2013 Fiat 500: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Fiat 500 has 341 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. 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 2013 model year

341
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
19
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Fiat 500 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
155
engine
46
electrical system
42
fuel/propulsion system
28
air bags
21

Recalls affecting the 2013 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 …

power train:manual transmission

Campaign 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 fa…

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 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…

power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift

Campaign 19V817000

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.

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. The 1.2L FIRE engine is specific

  • 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.
  • Clutch and release bearing failure (Manual models) — Squeaking/whining noise when depressed, requiring complete clutch kit and flywheel replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Suspension and bearing noise — Clunky suspension, wheel bearing whine at higher speeds, often requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the 500.

Other 500 model years

2020 5002019 5002018 5002015 5002011 500
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