2013 Fiat 500: common problems and reliability
· 312One of the weaker 500 years.
326 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 500?The 2013 Fiat 500 has 326 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag cheap hard interior plastics and rattles.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Fiat 500 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 500 years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the 500?
Across the 8 500 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2011) to 788 (2012). With 326 complaints, the 2013 500 sits above 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 2013 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.
power train:manual transmission
Campaign 16V302000Chrysler (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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 15V291000Chrysler (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.
power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Campaign 19V817000Chrysler (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 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 2013 ranks against the rest.
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