Generation-specific owner insights from 89+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2009–today 500?1,912
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2009–2026
25
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
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
Owners repeatedly point to the Abarth as the most problem-free version, with one owner stating that "only the Abarth version from what I heard has been mostly problem free but that has a totally different powertrain." Within the Abarth range, owners suggest 2014 and newer examples are preferable because the turbos and some steering parts were changed with the 2014 model year, and 2012-2013 cars "may have a few more issues." The 2015 and newer Abarth is also recommended by at least one owner. Among non-Abarth cars, the 2012 Pop and Sport with the manual transmission have owners reporting 100,000+ trouble-free miles, but this is not a consensus.
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Fiesta ST, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Mini Cooper and Volkswagen GTI.
Is a 2009–2026 500 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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. At the same time, the dominant criticism is build quality: cheap hard plastics, rattles, fragile interior components, and a general sense that "stuff breaks that doesn't break on other cars." Reliability is described by owners as merely average rather than dependable, with the common refrain that "you either got a good one or a bad one." Early cars (2012-2013) draw more specific complaints about transmissions, turbos, and steering parts, while owners suggest 2014 and newer examples saw revisions to the turbo and steering components. The Abarth trim is widely regarded as the most problem-free version because it uses a different powertrain.
Owners position the 500 as the most stylish and personality-rich option in its class, with one owner noting that Toyota "will never produce a product with this kind of original style & personality." Against the Fiesta ST, owners treat the Ford as the more reliable and sensible fun-car alternative, with several advising buyers to get a Fiesta ST instead if reliability is a concern. The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris are described as bland-looking but more practical, similarly efficient, and possibly more fun to drive, and owners note they cross-shopped all three. The GTI is mentioned as the car buyers might stretch to instead of an Abarth, though the 500's lower pricing keeps it competitive. Overall, owners frame the 500 as the emotional choice and its rivals as the rational ones.
Owners recommend the manual transmission over the automatic, with one owner reporting hard, jerky shifting in sport mode on a 2013 Sport automatic that was only minimally improved after dealer repair. Buyers are advised to seek a car with remaining powertrain warranty, and one owner specifically recommends extending the warranty to roughly 100,000 miles for peace of mind and better resale. Owners also advise buying the lowest-mileage example possible because values are low and the warranty coverage matters more than the price savings. For fuel, owners recommend premium 91 or 93 octane and avoiding ethanol blends, with one owner reporting a significant highway fuel economy difference between 93 and 91 octane.
This generation suits buyers who want a fun, lightweight, distinctive city and weekend car and who can accept average reliability and cheap interior materials. Owners strongly advise against buying one if reliability is the top priority, with one stating plainly: "If you're concerned about reliability do not buy a used performance orientated Fiat." Buyers should prefer 2014 and newer cars, especially Abarths, and should favor examples with remaining or extended warranty. A pre-purchase inspection is repeatedly recommended, and owners suggest checking transmission behavior in sport mode on automatic cars, listening for clicking noises in reverse, and inspecting window regulators, door handles, and the rear hatch wiring. Owners also caution that a significant accident in such a small car is a serious safety concern.
Owners note that resale values on this generation have tanked, which makes used examples cheap but also means buyers should prioritize warranty coverage over purchase price. One owner reported that a dealer mechanic said you either get a good one or a bad one, which summarizes the split ownership experience. Several owners report exceeding 100,000 miles with only wear items, including a 2012 with 130,000 trouble-free miles and a 2012 with 160,000 miles still going strong, while another reported roughly $4,000 in work over three years on a 2012. Spare tire pricing was a notable complaint, with a dealer quote of $450 for the tire plus mounting kit and owners suggesting aftermarket sources around $300 or junkyards. Analysis based on approximately 89 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| 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 |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
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."
2 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.