2018 Fiat 500 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
5 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
12,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data updated: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Seats is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 5 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 20.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Seats | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices | 1 |
| Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | 1 |
Seats: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1; Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices: 1; Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2023: 1; 2024: 2
Pattern summary
Seats leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11257408 · 2019-09-23 (September 23, 2019)
CAR HAS 12XXX MILES ON IT - 80% OF WHICH BEING FREEWAY MILES. BROUGHT INTO THE DEALER TODAY FOR A COMPLAINT OF THE CAR DIVING TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AGGRESSIVELY AT THOSE SPEEDS. DISCS, PADS, AND CALIPERS ALL FOUND TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION. INTERNET FORUMS ARE CRAWLING WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. DEALER TEST DROVE AN IDENTICAL MODEL WITH ONLY 83 MILES ON IT AND EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A PERFORMANCE CAR WITH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT IN ONE OF ITS MOST IMPORTANT SYSTEMS. DEALER REPORTED ALL TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 12,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11257408 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
5 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 19449.0%ODI 10536743 · 39,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE KEY BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. | 7747.0%ODI 10717395 · 20,600 miTECH FOUND TRANSMISSION LEAKING AND SEALED WITH EPOXY. SECOND LEAK WAS UNAWARE A REPAIR HAD BEEN MADE UNTIL I RETURNED CAR TO DEALER FOR A LEAK FOUND MY OIL CAN HENRY'S | 6552.4%ODI 10561386 · 8,000 miCAR DOES NOT SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE. INSTRUMENT PANEL RELAYS MANY WARNINGS (GEAR NOT AVAILABLE, TRANSMISSION WARNING, SEEK SERVICE) AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THIS IS OCCURRING DAILY NOW AND FIAT DOES NOT HAVE A FIX. CODES CAN BE CLEARED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TRANSMISSION MODULE IS WHERE THE WARNINGS ARE STORED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO LET THE CAR WARM UP FOR 2 MINUTES BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO DRIVE. *TR | 3032.6%ODI 10882560TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V302000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.....UPDATED 08/29/16 *BF UPDATED 08/31/16.*JB | 857.1%ODI 10760850 · 617 miTHE CAR STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, STARTED TO GIVE ERROR MESSAGES AND TURNED ON ENGINE SERVICE, TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKES LIGHTS. A FEW SECONDS AFTER WE JUST GOT THE MESSAGE: DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS AND MY FAMILY AND I WERE IN A TERRIBLE RISK OF HAVE A PRETTY BAD ACCIDENT. WE ARE REALLY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAPPENED TO US, WE COULD DIE THAT NIGHT. | 321.4%ODI 11102295 · 5,500 miCAR HAS MOVED OUT OF "PARK" 4 TIMES AND THE LAST TIME ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVE WAY AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. I WANT TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE RETURNED AND GET ANOTHER CAR. WE TOOK THIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO FOR ELECTRONIC GAUGE AND SYSTEM PROBLEMS. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I DON'T BELIEVE THEM ANYMORE. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 5513.9%ODI 10434217 · 4,500 miCAR WAS STALLING AND SHUTTING OFF. HAD MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. COULDN'T START THE CAR AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS. THEN AFTER WAITING A GOOD 3 MINUTES STARTED THE CAR AND REVVED THE ENGINE AT 4000 RPM AND EVERYTHING SEEMED BACK TO NORMAL. DEALER HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE. *TR | 169.8%ODI 10650239 · 39,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FIAT 500. WHILE TURNING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE COMPUTER BE REPROGRAMMED. THE REPAIR FAILED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. | 2217.7%ODI 10542985 · 60 miAFTER A WEEK, CAR MIL STARTED TO BLINK , BUT MANUAL MENTIONS IT CAN BE DRIVE AND COMPUTER MAY RESET ITSELF, BUT THEN MALFUNCTION LAMP WAS ON ALL TIME , AND THEN CAR STARTED TO STALL , TO STOP COMPLETELY . STARTED CAR JUST TO PARK IT, THEN WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM EXHAUST WHEN REVERSING . IMMEDIATELY TOWED CAR TO REPAIR SHOP, IT TOOK 3 WEEKS FOR REPAIR AS PARTS ARE NOT EASY AVAILABLE. PARTS AFFECTED ARE: MULTI AIR ACTUATOR , GASKET NO, GASKET CY , AND WIRING EN. *TR | 2628.3%ODI 10723210 · 350 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS AND SPEEDOMETER BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 350. | 321.4%ODI 10894320 · 4,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK WHILE USING THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. | 535.7%ODI 11352416 · 17 miTHE MILES INDICATOR FLASHES. PURCHASED 8/21/17 AND STILL FLASHES. DEALERSHIP: TOBIN FIAT 2550 S. JONES BLVD. LAS VEGAS, NV89146 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 5112.9%ODI 10490078 · 1,400 miMULTIPLE OCCASIONS, PROBABLY > 10 TIMES IN PAST TWO MONTHS. AT LOW STEADY SPEED, SUCH AS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, WHEN I LET UP ON GAS PEDAL, THE CAR DOES NOT SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY. ONE EXPECTS THE IMMEDIATE, SLIGHT FEELING OF DECELERATION ON THE BODY, BUT IT DOESN'T COME RIGHT AWAY. USUALLY IT LASTS ABOUT ONE SECOND. IT HAS LASTED UP TO THREE SECONDS. RECENTLY THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STEADILY AT 30MPH, I LET UP ON ACCELERATOR ENTERING A 20MPH ZONE, AND CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY. THIS WAS THE OCCASION IT TOOK 3 SECONDS. I HAVE BEEN… | 2213.4%ODI 10574704 · 4,600 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATE. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN RESTARTED, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOUR TIMES FOR THE RECURRING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,600. | 1915.3%ODI 10532417 · 2,600 miTODAY IS THE 30TH DAY OF THE PURCHASE OF MY CAR AND HAVEN'T MAKE A PAYMENT YET. WHILE DRIVING IN THE NORMAL MORNING COMMUTE TRAFFIC AT 5 TO 10 MILES PER HOUR AND MAKING FREQUENT STOPS DUE TO THE TRAFFIC JAM, SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE AIR VENT. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THAT THE VENT WAS OPEN TO THE OUTSIDE AND THE SMELL BELONGED TO A TRAILER NEXT TO ME; BUT NO... THE AIR WAS CIRCULATING FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR HEAVY SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING TO SET ON FIRE, I WAS TRAPPED BE… | 1213.0%ODI 10726162 · 1,850 miFIAT 500 ABARTH 2015 AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT 30 MIN. I PARKED THE CAR AND AFTER RETURNING TO LEAVE I STARTED THE CAR BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND THE ENGINE JUST DIED. TRIED TO START IT 3 TIMES WITH NO CRANKING SOUND. PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED THE CAR BACK INTO PARKING SPACE. 5 MINUTES LATER STARTED THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON BUT NOT BLINKING. I DECIDED TO REMOVE THE GAS CAP AND PUT IT BACK ON. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON FOR ABOUT A DAY AND THEN WENT OUT. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT.. THE … | 321.4%ODI 10760850 · 617 miTHE CAR STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, STARTED TO GIVE ERROR MESSAGES AND TURNED ON ENGINE SERVICE, TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKES LIGHTS. A FEW SECONDS AFTER WE JUST GOT THE MESSAGE: DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS AND MY FAMILY AND I WERE IN A TERRIBLE RISK OF HAVE A PRETTY BAD ACCIDENT. WE ARE REALLY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAPPENED TO US, WE COULD DIE THAT NIGHT. | 214.3%ODI 11032227 · 1,700 miUSING A LARGE AND RELATIVELY HEAVY KEY RING AND INADVERTENTLY HITTING IT WHILE ADJUSTING THE RADIO CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET ON THREE OCCASIONS. REMOVING THE KEY RING AND USING THE KEY WITHOUT A RING SOLVED THE PROBLEM. AFTER REMOVING THE KEY RING THERE WERE NO MORE INCIDENTS. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 1100.0%ODI 11048560TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500 SPORT.... CONTACT STATED VEHICLE HAS 23000 MILES,,, CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM THE VEHICLE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED... WENT TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS... CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP FILED A FALSE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT... STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM HE HAD TO PAY FOR NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS DUE TO VEHICLE HAVING NO WARRANTY.. [XXX]... 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN.... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR | 369.1%ODI 10638292 · 3,000 miSHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE I BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH A SOFT CLUTCH OR A STUCK CLUTCH. USUALLY WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO DOWNSHIFT OR COME TO A STOP THE CLUTCH PEDAL WILL LOSE ALL PRESSURE AND EITHER BECOME STUCK TO THE FLOOR OR NOT OPERATE NORMALLY. UPON STOPPING AND PUMPING THE CLUTCH SOME PRESSURE WILL RETURN AND THE CLUTCH WILL OPERATE ABNORMALLY FOR A SHOT TIME BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL FEEL. USUALLY THE CLUTCH WILL GET STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND I WILL BE UNABLE TO PULL THE CAR OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING 5… | 1811.0%ODI 10888772I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FCA US LLC REGARDING MY VEHICLE'S SAFETY RECALL (S34 / NHTSA 16V-302) ABOUT A MONTH A HALF NOW. EVERY TIME I TRY TO REACH FIAT OR THE FCA RECALL ASSISTANCE CENTER, THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THE PART HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED. PER THE FCA'S NOTICE IT INDICATES THE FOLLOWING "THE INABILITY TO DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH, SHIFT GEARS AND/OR LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING". IT'S BEEN OVER A MONTH THAT I GET IN MY CAR WONDERING WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN --WILL I CRASH, GET HURT OR EVEN DIE DUE TO THIS?!!? YE… | 1512.1%ODI 10608610 · 19,278 miINTERMITTENT NO CRANK NO START, WHEN TURNING THE KEY TI TO START THE CAR THE ENGINE DOES NOT ENGAGE ON THE FIRST TRY. YOU CAN HEAR THE CLICKING OF THE STARTER AND ALL ELECTRONICS POWER UP BUT ENGINE DOES NOT ENGAGE AND START, SIMILAR TO NOT HAVING ENOUGH COMPRESSION IN THE ENGINE. AS TIME PASSES THE MORE FREQUENT THE ISSUE BECOMES. 5/23/14 1ST VISIT TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, UPDATED POWERTRAIN MODULE. RETURNED CAR TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 5/29/14 FOR SAME NO START ISSUE, SOFTWARE UPDATE AND REPROGRAMMED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE SOFTWARE. 6/9/14 C… | 1516.3%ODI 10725059 · 300 miBLUETOOTH DISPLAY SAFETY ISSUE. A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2015 FIAT 500 ABARTH, THE DISPLAY FOR BLUETOOTH / BLUE&ME STOPPED WORKING ON THE CENTRAL CLUSTER DISPLAY. (I.E. NO INFO DISPLAY WHEN A CALL COMES IN, NO ACCESS TO PHONEBOOK). TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO RESET IT. WORKED FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND FAILED AGAIN, SO TOOK IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CTM (CONVERGENCE TELEMATICS MODULE). THE NEW CTM THEN CAUSED INTERFERENCE TO THE SATELLITE RADIO, SO NOTIFIED THE DEALER. WAITED A WEEK AND NO RESPONSE, SO DECIDED TO CALL… | 214.3%ODI 11258624 · 12,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE MANUAL CLUTCH FAILED AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM CHANGING GEARS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A CEMENT BARRIER TO AVOID TRAFFIC. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CAUSING THE CONTACT'S HEAD TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT INJURED HER NECK, LEFT SHOULDER, AND LEFT FOOT. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY FAMILY MEMBERS. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE … | 214.3%ODI 11283047 · 27,000 miTHERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY ID… | 120.0%ODI 11601747I was notified of the recall for my car and took it to the dealer. The dealer told me there is no fix for this recall and that they could not do anything about it sending me away. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 328.1%ODI 10458413 · 2,999 miTHE AIRBAG FAILURE WARNING LIGHT HAS CONSISTENTLY ACTIVATED ON MY NEW FIAT SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. HAVE RETURNED THE CAR FOR SERVICE TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES REGARDING THIS ISSUE; MANY TIMES THE DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT THEY SHOW NO INDICATION OF THE AIRBAG FAILURE LIGHT BEING ACTIVATED. SINCE THEN, I HAVE TAKEN NUMEROUS PHOTOS WITH MY PHONE OF THE AIRBAG FAILURE WARNING LIGHT BEING TRIGGERED AS THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEEMED TO NEED MORE EVIDENCE OF THIS OCCURRENCE. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED AND I AM S… | 106.1%ODI 10550172 · 13,300 miEXPERIENCED REPEATED FAILURE OF THE AIR BAG SAFETY SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR FOUR TIMES AND FAILURE REOCCURED AT BETWEEN 1 AND 80 MILES DISABELING THE AIR BAG SAFETY SYSTEM. *TR | 54.0%ODI 10759957 · 18,000 miDRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WARNING LIGHTS CYCLED THROUGH FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER INDICATING ISSUES WITH ESC , DTS, A SPROCKET WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT, A CAR ON ROUGH TERRAIN, THIS CONTINUED AS I TRAVELED DOWN THE ROAD...ALL OF THESE LIGHTS ARE INDICATORS OF ISSUES WITH THE ABS SYSTEM I MOVED TO THE RIGHT LANE STEERING WAS DIFFERENT I WAS TRYING TO GET OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT HOWEVER AS TRAFFIC SLOWED I WAS UNABLE TO STOP MY VEHICLE AND MY BRAKES REACTED DIFFERENTLY WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND I REAR ENDED THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME | 22.2%ODI 10821308 · 4,500 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AFTER THE CRASH, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500. | 214.3%ODI 11258624 · 12,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE MANUAL CLUTCH FAILED AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM CHANGING GEARS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A CEMENT BARRIER TO AVOID TRAFFIC. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CAUSING THE CONTACT'S HEAD TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT INJURED HER NECK, LEFT SHOULDER, AND LEFT FOOT. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY FAMILY MEMBERS. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE … | 17.1%ODI 11478045THE LIGHT THAT INFORMS OF AN AIR BAG PROBLEM GOES ON. THE DEALER SHIP REPAIRS AND A WEEK LATER THE LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. BACK TO DEALERSHIP,FIXES PROBLEM? LIGHT GOES ON IN A DAY. THIS THURSDAY 8/11/22 WILL BE THE 4TH ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE AIR BAG ISSUE. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 194.8%ODI 10470012 · 8,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHRYSLER FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY MOVE TO THE FULL MARK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO GET IT TO RESTART. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD NEED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 8,000. | 127.3%ODI 10619350 · 22,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THERE WAS A ROCK OR METAL PIECE THAT HIT THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL FROM THE GAS TANK LEAKED OUT OF THE TANK AND ONTO THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE DIAGNOSIS ON THE VEHICLE WAS A FAULTY FUEL TANK. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS COMPLETED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. | 21.6%ODI 10743540I HAD MY RADIO REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE SCREEN WAS HAVING SOME DISTORTION ISSUES AND ALSO IT WAS CREATING A LOT OF HEAT,SO IT WAS REPLACED AND NOW IT'S STARTING TO SHORT OUT AND THEY CANT SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHY ITS DOING IT! THE VOLUME GOES UP AND DOWN ONCE IN AWHILE BY ITSELF AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE THAT OUT EITHER! ALSO MY WIFE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING A LACK OF POWER WHEN SHE'S DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO PAST 50MPH,AND THEN IT STARTS TO SHAKE PRETTY BAD! SHE HAS TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF WAIT 2 MINUTES AND T… | 66.5%ODI 11193125 · 92,000 miTHE RECALL WAS STOPPED AT 74 000 MILES AND NOW I NEED TO BUY A NEW CARE I HAVE AN OIL LEAK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF\ENGINE BY THE CAM SEAL, ACTUATOR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.1%ODI 11375410 · 32,000 miCAR STOPPED AND QUICKLY SLOWED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD VERY LITTLE TIME TO STEER CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE RBS/ABS SYSTEM STARTED SLOWING THE CAR ON ITS OWN. I HAD ONLY BEEN GOING 30 MPH, HOWEVER HAD I BEEN IN A CENTER LANE ON A FREEWAY AT 60 MPH, I WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 194.8%ODI 10434222 · 600 miAXLE IS MAKING CRACKING NOISES AND DEALER SAID THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE AFTER 2 ATTEMPTS. NOISE IS GETTING LOUDER. FIRST STARTED AT 600 MILES. SAFETY ISSUE. *TR | 74.3%ODI 10605729 · 500 miCENTER EMBLEM KEEPS COMING OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE STEERING WHEEL REVEALING THE AIRBAG BEHIND IT. I KEEP "POPPING" IT BACK IN PLACE, BUT IT DOES NOT STAY. THE NEAREST DEALER FOR REPAIRS IS 90 MILES AWAY. I SCHEDULED A TIME FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT, BUT NOW HAVE TO BRING IT IN AGAIN SO THEY CAN KEEP IT LONGER TO DETERMINE IF IT JUST NEEDS THAT PIECE REPAIRED OR IF I NEED A WHOLE NEW STEERING WHEEL. I CAN ONLY HOPE THE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY FROM BEHIND THIS LOOSE PIECE AS IT IS CLEARLY NOT ATTACHED TO ANYTHING. *TR | 64.8%ODI 10732235 · 16,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE COMPUTER CODES WERE RESET, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO MOVE IN REVERSE WHEN THE GEAR WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. | 55.4%ODI 11023341 · 10,000 miTHIS IS MY SECOND ATTEMPT TO GET HELP AS I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM HERE EITHER THIS IS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 03/21/2017 AND I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING. MY CLUTCH KEEPS SKIPPING TO NUTRAL WHEN I'M ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING 65MPH , I NEED THIS TO BE RESOLVED, I BEEN HAVING THIS ISSU FOR THE PAST YEAR AND HALF. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 17.1%ODI 11283047 · 27,000 miTHERE WAS A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. CAR PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED UNDER 10 MPH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. IN ADDITION UPON IMPACT THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE TOSSED TO THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED.*DT*JB CAIR# XXXXXXXX METLIFE CLAIM #XXXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY ID… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes | 1100.0%ODI 11048560TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500 SPORT.... CONTACT STATED VEHICLE HAS 23000 MILES,,, CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM THE VEHICLE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED... WENT TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS... CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP FILED A FALSE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT... STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM HE HAD TO PAY FOR NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS DUE TO VEHICLE HAVING NO WARRANTY.. [XXX]... 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN.... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR | 123.0%ODI 10498121 · 3,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN WATER PENETRATED THE REAR BRAKES, IT CAUSED THE BRAKES TO SEIZE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT 18,000. | 74.3%ODI 10717394 · 20,600 miAT LOW SPEEDS 20 MPH AND BELOW YOU COULD HEAR A GRINDING NOISE THAT SOUNDED MUCH LIKE BAD BRAKES BEARINGS. SECOND TIME WE SUGGESTED THIS PROBLEM. FIRST TIME THE TECH SAID HE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE. THIS TIME THEY FOUND BOTH OF THE REAR BEARING HAD BEEN COMPLETELY EATEN AWAY BY BRAKE DUST INSIDE THE BEARING ASSEMBLY. | 43.2%ODI 10759957 · 18,000 miDRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WARNING LIGHTS CYCLED THROUGH FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER INDICATING ISSUES WITH ESC , DTS, A SPROCKET WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT, A CAR ON ROUGH TERRAIN, THIS CONTINUED AS I TRAVELED DOWN THE ROAD...ALL OF THESE LIGHTS ARE INDICATORS OF ISSUES WITH THE ABS SYSTEM I MOVED TO THE RIGHT LANE STEERING WAS DIFFERENT I WAS TRYING TO GET OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT HOWEVER AS TRAFFIC SLOWED I WAS UNABLE TO STOP MY VEHICLE AND MY BRAKES REACTED DIFFERENTLY WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND I REAR ENDED THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME | 44.3%ODI 10759232 · 260 miBRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE THE FIRST TIME IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR FOR PARKING SPACE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY WHERE I TRIED TO HOLD THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING!!! I RETRIED AGAIN A SECOND TIME AND TOO LATE CAR WAS HIT TWICE IN THE FRONT DESTROYING WHOLE FRONT END. CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. I HAVE CONTACTED FIAT HQ TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS DEADLY SAFETY ISSUE. | 321.4%ODI 11051022 · 37,840 miTHE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, CAUSING A MINOR ACCIDENT (LITTLE DAMAGE TO BUMPERS OF BOTH VEHICLES). CAR WAS RETURNED HOME (1 MILE AWAY) WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON MOVING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY LATER THAT SAME AFTERNOON, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AGAIN WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE; HAD TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. *BF *TR | 214.3%ODI 11474371The PCM system does not work at all and brakes seem off, either they stop too hard or drag when pressing in them | 120.0%ODI 11257408 · 12,000 miCAR HAS 12XXX MILES ON IT - 80% OF WHICH BEING FREEWAY MILES. BROUGHT INTO THE DEALER TODAY FOR A COMPLAINT OF THE CAR DIVING TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AGGRESSIVELY AT THOSE SPEEDS. DISCS, PADS, AND CALIPERS ALL FOUND TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION. INTERNET FORUMS ARE CRAWLING WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. DEALER TEST DROVE AN IDENTICAL MODEL WITH ONLY 83 MILES ON IT AND EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A PERFORMANCE CAR WITH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT IN ONE OF ITS MOST IMPORTANT SYSTEMS. DEALER REPORTED ALL TH… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | Too few reports for a range | 5 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11141980 · 5 miBOUT THE CAR AND WAS CLEANING THE SEATS (I'M A SMOKER SO WIPING THE ASHES OFF) AND NOTICED A DEPRESSION/INDENTATION IN THE DRIVER SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT AS WELL AS A PLASTIC CORD INDER THE SEAT COVER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HAD THE DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD FIX THE PROBLEMS, WELL THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE SEATS EVEN WORSE DOING A CRAP JOB ON THE COVERS. VERY DISSATISFIED WITH FIAT AS WELL AS THE DEALERSHIP. |
| Service Brakes | Too few reports for a range | 12,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11257408 · 12,000 miCAR HAS 12XXX MILES ON IT - 80% OF WHICH BEING FREEWAY MILES. BROUGHT INTO THE DEALER TODAY FOR A COMPLAINT OF THE CAR DIVING TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AGGRESSIVELY AT THOSE SPEEDS. DISCS, PADS, AND CALIPERS ALL FOUND TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION. INTERNET FORUMS ARE CRAWLING WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. DEALER TEST DROVE AN IDENTICAL MODEL WITH ONLY 83 MILES ON IT AND EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A PERFORMANCE CAR WITH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT IN ONE OF ITS MOST IMPORTANT SYSTEMS. DEALER REPORTED ALL TH… |
| Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | Too few reports for a range | 53,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11534826 · 53,000 miThe contact owns a 2018 Fiat 500. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop and was informed that the lug nuts needed to be shattered to be replaced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000. |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2018: 2 complaints · 2019: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Seats | Service Brakes | Unknown Or Other | Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices | Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.