2018 Fiat 500: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Fiat 500 has 20 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and wheels. 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 2018 model year

20
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Fiat 500 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

visibility
4
wheels
4
service brakes
4
seats
4

Recalls affecting the 2018 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 …

tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Campaign 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 requiremen…

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 5002015 5002013 5002011 500
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