Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Fiat 500, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train201
- Electrical system63
- Engine51
- Unknown or other36
- Air bags32
- Suspension21
- Steering19
- Fuel/propulsion system19
- Vehicle speed control12
- Service brakes12
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 17 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 14 2012 500 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 14 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2012 Fiat 500 failed the safety check 2.01% of the time — 20% less often than the average 2012 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 79,006 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2012
137,066 new Fiat 500 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2012; the largest markets were Italy (41,468), the United Kingdom (32,841), Germany (17,432).
- Average mass
- 998 kg
- Average power
- 54 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 90% · LPG 5.2% · Diesel 4.6%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2012 Fiat 500 cars on Dutch roads are the 0.9 petrol (63 kW, 84 hp), 1.2 petrol (51 kW, 68 hp) and 1.4 petrol (99 kW, 133 hp), out of 6 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 0.9 petrol | 63 kW 84 hp | 3,971 |
| 1.2 petrol | 51 kW 68 hp | 3,527 |
| 1.4 petrol | 99 kW 133 hp | 121 |
| 1.4 petrol | 74 kW 99 hp | 58 |
| 1.4 petrol | 103 kW 138 hp | 54 |
| 1.4 petrol | 118 kW 158 hp | 22 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
7,776 first registered in 2012 are on Dutch roads; 38% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €17,070.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde5,192
- Band onvoldoende profiel3,035
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld1,907
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm1,492
- Band beschadigd1,341
- Schokdemper ondeugdelijk bevestigd1,185
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt1,084
- Uitlaatsysteem niet gasdicht / onveilige afvoer uitlaatgasse1,035
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
27,697 cars built in 2012 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 1,143 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 27,075 of these cars first registered in 2012 took their annual MOT test. 63% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2012 the figure was 66%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 18.4% | 12.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 13.6% | 14.3% |
| Brakes | 7.6% | 7.7% |
| Tyres | 7.3% | 7.0% |
| Visibility | 5.6% | 5.0% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 4.9% | 3.8% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
230 of these cars first registered in 2012 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 122,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
66 2012 cars are on the New Zealand register; 17% arrived as used imports, 82% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Early Release | ★★★☆☆ | 14.5 % |
| 2012 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Later Release | ★★★☆☆ | 14.7 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 3 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 7.1–7.8 L/100 km (about 30–33 mpg US), CO₂ 163–179 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 7.9 | 6.2 | 7.1 |
| 500 Abarth · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 8.3 | 6.8 | 7.7 |
| 500 · Minicompact · Regular gasoline | 8.6 | 6.8 | 7.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
6 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 Fiat 500.
| 2024548 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
| 2019577 15 Nov 2019 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the shifter cable may detach. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears … |
| 2016217 12 May 2016 | Powertrain On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, clutch diaphragm springs may crack or become damaged, which could result in the driver being unable to … |
| 2015578 4 Dec 2015 | Lights And Instruments Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Customer Satisfaction Notification Program involving certain vehicles equipped with automatic t… |
| 2011400 14 Nov 2011 | Brakes Certain vehicles may have had their brake system inadvertently filled with contaminated brake fluid during vehicle assembly. This could damage certain brake co… |
| 2011315 23 Aug 2011 | Label On certain vehicles, the compliance label indicates the vehicle type in the unilingual text "PASSENGER CAR" instead of using text in both official languages, or… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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 fail, causing an inability to switch gears.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. SOME VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID AND MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF THE SEALING COMPONENTS WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Fiat told its dealers about the 2012 Fiat 500: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10248517 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10244356 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10242717 | Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used |
| 10236933 | wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK |
| 10230180 | Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle. |
| 10229871 | Dielectric Grease This product is no longer approved for use on ignition coil and spark plug boots. Current plug boot material(silicone) is not compatible with this grease and can cause deterioration over time. |
| 10229572 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10229177 | Part Description: Armrest Issue Description: When ordering a replacement armrest for a FIAT 500 VEHICLE built prior to 4/23/2012, a new FRAME-FRONT SEAT BACK is required (68194579AA). ~ Refer to DealerConnect, TechConnect for repair instructions for this assembly. |
| 10227983 | If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. |
| 10225424 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10225287 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10224899 | 1.4L FIRE Service Engine (Normally Aspirated) This engine in this kit will contain one of 8 different production full dress engines, but labeled as component engine 68275870AA or 71AA. The received engine will be configured for use with an automatic transmission, (includes auto transmission adapter plate / flexplate) or manual transmission. (includes flywheel / clutch asm) The received engine will be configured with or without a block heater. If required, dealer to purchase/install the block heater. The included instruction sheet K6855863AB in engine kit 68275870AA is to be followed f |
| 10223855 | Washer Fluid Level Sensor Prior to replacing this part due to "Low Washer Fluid" tell tale light on the dash and the washer fluid bottle is full, please perform the this inspection. Inspect the sensor for a fluid coating on the sensor pins. Orange colored rain repellant can cause this fluid build-up. Clean the pins, drain the reservoir, and fill with Mopar approved washer fluid. Check to determine if the issue has been resolved. Continue with repair if necessary. Also, please inform the customer not to use Rain-X in the system to avoid this issue. Please contact Chuck Hood at cell (248 |
| 10223599 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10223598 | Part Description: Armrest Issue Description: When ordering a replacement armrest for a FIAT 500 VEHICLE built prior to 4/23/2012, a new FRAME-FRONT SEAT BACK is required (68194579AA). ~ Refer to DealerConnect, TechConnect for repair instructions for this assembly. |
| 10221822 | HVAC Control Panel Illumination Inoperative |
| 10221594 | Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle. |
| 10221511 | Part Description: Armrest Issue Description: When ordering a replacement armrest for a FIAT 500 VEHICLE built prior to 4/23/2012, a new FRAME-FRONT SEAT BACK is required (68194579AA). ~ Refer to DealerConnect, TechConnect for repair instructions for this assembly. |
| 10221150 | Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders |
| 10221097 | Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repair |
| 10221036 | Front Suspension Clunk Noise While Making Left And Right Turns This bulletin involves replacing the front strut jounce bumpers. Clunk noise coming from the front suspension. Noise may be more noticeable during cold temperatures below 40F (4C). Noise may be eliminated with warmer temperatures. |
| 10220427 | Front And/Or Rear Emblems Bubbling And/Or Fading This bulletin involves replacing the rear FIAT emblem and inspecting and if necessary replacing the front FIAT emblem. Front And/Or Rear Emblems Bubbling And/Or Fading |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Electrical overstress
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation