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2012 Fiat 500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Fiat 500 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fluid and floor shift assembly. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Clutch diaphragm spring and gear-shift cable failure.” Modern US Fiats let an oil-life indicator call the service, with a hard cap: 8,000 miles or 6 months on 2012 and 2013 cars, 10,000 miles or 12 months from 2014 on. Respect the indicator; the MultiAir engine's clever hydraulic valve system is sensitive to tired or wrong-spec oil, and the MultiAir actuator is an expensive part to teach that lesson with. Turbo cars (Abarth, 500L, 500X 1.4, 124 Spider) need plugs every 30,000 miles, one of the shortest intervals on any modern car. The 124 Spider is a Mazda MX-5 chassis but follows this Fiat schedule, not Mazda's. The 500e EV skips oil, plugs, and belts entirely.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Campaign #11V550000 · Oct 11, 2011

Issue: 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.

Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY

Campaign #19E044000 · Mar 7, 2019

Issue: 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 a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.

Risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Campaign #16V302000 · May 16, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The remedy for this recall will include the installation of a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S34.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Campaign #19V817000 · Nov 15, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the transmission may not shift into the gear selected by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable adjuster, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB4.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Fiat 500.

Reported to NHTSA

Clutch diaphragm spring and gear-shift cable failure

POWER TRAIN

75 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2026-05

“STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGH PUT CAR IN NETURAL WHEN TRIED SWITCH INTO GEAR COULD NOT HAD TO PUSH CAR OFF ROAD IN HIGH TRAFIC ARE. ON LINE RECALL STATES DUE TO FRACTURE IN DIAPHRAGM CAUSING INABILITY TO SWITCH GEARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318406
“While driving it fails to switch gears.It gets stuck on first gear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423619
“FIRST OF ALL WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN MY CLUTCH STARTED FEELING LOOSE, 2 DAYS LATER CHANGING GEARS GETTING HARDER. I WAS TOLD BY A SHOP THAT I NEED TO REPLACE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, CLUTCH, & CLUTCH PLATE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ALL TAKEN CARE OF WITB THE RECALL?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350422

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank rollover valve blocking refueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

13 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2022-01

“WHEN FILLING UP WITH GAS - PUMP CLICKS OFF EVERY FEW SECONDS. TAKES A LONG TIME TO FILL TANK AT A VERY LOW RATE OF FLOW. MAKES IT EASY TO OVERFLOW! MY MECHANIC SAYS SOMETHING IS FAULTY WITH THE GAS TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11190205
“WHEN PUTTING FUEL IN TANK, I COULD ONLY PUT ABOUT ONE GALLON AND IT STARTED BUBBLING OUT OF TANK. FUEL ROLLOVER VALVE IS PROBLEM AND HAS TO BE REPLACED BY REPLACING ENTIRE FUEL TANK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND COVERED ON THE 2012 FIAT 500 POP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11190879
“GAS PUMP CONSTANTLY KICKS OFF WHILE PUMPING GAS. BASICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FILL CAR UP WITH GAS. HAVE TO CONSTANTLY SQUEEZE LITTLE BURSTS OF GAS IN A TIME BETWEEN GAS PUMPING KICKING OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182209

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hatch/trunk wiring harness failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2024-10

“TRUNK / HATCH PINCHED WIRE HARNESS CAUSING SHORT. COULD NOT OPEN TRUNK, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120030
“THE HATCH SWITCH HAS HAD TO BE REPAIRED 3 TIMES. ITS A DESIGN FLAW THAT SHORTS OUT THE SWITCH. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113549
“THIRD HIGH CENTER BRAKE LIKE WIRES KEEP BREAKING. THEY RUN ALONG ROOF TO TRUNK LID AND THE OPENING OF THE TRUNK LID CAUSES THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091517

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Starter motor grounding bolt and oil pressure failure

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2020-12

“JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE THAT OWNS A 2012 IT WON'T HOLD OIL PRESSURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384496
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120531
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11016007

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering shaft and suspension control-arm failure

STEERING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2025-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING IT IN EITHER DIRECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11083239
“While I was driving on a busy dyreet the warning light flashed and my car shut off, I was nearly hit by another vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11490546
“VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THIS PART WAS ALREADY REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY WITH FIAT ADMITTING THAT THE PART IS DEFECTIVE/SUBSTANDARD FOR PURPOSE IT FILLS IN THE CARS STEERING FUNCTIONALITY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154353

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2022-09

“PASSSENGER AIR BAGS CONSTANTLY WARNING ERROR AND DISABLING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002480
“AIRBAG COVER IS LOOSE AND I CAN SEE THE AIRBAG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350426
“WAS IN A CRASH AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NOT 1 AIR BAG DEPLOYED.HAPPENRD ON DEC. 9, 2020”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11385650

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter Change

Every 8,000 mi

As the indicator demands, capped at 8,000 miles or 6 months on 2012-13 cars and 10,000 miles or 12 months on 2014+. Use the specified oil; the MultiAir system depends on it. Not applicable to the 500e.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

MultiAir turbo (Abarth, 500L, 500X 1.4, 124 Spider): every 30,000 miles, short and real. Naturally aspirated 500: 100,000 miles. Owners report some late turbos moved to longer-life iridium plugs; confirm against your manual before stretching it.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Brake Fluid

Every 20,000 mi

Every 2 years on the factory chart, including the 500e.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

With every oil service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Checked at every service. On the 500e, regenerative braking saves pads but calipers still need exercise; have them checked for sticking.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Every 30,000 miles, inspected at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Timing Belt (1.4 MultiAir)

Every 150,000 mi

The 1.4 MultiAir in the 500, 500L, and 124 Spider is a belt-driven interference engine with a 150,000-mile or 15-year interval. Long, but a hard deadline; many owners do it earlier on age. The 2.4 in the 500X and the 500e have no belt.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Every 20,000 miles per the factory chart; about every 2 years on the 500e.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

Every 150,000 mi

Long-life OAT coolant: 10 years or 150,000 miles. The 500e's battery-loop coolant has no short interval; levels get checked at services.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

No normal-schedule change is published for the autos; around 60,000 miles under severe use per FCA practice, and a reasonable habit generally. Manuals: change on condition.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

32 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

21

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Fiat 500 reflects Fiat's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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