2011 Fiat 500: common problems and reliability

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 automatic transmission failures: complete failure requiring replacement, harsh/jerky shifting when cold, inability to shift out of first gear, expensive repairs ($4,500+). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2011 model year

1
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Fiat 500 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2011 a good year for the 500?

Across the 6 500 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2011) to 341 (2013). With 1 complaints, the 2011 500 sits belowthe model's median of 20.

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

service brakes
1

Recalls affecting the 2011 500

power train:manual transmission:floor shift assembly

Campaign 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

What owners say across generations

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.

  • Automatic transmission failures: Complete failure requiring replacement, harsh/jerky shifting when cold, inability to shift out of first gear, expensive repairs ($4,500+). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical 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). Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the 500. See the full 500 owner picture and every model year.

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