*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Power train
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the shifter cable bushing had failed. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train); however, the failure recurred 25 miles later. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the shifter cable bushing under the hood had detached again. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired with the part provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and initially informed the contact that a case was pending authorization for a loaner…
Oct 14, 2026 · 117,627 milesPower train
Gear cable broke. Automatic engine could not allow gears to shift. Would like for my vehicle to be included under NHTSA TECALL 19V-817. FCA Campaign Vb4.Fiat 500c 2012-13. MOPAR Fiat case #98205553.
Sep 26, 2026Power train
Systemic Hydraulic Defect & Safety Recall Circumvention I am reporting a critical safety defect in the clutch hydraulic system of my 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth, which directly mirrors the failures described in NHTSA Recalls 16V-302 and 20V-124. Diagnostic measurements confirm a 1.23mm hydraulic over-travel in the clutch release bearing/slave cylinder assembly. This over-travel causes the diaphragm spring to be over-extended, leading to the catastrophic failure of the pressure plate and subsequent inability to disengage the clutch. This poses an immediate safety risk of vehicle surge or inability to shift gears while in motion. Despite this objective engineering data, Stellantis (FCA US, LLC)…
Aug 20, 2021Power train
While driving 40mph, pressed clutch and the transmission would not shift into gear. Car began to slow in traffic ans I was unable to accelerate as the clutch would not engage a gear. Mamaged to sagely get iff road. No fluid leaks found. Would shift into gear with car off. Gear selection works, not a shift cable issue.
Oct 18, 2025Engine
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. The cause was later confirmed by a different Fiat dealership: a port in the intake/PCV system had been left completely uncapped after service at a Fiat dealership in 2024. The mechanic who worked on my car apparently believed this was only a âventâ and not part of the vacuum system â a dangerous misunderstanding that allowed unmetered air into the engine. This disrupted the air/fuel mixture and led directly to the stall. I have written proof…
Jun 23, 2025Service brakes
Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am filing this formal complaint to report the sale and interstate delivery of a dangerously defective and noncompliant vehicle sold to me by Arlington Auto Group, located at 3621 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia. On [XXX], I purchased a 2013 Fiat 500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle was delivered to my home in Englewood, Colorado on [XXX]. Within 24 hours of taking possession of the carâand having driven fewer than 100 milesâI had the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic at The Auto Repair Place in Boulder, Colorado. Their findings revealed multiple severe safety hazards, including: Rear brake pads completely worn to metal-on-metal contact…
Mar 13, 2025Power train
2013 FIAT 500 - Manual Transmission. 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. There is an inability to disengage the clutch, shift gears. It is potentially available for inspection if needed. This occurred while driving at low speed (thank goodness). The car became stuck in place when the failure occurred (obviously a safety concern). The issue has been confirmed by a professional. The component has been inspected by service technician. There were no warnings (lamps, messages, etc.). I believe this failure is described in Recall S34 (NHTSA), and…
Dec 27, 2024Power train
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the clutch pedal was depressed; however, the pedal was sticking and failed to respond as designed. The contact was almost involved in a crash due to the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle then started operating as needed after the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
Nov 25, 2024 · 195,000 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
