CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Fiat 500 has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 396 complaints with NHTSA, including 21 crashes, 4 fires, 17 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (203 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 3 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 Fiat 500 recalls
Shifter Cable Can Detach, Allowing Car to Roll Away
On certain 2012 and 2013 Fiat 500 vehicles with 6-speed automatic transmissions, the shifter cable bushing may fail.
Clutch Spring Can Break, Causing Loss of Gear Shifting
Certain Fiat 500 vehicles with a manual transmission may have a clutch diaphragm spring that can fracture and fail.
Most common 2012 Fiat 500 problems
Problem areas named in the 396 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 203 |
| Electrical System | 63 |
| Engine | 51 |
| Unknown Or Other | 36 |
| Air Bags | 32 |
| Suspension | 21 |
| Steering | 19 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 |
| Service Brakes | 12 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that upon shifting the gear shifter into drive(D), park(P), or reverse(R), the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear and shifted into a different gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer after each failure. The dealer repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure several times by phone and by an online complaint. Several cases were filed and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance.
I am filing a complaint concerning a recurring gear shift failure in my 2012 fiat 500c. The same failure has occurred three times between June 10 and September 8, 2026. On June 10, 2026 I was able to move shift lever but the transmission remained in reverse and would not shift into another gear despite multiple attempts. I did not know what the cause or problem was and had no knowledge that it might be related to a safety recall. I had vehicle towed to an independent repair shop who subsequently diagnosed a faulty gear shifter and replaced it and this restored the vehicles operation. The shop was able to replace the faulty part and the car was returned to me on June 12, 2026. On August 21,
The clutch went out while downshifting upon making a turn onto a street. The gear shift became wobbly and would not shift into any gear. This happened without warning. Minutes before, my passenger and I were driving across town on a freeway.
I have been dealing with identity theft and not really sure why when I put vin number to my vehicle I purchased September 25 2025 it says a different color
The vehicle had been stalling out on numerous occasions one being a freezing Xmas eve in Drive thru if it had happened somewhere isolated the driver could have frozen. I rented cars several times and replaced the alternator ,battery and at the final point at the dealership the mechanic suggested I purchase a $600 battery though I had a brand new one. The dealership gave me a $200 credit but it happened again, the mechanic in town said the Bluetooth component was draining the battery. They removed it and no problem since. The dealership mechanic talked around the issue and would not answer my questions about this. The safety issues related to this are dangerous and it appears to be known by m
2012 Fiat 500 safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Later Release | ★★★ 3-star | 4 | 3 | 4 (14.7% rollover risk) |
| 2012 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Early Release | ★★★ 3-star | 4 | 2 | 4 (14.5% rollover risk) |
2012 Fiat 500 questions
Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Fiat 500: Shifter Cable Can Detach, Allowing Car to Roll Away; Clutch Spring Can Break, Causing Loss of Gear Shifting; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Fluid. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Fiat 500?
Based on 396 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (203), Electrical System (63), Engine (51).
How safe is the 2012 Fiat 500?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 Fiat 500 up to 3 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Fiat 500 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.