2L naturally aspirated engine is praised for its reliability, while turbocharged models (e.g., TwinAir, Abarth) introduce additional complexity and potential failure points like turbocharger units.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mini Cooper, Toyota iQ, Scion iQ, Smart Fortwo and Mazda2.
Is the 500 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on vehicle age, mileage, and powertrain. The vehicle is consistently praised for its compact size, ease of parking, stylish design, and practicality as a second urban runabout. The 1.2L FIRE engine is specifically highlighted as a "fantastically reliable" and robust unit with good fuel economy. However, owner feedback reveals a very high frequency of significant mechanical and electrical failures, particularly in automatic transmissions and in vehicles approaching or exceeding 100,000 miles. The consensus indicates the Fiat 500 is a "heart over head" purchase: enjoyable and practical when functioning correctly, but prone to expensive, recurrent repairs that can quickly exceed the vehicle's value, leading to widespread regret among owners who experience major failures.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more stylish and compact alternative to mainstream subcompacts like the Honda Fit or Mazda2, but at a significant reliability penalty. Compared to the Mini Cooper, it is noted as being smaller and sometimes less powerful. The Toyota iQ is frequently cited as a superior alternative for city use, praised for a smoother transmission (CVT vs. Fiat's AMT), easier parking, lower running costs, and greater reliability. Against mainstream sedans like the Toyota Corolla, the Fiat 500 is viewed as a niche, fun second car that is not suitable as a primary, reliable vehicle for long-distance travel.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly recommended over any automatic (AMT or DDCT) due to widespread, severe reliability concerns. The 1.2L engine is recommended for its proven reliability. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is considered essential, with a specific check for completed transmission recalls. Owners recommend verifying the timing belt has been replaced if the vehicle is near or over 86,000 miles. An extended warranty is frequently suggested for peace of mind.
General recommendations
Suitable only as a second vehicle for urban use by owners who value style and parking ease over long-term reliability and low running costs. Not recommended as a primary or only vehicle, especially for owners who cannot perform basic repairs themselves. Buyers must be financially and mentally prepared for unexpected repairs costing $500-$1,000+ annually. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Fiats is non-negotiable. Focus on low-mileage examples with full service history, and prioritize manual transmission models. Avoid automatic transmissions entirely. Budget immediately for a timing belt replacement if not recently documented. Be prepared to negotiate aggressively, as repair costs can quickly surpass the car's purchase price.
Remarks
The reliability crisis is heavily concentrated in the automated manual transmission (AMT/Dualogic) and dual-clutch (DDCT) units, with failures occurring as early as 58,000 miles. A significant number of 2014 models were subject to a transmission recall; checking VIN for recall completion is critical. The 1.2L FIRE engine is a notable exception to the poor reliability narrative, widely regarded as durable and non-interference, reducing risk if the timing belt fails. High mileage (80,000+ miles) is repeatedly identified as the threshold where vehicles enter a "fix-it-every-month" phase of ownership. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions spanning models from 2011-2016.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
500 (312)2009–20261,912 complaints · 25 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): power train (899) · electrical system (338) · engine (259)
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2009-2026 312 Fiat 500 describe it as a genuinely fun, stylish, and lightweight car that is hard to match at its price point for driving enjoyment, with many long-term owners reporting trouble-free ownership past 100,000 miles.
22 problems reported (1 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 15 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCheap hard interior plastics and rattles
- RecurrentWindow regulator failure
- RecurrentDoor handles and seat components (seat adjustor, armrest, seatbelt casing) breaking
+ 19 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRear hatch wiring shorting so the hatch will not open
- RecurrentBulbs burning out faster than usual
- RecurrentAutomatic transmission shifting hard or jerking in sport mode
- RecurrentBattery failure causing electrical gremlins (lights and dashboard freaking out)
- IsolatedClutch failure
- IsolatedTransmission rebuild and subsequent failure
- IsolatedStarter failure
- IsolatedStarting issue where holding the clutch before turning the key produces only a click
- IsolatedBrakes wearing out unusually early
- IsolatedWheel bearing replacement
- IsolatedThermostat replacement
- IsolatedManifold gasket failure causing a coolant leak
- IsolatedOil pressure light coming on due to sensor location rather than actual low pressure
- IsolatedSide cladding and side skirts coming off
- IsolatedPassenger window failing shortly after purchase
- IsolatedA/C slow to heat up or cool down
- IsolatedBouncy ride over bumps
- IsolatedCambelt replacement due around 152,000 miles per the owner's manual
- IsolatedSpark plugs due every 33,000 miles
Is a 2009–2026 500 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2012. Years to avoid: 2014, 2012Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Fiat 500 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 25 | 2 | visibility |
| 2017 | 66 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 70 | 4 | power train |
| 2015 | 272 | 4 | power train |
| 2014 | 364 | 4 | power train |
| 2013 | 326 | 4 | power train |
| 2012 | 788 | 4 | power train |
| 2011 | 1 | 1 | unknown or other |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices25 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2018 · power train:manual transmission:floor shift assemblycampaign 19E044000
DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
2018 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 24V474000
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."
2017 · power train:manual transmission:floor shift assemblycampaign 19E044000
DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
2017 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 24V474000
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."
2016 · power train:manual transmission:floor shift assemblycampaign 19E044000
DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
2016 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 16V667000
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."
2016 · power train:manual transmissioncampaign 16V302000
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.
2016 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 24V474000
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."
2015 · power train:manual transmission:floor shift assemblycampaign 19E044000
DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
2015 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 15V291000
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.
2015 · power train:manual transmissioncampaign 16V302000
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.
2015 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 24V474000
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."
2014 · power train:manual transmission:floor shift assemblycampaign 19E044000
DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
2014 · power train:manual transmissioncampaign 16V302000
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.
2014 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 15V291000
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.
10 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 312
1.4 MultiAir
1.4L 4-cylinder · 135 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2015–2019