2012 Fiat 500 Fiat 500 2012

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2012 Fiat 500 repairs by problem area

Engine (19%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (13%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (23%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 323 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Fiat 500.

2012 Fiat 500 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (3%)

$500 - $999 (8%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (64%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 131 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Fiat 500

Engine not specified

Fiat 500 in California, United States
Mar 2013 - Dec 2013
Oct 2013

12000 mi

US $50
Besides getting my oil changed I reported my headliner is black. I have been complaining about this since I purchased my car from Capitol Fiat. Capitol Fiat says I have an oil leak? The car is not even 2 years old. 

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2012 Fiat 500 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Fiat 500 in Virginia, United States
May 2012 - Jun 2022
Sep 2012

4000 mi
M32 recall reflash engine control module 
May 2014

13600 mi
UNDER DOOR VALENCE reattached with double side tape 
Mar 2017

26000 mi
high rpm ignition break down. replaced spark plugs, didn't help. then installed Alfa 4C coils. smoother idle and no problems throughout rev range and all loads. 
Fiat 500 in Tennessee, United States
Nov 2012 - Mar 2018
Jul 2013

8500 mi
Removed transmission case bolts one at a time and added sealer, reinstalled and torqued. 
Fiat 500 in Texas, United States
May 2012 - Sep 2012
Sep 2012

6000 mi
Defect in the headliner 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Apr 2012 - Jul 2014
Jun 2012

1000 mi
Tachometer malfunction 
Aug 2012

2300 mi
instrument/gauge cluster replaced 
Fiat 500 in Minnesota, United States
Jul 2012 - Jun 2018
Sep 2012

2000 mi
Mis-aligned exhaust exits. Entirely cosmetic. Technician loosened a bracket and tugged back into place in a couple of minutes. Also installed custom front license bracket. 
Aug 2014

16500 mi
coolant reservoir was leaking. dealership repaired and replaced components under warranty. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Apr 2012 - Dec 2015
May 2014

20000 mi
TPMS at right-rear tire was faulty. 
Jun 2014

20000 mi
At the oil change service, the dealer detected a minor leak in the seal for the fifth gear housing. 
Dec 2014

28000 mi

US $54
Headlight burned out; replaced. 
Jul 2015

33300 mi

US $35
Replace headlamp. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Nov 2012 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

12000 mi
Replaced manual tranny for second time. Didn't fix problem, traded car. Suspect pressure plate was faulty, not fully disengaging clutch, and so destroying synchros. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Sep 2012 - Jan 2017
Sep 2014

17000 mi
Engine dying at idle, then two cylinders not firing. "Fixed" by re-gapping spark plugs. 
Oct 2014

17200 mi
Dying at idle, check engine light for misfires. Replaced coils and spark plugs. Still dying. Dying at idle, misfire and check engine light. Fuel injector replaced. Repair seemed successful for a week or two. 
Nov 2014

17600 mi
More dying at idle, misfiring, and check engine light. Replaced entire Multiair system and problem is mostly fixed (one recurrence of misfire+CEL that cleared up without intervention) 
Dec 2015

22000 mi
Passenger seatbelt warning frequently triggering even when buckled Gas struts for rear hatch collapsed 
Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2013 - Dec 2015
May 2015

41100 mi
The GPS cradle was defective. Dealer ordered a replacement. 
Nov 2015

44300 mi
Pcm module went bad 
Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2012 - Sep 2021
Sep 2013

10000 mi

US $250
Failure of upper strut mount 
Dec 2015

27000 mi

US $800
Front wheel bearing replaced Pads replaced 
May 2018

49000 mi

US $450
Replaced rear wheel bearings. One had gotten slightly noisy and the car is driven on the racetrack often. Proactive or preventative maintenance 
Fiat 500 in Great Britain
Sep 2013 - Oct 2013
Oct 2013

11000 mi
Burst fuel line. 
Fiat 500 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2016
Jun 2014

25000 mi
Right door handle stopped working. Something came loose in the mechanism. 
Aug 2015

35300 mi
Armrest came apart. 
Jun 2016

37000 mi
Local dealers all closed their studios. Had to drive 100 miles to/from the nearest dealer. Armrest still not replaced. Traded the vehicle in. It just wasn't worth it anymore. 
Fiat 500 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2014 - Jul 2015
Dec 2014

46500 mi
Car was misfiring. Had to tow to dealer. Pending code misfire code. Dealer couldn't find anything wrong. Drove car home. Had to return week later when problem returned. Misfiring. Replaced Ignition Coil #1 and Spark plug #1. tried to make me pay for the spark plug and rental. Ignition Coil had to be ordered. 
Apr 2015

57660 mi
Clunking from front end during slow speed turning. 
Jul 2015

62000 mi

C $200
Shifter linkage broken at transmission side. 
Fiat 500 in Virginia, United States
Feb 2013 - May 2015
Apr 2013

14700 mi
Replaced tail lights that were fogging up. 
Sep 2013

20000 mi
I was getting some noise and grease smearing with both windows. They replaced the windows (too thick) as well as the entire window mechanism under a recall. 
Mar 2014

30000 mi
Replaced rear wheel bearings. Both were replaced as there was no way to tell which one was making the noise. 
Fiat 500 in Quebec, Canada
May 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

7440 mi
Steering wheel slack felt during slow speed reverse driving, such as parking. They re-torqued / replaced the tie rod ends / rack and pinion bolts. Seems ok. 
Fiat 500 in Virginia, United States
May 2012 - Mar 2013
Feb 2013

13000 mi
Rattle/tapping at idle. Louder and more consistent during acceleration. Clutch kit was installed. Didn't resolve the issue. A new transmission was installed. 
Fiat 500 in North Carolina, United States
Jan 2016 - Jan 2018
Apr 2016

52610 mi

US $2043
New short block 
Mar 2017

64000 mi

US $93
Added alignment shims to rear axle due to excessive rear tires wear 
Jan 2018

71000 mi

US $10
Change small bulb in the HVAC control panel backlight 

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2012 Fiat 500 2dr Hatch

101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Fiat 500 in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2012 - Mar 2014
Feb 2014

15000 mi
High-pitched sounding rattle occurring only during winter months. Tech lubricated rear seat latch. Sound disappeared but returned after a week. 
Mar 2014

15000 mi
Rattle never fixed. 
Fiat 500 in Florida, United States
Oct 2016 - Jan 2017
Oct 2016

12000 mi
Engine stalling and not starting. Couldn't replicate. Battery was low, replaced under warranty. 
Fiat 500 in District of Columbia, United States
Jun 2014 - Oct 2018
Jul 2014

2300 mi
PCM update to fix an error where the engine temp gauge would rise to the max temp and a "check coolant" message would briefly display for about 5 seconds. front and rear emblems were replaced due to fading and bubbling. 
Sep 2016

20000 mi

US $176
Battery died. I bought the car w/ VERY low mileage in 2014 and frankly was surprised to see it die already. Replaced battery. 
Aug 2018

38000 mi

US $260
Sway bar links replaced because car was feeling/sounding clunkier than usual on rough road. 
Fiat 500 in Georgia, United States
Aug 2012 - Jun 2018
Nov 2013

23000 mi
Car sometimes would not start on first crank. Part ordered. 
Mar 2014

31000 mi
Rear main seal had slight leak Passenger seat had become loose Clock ran fast On occasion the car will not start first crank but will fire off with no issue on second crank Was told a bulletin was out to replace rear badge 
Jun 2015

50000 mi
Every now and then car won't start on first try but will fire right off on second try. After they did a tune up it starts rough after its sat for a while. They were unsuccessful at repair 
Oct 2015

53500 mi
Tried to replace the air brick to fix issue and did not fix 
Jan 2016

56700 mi

US $50
Rear third brake light only lights when brake is pressed and hatch was open. Short in connection so when it closed it would turn off and not come on at all. May been related to TSB performed on rear washer nozzle. 
Aug 2017

82000 mi

US $450
Window regulator plastic piece broke causing rattling in window and loose. Was repaired. 
Fiat 500 in Ohio, United States
Jun 2012 - Sep 2013
Sep 2012

6000 mi
Blue&Me had failure and would not read text messages. There was considerable distortion in sound quality when using Bluetooth; system was given update to correct issues. USB port stopped working and required replacement port. 
Nov 2012

9000 mi
Transmission needed reprogrammed due to hard gear changes between 1st and 2nd gears and 2nd to 3rd gears. 
Dec 2012

11000 mi
Engine was leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold due to incorrect spec of bolt metal (heat/cool at different rate than engine, causing a leak). Updated bolts installed to correct leak. 
Jan 2013

13000 mi
Clock spring behind steering was defective and began making sounds (click/creak) when wheel was turned. Spring replaced and noise is gone. 
May 2013

16000 mi
Wiper switch broke, replaced by dealer. 
Jun 2013

17000 mi
Dealer did not hook up the horn button at the steering wheel when they removed it to replace broken wiper switch. Made return to dealer for correction. Received free oil change. 
Aug 2013

19000 mi
Automatic transmission began making a whining/howling noise at around 55-60mph. Factory recommended replacement of entire transmission. Engine was leaking oil from rear main seal and oil pan gasket. Coating on leather steering wheel began to peel off, dealer replaced. 
Sep 2013

21000 mi
Clunking in front suspension over bumps. Rear Fiat badge de-laminated. Clock spring behind steering wheel began making clicking/creaking noise again and required replacement. Rear washer sprayer was leaking down back window. 
Fiat 500 in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2011 - Jan 2018
Nov 2011

200 mi
Airbag system failure Car pulls hard to the right, alignment incorrect from factory. 
Dec 2012

14000 mi
Dash rattles/buzzes behind the speedometer Electrical wiring boot of left door is torn and disintegrating Front end noises when turning to the right to full lock Front and read Fiat badge bubbling 
Jan 2013

14300 mi
Front end noise - replaced drivers side axle. 
Apr 2013

16200 mi
Dash rattles 
Jul 2013

17700 mi
Dash heating and A/C light controls backlighting - bulb failed 
Feb 2015

35700 mi
Front and read Fiat badges where bubbling/delaminating, dealer replaced them under warranty. 
Aug 2015

42300 mi
Had the dealer flash all three systems with the latest firmware to correct timekeeping running slow on clock. The flash fixed the problem and now the clock in the instruments display is not running slow. Auto transmission now shift smoother 
Sep 2015

46000 mi

US $20
Replaced failed DRL bulb. Replace the other DRL bulb since it would fail shortly afterwords. 
Nov 2017

68000 mi

US $65
Experiencing knock (aka ping or pre-ignition) when the engine was hot and under load at ~2250 rpm. Traced the problem to the knock sensor had stopped working. Replaced the sensor and the Engine is less harsh at 6K rpm than It has ever been and the knock is gone. I wonder if it was ever fully working. 
Fiat 500 in New York, United States
May 2014 - May 2014
May 2014

24000 mi
electric trunk latch would not open, interior blinkers would not make a noise when activated 
Fiat 500 in New York, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2018
Dec 2012

12000 mi
Took car in for (unrelated) recall work and I had them look at an oil leak. Studs on the exhaust manifold were leaking oil since new. Took quite a while to get parts in. 
Sep 2016

37000 mi

US $350
TPMS saying "unavailable". Replaced module but still getting error message. Need to take in again. 
May 2018

46000 mi

US $150
Replaced noisy rear wheel bearings. 
Fiat 500 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2011 - Oct 2018
Mar 2014

29760 mi
Car developed a clunk on left front strut only when the suspension hit a dip in pavement. Replaced rubber jounce bumper. 
Nov 2016

52360 mi

C $900
The jounce bumpers were replaced. Dealer had tried to fix this before under warranty. Clunking in suspension continues. FIAT has a real problem here. Brakes got very rusty from sitting. Decided to replace rotors and pads. 
Sep 2017

55180 mi
Factory recall for backup lights - speeds up the time it takes for the backup lights to be triggered. Had an oil change done. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Feb 2013 - Aug 2013
Mar 2013

12000 mi
Hearing a thunk in the steering and determined that their are 70 nationwide and need steering rack replaced. It is back ordered for at least two weeks. Said car is safe to drive. Telling me that Air Bags need to be serviced. Also other warninga like overheating when it was not. They flashed ECM and asked me see it it keeps happening. Rubber gasket above rear door came loose. Dealer glued and seems fine now. Starter sounds weird at times. Today it sounded like it was grinding. When I tell dealer they are not able to repeat it so nothing is done. I have a bad starter and know it. Driver seat is squeaking when it is cold. They actually did not call me back as promised for replacing the steering rack. So could not get it fixed and deal with the clanking for now. Said many having this problem. 
May 2013

16000 mi
My car started to creak again. Took back as it had to do once again with the steering rack being replaced. This time they fixed it... they had not torqued the right strut correctly. Warning light about front running lights. Was told it was only a lose socket... but then they said the light was bad and replaced. Continue to have weird starter issues. They have in the past told me is was a safety issue as the starter doubles as oil pump for the head. Now they tell me oh so that is what it is doing. Can't replicate it but friends hear it often. 
Fiat 500 in Quebec, Canada
Feb 2013 - Nov 2015
Mar 2013

3720 mi
clunking sound from the suspension 
Dec 2013

21700 mi
suspension bushing replacement for better parts by fiat 
Mar 2014

28520 mi
engine mount defective 
May 2014

32620 mi
The cluster was making a loud noise. 
Sep 2014

42780 mi
had to replace oil pan because it was leaking clunking noise 
Mar 2015

55800 mi
The radiator blew up. steering was shaking. 
Nov 2015

62000 mi
Door handle broke Head unit not working 
Fiat 500 in Oklahoma, United States
May 2012 - Jul 2014
Sep 2012

6000 mi
There was a clunk and some free play in the steering. Dealer trimmed the steering shaft seal. The Dealer said there is a Technical Service Bulletin put out by Fiat regarding this problem, but I can' find it. Car needs to go back again. 
Oct 2012

7000 mi
It took replacing the Intermediate steering shaft to get rid of the clunk noise and feel in the steering. 
May 2013

10000 mi
Replaced the intermediate steering shaft again (this is the second replacement under warranty). 
Fiat 500 in New York, United States
Nov 2011 - Apr 2013
Jun 2012

4000 mi
Front and Rear Emblems replaced under warranty, dealer described as "Bleeding Through" looked like air bubbles between the clear lens and logo, as if detaching. 
Jul 2012

5000 mi
side skirt and body cleaned, adhesive promoter, 3M tape reapplied. 
Apr 2013

10000 mi
Interior: Arm rest cracked. 
Fiat 500 in New Mexico, United States
May 2015 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

5000 mi
Car stops running without warning. Ignition key remains in "on" position. Car has been to dealership service facility 3 times (first time at 952 miles) without problem being diagnosed or repaired. Will not drive this vehicle again. This car has been sitting at the Austin Fiat dealership for two years since we last left it there and told them to return the car to us when the problem was fixed. Never heard from them again. Now they tell us we owe them about $28,000 in storage fees as an "abandoned vehicle". This car, a 1012 model, has little more than 5,000 miles on it but we are going to have it salvaged out to be sure that it will never enter the used car market. A disastrous purchase of a $20,000 vehicle that was both HIGHLY dangerous to drive. Fiat/Chrysler absolutely no help. DO NOT purchase a Fiat. Ours was a very cute little car but a dangerous potential deathtrap. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Mar 2012 - Mar 2013
Sep 2012

5000 mi
Oil leak. They replace the gasket seal on the transmission. Free of charge they say its manufacture defect. 
Fiat 500 in Wisconsin, United States
Feb 2015 - Nov 2016
Jul 2015

21200 mi
TPMS warning (no reading) started triggering every time car started. Sometimes TPMS failure light also came on. Both go away after driving a minute or two. Tire pressures checked and fine. 
Sep 2016

25000 mi

US $100
Driver's door handle hinge pin broke. Replaced. 
Oct 2016

25000 mi

US $500
Hatch release failed. Wiring problem. Same problem repaired under warranty about four years ago. 
Fiat 500 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2012 - Jun 2015
Oct 2012

11780 mi
blinking odometer reading, blueone communication not pairing. 
Dec 2012

13020 mi
engine light lit up and the message on the dashboard says "Have your engine checked." 
Jan 2013

25380 mi
I complained about the IRRITANT noise whenever I place my seatbelt on. Drop off my vehicle at the dealership @ 8 am and picked up @ 5 pm. nothing was done by the mechanic because he is busy and suggested to bring the car back. 
Apr 2015

62000 mi

C $356
Engine light on . diagnostic done. replace 4 spark plugs due to misfiring. Problem solve. 
Fiat 500 in Hawaii, United States
May 2012 - Sep 2016
Nov 2014

30000 mi
replaced burnt out headlight. Front and Rear Fiat Emblems replaced per recall. Oil Leak; replaced leaking PCV O-ring on Valve cover. 
Dec 2014

34000 mi
Replaced another burnt out headlight. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Apr 2015 - Mar 2018
Dec 2015

47000 mi

US $105
Rear tail light went out 
Jul 2016

55800 mi

US $163
Check engine light, code for misfire. Replaced spark plugs earlier than recommended and had fuel injectors cleaned. Fixed problem. 
Nov 2016

64000 mi

US $12
Replace daylight running bulbs 
Feb 2017

74000 mi

US $12
Replaced rear running and stop light bulbs 
Dec 2017

90000 mi

US $280
Replaced all shock absorbers and strut bearings. 
Mar 2018

96000 mi

US $45
Transmission selector cable bushing broke. Can fix this with a special bushing sold by Bushingfix.com for $35 instead of replacing the cable. The most difficult part is remove/replace the battery tray. There are several specialized wire harness clips that should be replaced on the battery tray. Window trim in front of driver and passenger doors was replaced because it disintegrated from exposure to sun. Parts pull out easily and only cost $10 each. 

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2012 Fiat 500 2dr Hatch

101-horsepower 1.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Fiat 500 in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

112000 mi

US $1000
Timing belt 
Fiat 500 in Tennessee, United States
Mar 2016 - Dec 2018
Sep 2017

69000 mi

US $350
Repair squirrel damage. Squirrel ate through abs sensor wire. 
Mar 2018

72000 mi
Trunk pull on inside came off. Removed interior trim and reinstalled. 
Apr 2018

72000 mi

US $200
Diagnose oil leak. Observing for now. 
Fiat 500 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2013 - Mar 2015
Mar 2013

10883 mi
Clunking noise in front end was determined to be caused by faulty jounce bumpers; were replaced under warranty. Complained of clutch odour after highway driving, poor release. No fault found. 
Apr 2013

11120 mi
Both hoses on coolant overflow bottle were found to be leaking during pressure test; faulty clamps were replaced under warranty. 
Dec 2013

22504 mi
Defective pressure plate caused early clutch failure. Dealership replaced clutch assembly under warranty. 
Feb 2014

22700 mi
Ventilation mode selector would not stay in defrost mode. Fixed, but in the process the dealership broke the adjacent recirc knob.  
Apr 2014

24780 mi
Attempted to fix malfunctioning recirc knob; only partially fixed, and now lighting on the control unit flickers. 
Jun 2014

27900 mi
Replaced 2nd defective control head (flickering lights, defective knob). Brackets for the rear seats that were visible from the hatch were rusting. Left, right, and center bracket replaced. 
Nov 2014

30060 mi
Cylinder 1 misfire caused by rusted spark plug tube causing burnt coil & arcing plug. All three parts replaced. Several parts damaged by dealer during previous repair Electrical issue causing license plate lights to cut out. "Greened out" wiring discovered in tailgate handle - tailgate handle was replaced. 
Dec 2014

30380 mi
Multi-cylinder misfire. One spark plug seal leaking, three spark plugs fouled, all replaced. 
Mar 2015

31620 mi
Clunking noise over bumps returned for the third time. Bump stops and upper strut mounts replaced. Leaking coolant. Upper rad hose leaking; replaced hose and clamps. Leaking oil. Valve cover gasket replaced. New noises over bumps. Struts replaced. 
Fiat 500 in Minnesota, United States
Jan 2014 - Feb 2014
Feb 2014

9000 mi
Leaking Clutch Fluid out of some seal. Replaced seal but still smelling. Will have to take car back in again. 
Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2016 - Jul 2018
Nov 2017

64000 mi

US $200
Replace damaged engine guard 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Jul 2015 - Apr 2018
Nov 2015

48000 mi
Battery had 2 dead cells, car wouldn't start, dash went crazy. 
Fiat 500 in British Columbia, Canada
May 2013 - Jan 2022
Jan 2014

20000 mi
Hatch struts premature wear. Gas gauge indicator does not indicate further consumption after it registers 68 km. Rear drivers brakes exhibits squealing/groaning noise. 
Apr 2015

17040 mi
Failed pressure plate and worn clutch 
Dec 2016

31000 mi
Clutch inoperative. Replaced clutch and pressure plate assembly. Also installed clutch stop under recall. 
Nov 2021

55180 mi

C $1500
replace brake pads, rotors  and worn wheel bearing 
Fiat 500 in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2017 - May 2018
Sep 2017

65000 mi

US $700
Replaced Alternator and battery 
Feb 2018

70000 mi

US $140
Replaced front rotors and pads. 
Fiat 500 in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2012 - Dec 2012
Jun 2012

2790 mi
badge delaminating core changed and recharged after 
Fiat 500 in Maryland, United States
May 2015 - Jul 2016
Feb 2016

32400 mi

US $24
headlight (driver side)daytime running lights and break lights needed replacement 
Fiat 500 in Ohio, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

9000 mi
Car was purchased back under lemon law due to many issues. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Sep 2015 - Dec 2016
Sep 2015

88000 mi

US $135
oil pressure warning light has come on intermittently. pretty sure not a real problem, just warning light 
Dec 2015

95000 mi

US $425
Rear hatch would not open, No quick release lever on this model version. Problem was common in Fiat 500./ Worn wiring harness at hinge of hatch. Only way to open hatch was to repair wiring. 
Fiat 500 in Minnesota, United States
Feb 2015 - Jan 2018
Jul 2015

21200 mi
arm rest frame for driver side. Shift boot. 
Jun 2016

30000 mi
Arm rest broke and was covered under warranty 
Dec 2016

33000 mi

US $500
Manual transmission replacement. Would not go into third gear. They covered majority of replacement with the rest under out of warranty assistance. 500$ copay. 
Mar 2017

37000 mi

US $78
Door handle broke on driver side. Google shows this as a common issue. Ordered door handle off Ebay and repaired myself from Youtube videos. 
Fiat 500 in Florida, United States
Nov 2015 - Oct 2016
Jun 2016

37000 mi
Driver window modulator replaced;  armrest broken & replaced 
Aug 2016

38000 mi
Driver window module replaced again 
Fiat 500 in Washington, United States
Jun 2014 - Mar 2015
Nov 2014

26000 mi
Front hood would not latch shut. Front hood latch and cable replaced under warranty. 
Mar 2015

28000 mi
CEL. 2 parts replaced 
Fiat 500 in New Mexico, United States
Sep 2014 - Oct 2014
Oct 2014

43000 mi
a small leak - with the o-ring 
Fiat 500 in South Carolina, United States
Dec 2012 - Jun 2019
Sep 2012

8000 mi
When vehicle is turned to the right, AC set to recycle air, the fan blows much harder. Once turn is stopped or if a left turn is made, the level is less. NO FIX 
Nov 2012

10000 mi

US $123
Fuel filler door latch piece cracked and the door wouldn't stay closed 
Jul 2013

25000 mi

US $100
Badges had started getting hazed 
Aug 2013

27000 mi
The TPMS system failed. I was told I "don't drive like other people" so they couldn't fix the car. 
Dec 2014

63000 mi

US $120
Spare tire would not deploy Car was having issues starting as well as clock was 'leaking' time. 
Jan 2015

64000 mi

US $500
Hit a pot hole on passenger side. Damaged rim and alignment. Over time ruined tires. Ordered new rims and tires, took for install and alignment. Ball joint was bad on DRIVER side. Also had to replace strut mount. 
Apr 2015

64300 mi

US $1140
Bad ball joints, upper strut mounts and bearings. Also replaced wheels & tires. Dealer doesn't sell 2012 part. Forces owners to buy later parts causing much extra expense. FIAT picked up about $300 in parts costs. 
Jul 2017

86411 mi

US $650
The lower control arm bushings at the rear of the lower control arms had torn badly on the driver's side and some on the passenger's side. I ordered the DNA racing lower control arms which were drop-shipped direct from Italy. Installation is a large job. Front bumper cover has to be removed as well as serious support members. On a positive note, once all bolted in, the alignment was spot on! On a negative note, the racing straight line arms do limit the maximum angle the steering can be turned as wheels will hit the control arm. 
May 2018

93000 mi

US $300
The wiring going through the roof to hatch grommet are all broken and the electric locks no longer work, nor the rear defog, nor does the rear wiper, nor can you open the hatch Plastic panels on cowl that rotted off are being replaced The triangle pieces in front of the mirrors are rotted off on both sides and will be replaced. BOTH windows need new regulators! One broke on it's own and the other had help from my 9 y/o ;) The rear defog has become detached from the window. AC was not cooling as it used to. Verified charge and levels were fine. Issue found to be bent fins on condenser coil. Due to the CHEAP design, they cannot be combed straight again. Trim ring that holds shift lever boot disintegrated. Dealer requires purchase of whole new boot. Company in west coast sells ring only. Driver's seat bottom came apart. Cracked and pieces of the vinyl chipped away. Found a set of leather Abarth seats and replaced them. (for only $350 too!) 
Aug 2018

94000 mi

US $120
Replaced the rotted trim pieces. Cut all wires from roof to hatch that pass through the grommet. Removed grommet and added new lengths of wire and hose to grommet. Spliced new hose and wires to existing and rear hatch functions were repaired. 
Fiat 500 in Michigan, United States
May 2014 - Sep 2015
Jul 2015

28000 mi
Rear main seal failed repairs covered under warranty 
Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

47000 mi
Air conditioner stopped blowing cold air around 42,000 miles. 
Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
Apr 2013 - Jun 2018
Mar 2017

11000 mi
Preventative clutch replacement - manufacturer recall 
Mar 2018

13000 mi

US $400
Rear warped brake rotor replaced, required replacing the pair of rotors and brake shoes. Dealership also advised replacing front rotors and draining brake fluid -- politely declined. 
Fiat 500 in North Carolina, United States
Jul 2012 - Sep 2013
Oct 2012

1500 mi
AC motor replaced. making loud noise. Condensation forms within taillights. Tailights replaced. Clock within instrument cluster not holding correct time. Instrument cluster replaced. Passenger side weather stripping/molding molding causing excessive wind noise. replaced. Both drivers-side and passenger side interior/exterior door handles stick and won't open doors sometimes. feel loose. Parts ordered. Loud knocking noises when going over speed bumps 
Mar 2013

6000 mi
Replaced interior door panels on both the dirver and passenger side to fix defective door handles. driver side door handle no longer locked door. Replaced both taillights as they were, again, getting condensation inside them. The handle on the passenger seat to push seat forward for backseat entry sticks and is difficult to lift. Passenger seat back was replaced. switch that changes temperature mode (air on the floor, defrost, mix air) doesn't stay in place in cold temperatures. Switched tightened. 
Jun 2013

8000 mi
Tech from previous visit broke the plastic cover the bottom of the steering column. Replaced. 
Fiat 500 in North Carolina, United States
May 2014 - Sep 2020
Jun 2014

28000 mi

US $1075
While driving my clutch pedal became stiff and clutch would not disengage. I was told the clutch was burned but I suspect catastrophic clutch failure as reported by other owners. Clutch assembly replaced as will as throw out bearing. 
Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2014 - Jul 2014
Jun 2014

17000 mi
Shifter knob broke (again). Replaced. Driver seat armrest--padding broke off. Seat and armrest replaced as one unit. Exterior door trim along bottom came loose. Part was reinstalled. 
Jul 2014

17000 mi
Tachometer dial would fail randomly, showing very high or low numbers. Usually after a big bump. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
May 2014 - Jan 2022
Jul 2016

19200 mi
Replace plastic steering wheel cover. 
Fiat 500 in Georgia, United States
Jan 2015 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

60000 mi
Hatch release switch intermittent failure, hatch cannot be opened when in failure mode. 
Fiat 500 in Texas, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2014
Nov 2013

46000 mi
Ball Joint, Clicking in steering rod, all items replaced by dealer, had to get Chrysler involved however to ensure the work was done on warranty 
Fiat 500 in Washington, United States
Mar 2012 - Dec 2012
Oct 2012

10000 mi
The small triangular trim on the driver's side window was applied incorrectly, and needed to be replaced. 
Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2011 - Feb 2014
Dec 2012

17000 mi
shifter boot worked loose. new part ordered and replaced by dealer. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Jan 2012 - Sep 2014
Jan 2014

23500 mi
The top part of the armrest was loose. Replaced by dealer. 
Fiat 500 in Arizona, United States
Apr 2012 - Mar 2013
Feb 2013

14000 mi
Engine oil leak was fixed under warranty. But now leaking worse than before. 
Mar 2013

14000 mi
Oil leak. Rear main seal was replaced (again) as well as oil pan and various bolts. 
Fiat 500 in British Columbia, Canada
May 2012 - Apr 2014
Aug 2012

4640 mi
Transmission grinding when going into reverse. Clock in cluster running fast. 
Dec 2012

6200 mi
Condensation inside tail lights 
Fiat 500 in Florida, United States
May 2013 - Aug 2013
Jun 2013

7000 mi
Started making very loud knocking sound when clutch was pressed and as car de-accelerates. Initially diagnosed as faulty "throwout bearing". Then they ended up replacing clutch and pressure plate. Noise STILL exists. Return visit required. 
Jul 2013

7000 mi
same knocking issue as before. This time transmission looked at; gear w/broken teeth found. Replaced but dealer had continued issues getting 5th/reverse gears to work. New transmission installed. Also, driver seat arm rest replaced. 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
May 2012 - Apr 2013
Oct 2012

4000 mi
USB port stopped recognizing my IPOD....removed two fuses to reset audio system...back to work! 
Fiat 500 in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2011 - Feb 2014
Mar 2013

12000 mi
Clutch catastrophically failed preventing shifting of gears. Dealer said there were bent tabs on pressure plate. Replaced clutch, pressure plate, and release bearing. 
Jun 2013

15000 mi
Shift lever adjustment was off following prior clutch repair resulting in not being able to shift into 5th. Dealer adjusted shifter. 
Dec 2013

26000 mi
Clock was routinely slow and there is a TSB repair on this issue. Clock/odometer assembly was removed and returned for update. Standard shift, reverse continues to grind when moving into that gear. 
Feb 2014

26000 mi
Minor oil pan leak causing burning smell at idle. Sold car prior to warranty repair. Dealer says common problem but usually much larger leak. 
Fiat 500 in Oregon, United States
Dec 2011 - Jul 2014
Feb 2013

9300 mi
Pad on armrest broke off and I glued it back on myself. 
Fiat 500 in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2014
Jan 2012

17000 mi
The air bag failure light came on. The tech discovered it was due to a faulty sensor in the driver's seatbelt. New seatbelt ordered. 
Fiat 500 in Louisiana, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2013
Apr 2011

2000 mi
Head gasket was faulty or improperly installed from factory. Hard starts, check engine light, coolant leaking into cylinders. FIAT took the engine back for quality control purposes and installed a new one. Delays because of special coolant. 
Jun 2012

16000 mi
Driver's side A-pillar trim loose and falling off, was snapped back into place; some water came through the gap, possibly from sunroof drain channel LCD elements in the instrument cluster multifunction display would be extremely dim after the car was parked in 90deg+ weather in direct sunlight for a few hours. The cluster was replaced. 
Feb 2013

23300 mi
Driver's door speaker did not function. Took dealer a week to repair wiring harness, then many more days to replace various sensors they "later found problems with". 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Aug 2011 - Oct 2014
May 2012

19000 mi
Broken seat release handle on passenger side. Replaced under warranty at no cost. 
Fiat 500 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2011 - Dec 2013
Nov 2013

37100 mi
Seat recline mechanism failed--repaired under warranty. 
Fiat 500 in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2011 - Dec 2016
Jan 2012

25800 mi
dash scratched on delivery; salesman caught it, car had been used to give test drives; part not in stock, even though I was assured it was in stock scratched dash replaced 
Sep 2015

52000 mi
rear wheel bearings 
Fiat 500 in Texas, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2018
Nov 2013

46700 mi
Daytime running lights sometimes wouldn't turn on. Took car to dealer, dealer was unable to find a reason for the problem. Lights were working at that time. Since then the lights have always worked. No complaints or issues with the service. 
Nov 2014

71100 mi
Rear windshield wiper not working. Dealership unable to determine source of problem or corective action. 
Mar 2018

112000 mi

US $160
Faulty thermostat replaced 
May 2018

113000 mi
Clutch plate recall 
Fiat 500 in Texas, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2022
Feb 2014

44000 mi
The clutch plate was scored (???) per the dealership 
Oct 2014

52000 mi

US $24
I replaced the headlight bulb on the driver's side. 
Sep 2017

80000 mi
The arm rest has come apart but I haven't had it repaired because it's my understanding I would basically have to have the entire driver's seat removed to repair it. I love my Fiat, but this is ridiculous, that I can't simply purchase a new armrest and install it. UPDATE: NOV 2021 - Thanks to YouTube, I was eventually able to repair this myself using ZipTies! 
Feb 2021

98000 mi

US $650
Replaced thermostat and gasket  as well as the Purge Valve 
Apr 2021

99000 mi

US $34
The mirror flags on both sides of the car had rotted out due to sun exposure. I ordered the parts online and replaced them myself. 
Nov 2021

100000 mi

US $6
The shift knob came apart so I ordered a new one online and replaced it myself. Thanks to a YouTube video, I was able to repair the armrest myself (the pad had detached) using zip ties! 
Fiat 500 in Michigan, United States
May 2012 - Feb 2015
Sep 2013

26000 mi
fuel pump replaced clunking suspension noise 
Oct 2013

27000 mi
heater quit blowing hot air, fan only blew at lowest speed 
Nov 2013

29000 mi
loud metallic noise when turning sharp 
Aug 2014

42600 mi

US $548
blower failure 
Oct 2014

45300 mi

US $292
replaced water pump et al 
Jan 2015

49500 mi

US $880
pressure plate replaced 
Fiat 500 in North Carolina, United States
May 2012 - Jun 2012
Jun 2012 Engine powers itself off when stopping (happened twice at stop lights). Check Battery and Check Oil light illuminate when engine stalls. the climate control portion of the instrument panel does not illuminate. 
Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
May 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

3000 mi
A/C dash switch stopped working. 
Fiat 500 in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2015
Feb 2014

35800 mi
clutch failed. a fork and throw-out bearing, as well as the slave cylinder were relaced. a bolt into the valve cover had broken off. dealer said was caused by a tech during a prior trip. jounce bumpers replaced 
Oct 2014

42300 mi
Rear Hatch won't open. Wire severed. second time this has been repaired. 
Mar 2015

44000 mi
jounce bumpers again. this time replaced with new "end all" parts. A strut link was also replaced when it could not be removed (seized). 
Fiat 500 in Florida, United States
Apr 2013 - Jul 2013
May 2013

14000 mi
Shift knob cover broke off. 
Fiat 500 in Alabama, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2013
May 2013

37100 mi
Replace Engine 
Fiat 500 in California, United States
Jul 2012 - Jan 2022
Jul 2013

20000 mi

US $5
Car's readout told me to check rear 'stop lamp'. Rear brake lamp burned out. Went to auto parts store, bought replacement and installed both rear brake lamps within 30 minutes. Its cool that the car told me what to do. 
Oct 2016

71000 mi

US $500
Multi air solenoid not operating properly 
Nov 2016

71500 mi

US $3600
Engine failure. Had to replace engine with low mile used engine. 
Fiat 500 in Arizona, United States
Oct 2012 - Mar 2014
Mar 2014

23000 mi
took care to dealer for third time that ac stopped working. No definitive answer as to why the ac stops. they said " we think there is a problem with the -re charging system but not sure" so I traded it in for a 4 door 
Fiat 500 in Ohio, United States
Aug 2012 - Dec 2012
Sep 2012

8000 mi
AC in the car has been always weak but it stopped working at 6k miles. I took it to the FIAT dealer, they put new Freon, made sure that the dash controls were working and finally had to change the compressor because it wasn't starting at all 
Oct 2012

8800 mi
Cigarette lighter stopped providing constant current. The problem was fixed by replacing the connector itself. 
Fiat 500 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2012 - Jun 2022
Dec 2012

5580 mi
Front Suspension arm bushings replaced. Possibly caused by hitting big pothole on freeway, though no problem showed up until a few weeks later. No damage to tire or wheel. 
Apr 2022

61256 mi

C $580
Clutch replacement, normal wear and tear parts replacement. 

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2012 Fiat 500 2dr Convertible

101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Fiat 500 in California, United States
Oct 2011 - Dec 2012
Apr 2012

12000 mi
Open top quit runnning in auto mode - need to hold button all the time. After three days in shop - service tech said he had to reprogram servo motor. Software glich? 
Aug 2012

18200 mi
Open top quit working on auto again 
Nov 2012

19000 mi
Went to another dealer that provided much better service. They replaced the pads, rotors, and calipers to eliminate the brake noise. 
Dec 2012

19000 mi
Vehicle vibrate during acceleration between 41 and 53 mph. 
Fiat 500 in Illinois, United States
Feb 2012 - Jun 2022
Jun 2013

6000 mi
Air directional piece on vent broken Clock running slow 
Jul 2013

6500 mi
New instrument cluster installed to fix slow clock. Convertible top repaired. Replacement of a cracked "O" ring that caused oil leakage from the exhaust. 
Aug 2013

9000 mi
Speedometer error of 1-2 MPH with new cluster. Replaced again. Convertible roof repair error. Repaired strap was looped over plastic cover. 
Dec 2016

28000 mi

US $425
Wheel bearings diagnosed as needing replacement soon, car now mostly in area w/o dealer. Repaired preemptively. 
Mar 2018

34000 mi

US $60
Headlamp bulbs replaced. 
Fiat 500 in Connecticut, United States
Dec 2013 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

29000 mi
Some rattling near the convertible top. Window was lightly adjusted to address the issue. 
Fiat 500 in Nebraska, United States
Aug 2012 - Dec 2012
Nov 2012

1600 mi
Short in heated seat wiring, causing AC fan to not work 
Fiat 500 in Ohio, United States
Aug 2011 - Jun 2017
Jul 2012

7300 mi
The FIAT bluetooth system, Blue and Me stopped working. Dealer had to order a new module. Part arrived the next day installation took about one hour. 
Jun 2017

39000 mi

US $250
Front brake pads. 
Fiat 500 in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Oct 2012 - Nov 2017
Jun 2013

12400 mi
Convertible top not working properly. Wind screen recall. oil leak Hole worn through in canvas top 
Aug 2013

13600 mi
fixed oil leak replaced convertible top 

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2012 Fiat 500 2dr Convertible

101-horsepower 1.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Fiat 500 in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2011 - Nov 2013
May 2012

2900 mi
clock loses time, requires new cluster 
May 2013

9000 mi
tech bulletin 02-002-13 cold weather sound, replacement is a small rubber bumper in the strut assembly 
Jun 2013

9000 mi
tech bulletin to replace strut bumpers due to noise, somewhat optional repair 
Fiat 500 in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2012 - Oct 2014
Jan 2014

US $114
starter issue 
Oct 2014

14000 mi
Intermittant starter issues that the dealer could not repair! 
Fiat 500 in Maryland, United States
Jan 2012 - Apr 2013
Oct 2012

5200 mi
Right tail lamp was misaligned and windows made "rattling" noise as they moved over their gaskets while going over bumps. 
Fiat 500 in Maine, United States
Dec 2012 - Apr 2014
May 2013

4000 mi
Sensor for sunroof 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks and Convertibles.
See TrueDelta's information for all Fiat models.

2012 Fiat 500 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Fiat 500 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.