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2013 FIAT 500 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2013 FIAT 500 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering floor shift assembly and manual transmission. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Clutch pressure plate and diaphragm spring 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.

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4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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

Campaign #15V291000 · May 18, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (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.

Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EVCU, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R20.

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 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 FIAT 500.

Reported to NHTSA

Clutch pressure plate and diaphragm spring failure

POWER TRAIN

22 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2026-04

“The clutch cover diaphragm spring on the vehicle has fatigue and/or fracture. A failed clutch cover diaphragm spring has resulted in the inability to disengage the clutch, or shift gears”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634558
“WHEN YOU HIT THE PEDAL THE CLITCH DOES NOT DISENGAGE, MEANING THE CLUTCH IS ALWAYS ENGAGED AND YOU CANNOT SHIFT GEARS. I PERSONALLY INSPECTED THE CLUTCH SYSTEM FROM THE PEDAL TO THE CLUTCH ARM AND CAN SEE THE CLUTCH DISENGAGEMENT ARM MOVING WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11353357
“MY 2013 FIAT POP WAS CALLED IN FOR A RECALL ON THE CLUTCH PLATE AND SPRING. DESERT FIAT OF VICTORVILLE MADE THE REPAIR AND I DROVE IT UNTIL JUNE 6,WHEN THE CLUTCH FAILED AND I HAD IT TOWED TO THEIR SERVICE CENTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11024137

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Shift cable and cable bushing failure

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2025-11

“WHILE DRIVING TO MY HOUSE, I PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERS (A 5-SPEED STICK SHIFT), AND MY STICK SHIFT CABLE BROKE. MY VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337879
“TRANSMISSION LOST GEARS WHILE MERGING WITH TRAFFIC. DUE TO SHIFTER CABLE BUSHING FAILURE. LOST 3RD, 4TH & 5TH YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140088
“WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE OUT OF A PARKING STRUCTURE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SHIFTER CABLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10994378

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trunk lid wiring harness breakage

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2020-09

“THE WIRE HARNESS GOING TO THE TRUNK LID IS DEFECTIVE. THE WIRES BREAK AND THE DEALER REPAIRS THE BREAKS WITH A SPLICE WHICH DOESN'T LAST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361454
“WIRING BETWEEN BODY AND TRUNK LID BREAKS DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND SHIELDING NOT PROTECTING THE WIRES.. 4 WIRES BROKEN CAUSING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT TO NOT BE LIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11043104
“WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE CHASSIS AND THE TRUNK LID BREAKS. THERE ARE SEVERAL BROKEN WIRES. THIS IS CAUSING THE "CHECK LICENSE PLATE LIGHT" WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011605

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank overfilling and roll-over valve malfunction

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2022-04

“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL UP GAS AT A FUEL FILLING STATION THE CAR WILL NOT TAKE IN ANY FUEL FROM THE GAS STATION PUMP. IT REACTS LIKE THE TANK IS FULL BUT IT IS NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11287463
“When putting gasoline at the gas pump, pump clicks off constantly. Makes you think the tank is full when it is not, Have to pump very slow”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459309
“FUEL TANK ROLL-OVER VALVE MALFUNCTION. IMPROPER FUELING OF VEHICLE RESULTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11173454

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2025-08

“In June 2025, while driving my 2013 Fiat Abarth at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. This happened on one of the hottest days of the year with another person in the car, creating a serious risk of a high-speed collision”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680788
“A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, I GOT A CALL FROM THE STUDIO EXPLAINING THAT THE CAR WAS VERY LOW ON OIL AND THAT IT APPEARS THE CAR'S BEEN CONSUMING OIL AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. HE SAID THEY PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE AND THAT, PER FIAT'S PROTOCOL, THEY'D PERFORM AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11065424
“LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT. OIL LEVEL WAS FINE. THEN LOSS OF POWER. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND NEED NEW ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11189916

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2018-11

“MY 2013 FIAT 500 WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I BROKE MY ARM AND HAD A HEAD INJURY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10614805
“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE ETS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10933725
“TAKATA RECALL - WE HIT A DEER WITH OUR 2013 FIAT 500 LOUNGE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. OVER $5,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11150242

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 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

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

Raw data + downloads for this 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)

40 crashes 1990–2024

How the 40 occupant deaths break down

33

driver deaths

7

passenger deaths

40

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2013 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

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

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

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.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2013 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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