2011 Fiat 500: common problems and reliability
· 312One of the best 500 years.
The best Fiat 500 year (few owner reports). All 500 years
1 owner complaint, most about service brakes. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2011 500?The 2011 Fiat 500 has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes. Owners most often flag cheap hard interior plastics and rattles.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Fiat 500 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 500 years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the 500?
Across the 8 500 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2011) to 788 (2012). With 1 complaints, the 2011 500 sits below the model's median of 272.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 500
power train:manual transmission:floor shift assembly
Campaign 19E044000DLT, 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.
What owners report on the 312 500
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.
- Very frequentCheap hard interior plastics and rattles
- RecurrentWindow regulator failure
- RecurrentDoor handles and seat components (seat adjustor, armrest, seatbelt casing) breaking
- RecurrentRear hatch wiring shorting so the hatch will not open
- RecurrentBulbs burning out faster than usual
Owner insights for the 312 500. Read the full 312 owner report.
Other 500 model years
Compare every 500 year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 500 against its rivals
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