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2013 Fiat 500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Fiat 500 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 165owner complaints
- 9crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 35%fail the UK MOT
165 complaints, against an average of 107 for the other 6 Fiat 500 model years.
Every Fiat 500 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Fiat 500?
The components named most often in the 165 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Fiat 500 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 165 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2013 Fiat 500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?18 owners · 10.9%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2013 Fiat 500?7 owners · 4.2%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Fiat 500?6 owners · 3.6%
- Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2013 Fiat 500?5 owners · 3%
Has the 2013 Fiat 500 been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever And Linkage: Floor Shift 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.
Power Train: Manual Transmission: Floor Shift Assembly 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 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 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.
Is the 2013 Fiat 500 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAInterior and exterior vehicle lighting may fail
Risk: It is possible under extreme conditions that the wiring harness under the dashboard could come into contact with the steering column. This over a period of time may result in the chaffing of wires in the harness. If this should occur then it is possible both the exterior and instrument lights could fail.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to provide additional security of the wiring loom.
UK DVSAInterior and exterior vehicle lighting may fail
Risk: It is possible under extreme conditions that the wiring harness under the dashboard could come into contact with the steering column. This over a period of time may result in the chaffing of wires in the harness. If this should occur then it is possible both the exterior and instrument lights could fail.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to provide additional security of the wiring loom.
UK DVSAFuel may leak leading in extreme cases to fire
Risk: The fuel pump protection bracket is not to conformity and in the event of an accident the fuel feed pipe could be damaged leading to an increased risk of fuel leakage and possible fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel pump feed protection bracket and reposition the fuel feed pipe.
UK DVSABraking efficiency may be reduced
Risk: A connector on the brake servo pipe may fail and cause a loss of vacuum assistance necessitating the driver to include additional effort when braking.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a new brake servo pipe.
EU Safety GateOwing to a design defect affecting the door trim, in the event of a side impact this may break and injure the passengers.Years estimated
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 Fiat 500 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Fiat 500 owners report?
12 of the 165 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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.
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…
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 “vent” and not part of the vacuum system — a dangerous misunderstanding that allowed unmetered air into the…
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 car—and having driven fewer than 100 miles—I had the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic at The Auto Repair Place in Boulder, Colorado. Their findings revealed…
Real main seal leak Valve cover leak Vacuum pump leak Leaks went on to the starter and caused the starter to fail
In 2019 my 2013 500e wouldn't start/take a charge. I towed it to the dealer and after more than a month and $2250 they replaced the PIM module and HV battery pack. Fast forward to 2022 and I received the SERVICE ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYSTEM error. I drove the car to the dealer. They are claiming the failure is the HV battery cooling system is leaking coolant in to the battery itself and the only repair is full replacement. They are also claiming the battery is not under any warranty at this time. Any thoughts or advice on next steps would be appreciated. I cannot believe the HV battery would need…
Car break shift lock stuck in park with various different elements illuminating on the dash. Must manually override break shift lock to put car in neutral, start the car, and put it in drive or reverse. Will no go over 40 mph. Power steering will unexpectedly go out in addition to fuel cut off, ABS, and electronic stability control also stopping. Have had brake light switch replaced for temporary fix, and replaced the battery. Has passed multiple 20 point inspections with no visible damage. The same problem has reoccurred and the fiat mechanics only idea is to replace the entire shifter column…
Head light will not turn off . Drains the battery. Once fuse is removed the lights will then sut off only. This was since l purchase vehicle at dealership and hidden from me. Not told of problem . They hide it by removing the fuses.
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. takes 10-15 mins to fill up and have to know how many gallons are needed.
Ed Payne Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM 2101 E Expressway 83, Weslaco, TX 78599 +1 956-272-1902 For the past years, I have complained to the car dealer I take my vehicle into that there is an issue with the fuel tank. I have been told that other Fiat car owners have had the same issues as I. Issues, the 2013 - 2014 Fait Sport 500, tank issue, when filling up the tank, the tank does not fill up normal. When filling up the gas take, the gas handle stops every 10 sec, I have to keep clicking on the gas pump handle every 10 sec. To keep the flow of gas to fill the gas tank up. I was told by the car…
The airbag warning light comes on intermittently with nothing on the passenger seat and a message that says "airbag service required" also appears intermittently. Dealership was unable to diagnose ("never seen this issue before"}, escalated to STAR (STAR case 101975980). STAR could not diagnose and requested that the tech perform a teardown to try to figure out what was wrong. The dealership wanted to do this at my expense ($360 just to perform the tear down. Actual repair cost unknown.) I do not feel that a customer should have to cover the cost for a manufacturer to find out what is wrong…
TAKARA RECALL: MY 2013 FIAT ABARTH HAS BEEN GIVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TURBO AND SIDE MOLDINGS. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, THE MOLDINGS WERE NOT ATTACHED COMPLETELY AND THE DEALER PROMISED TO REPAIR UNDER THE WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THE MOLDINGS CONTINUE TO PEEL OFF EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED. SECONDLY, MY VEHICLE CONTINUES TO THROW A P0299 CODE WHILE I'M DRIVING EVEN AFTER I SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO REPAIR IT; CONSEQUENTLY, MY VEHICLE IS NOW NOT PASSING THE VEHICLE INSPECTION.
2013 Fiat 500: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Fiat 500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 165 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Fiat 500; the most common categories were power train (79, 47.9%), engine (22, 13.3%), electrical system (17, 10.3%). There are 4 safety recalls. 9 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Fiat 500?
Across 165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (47.9% of complaints), engine (13.3% of complaints), electrical system (10.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7.3% of complaints), air bags (6.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Fiat 500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Fiat 500; the most recent (campaign 19V817000, 2019-11-15) concerns Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever And Linkage: Floor Shift. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 Fiat 500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
18 of the 165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Fiat 500 (10.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "When driving at 60mph, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate. I do not know why this happened. I was endangered due to the inability to control the speed of my car in traffic. I have recognized a recall that I am going to pursue with a dealer." (NHTSA complaint 11429832, August 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2013 Fiat 500?
7 of the 165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Fiat 500 (4.2%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Head light will not turn off . Drains the battery. Once fuse is removed the lights will then sut off only. This was since l purchase vehicle at dealership and hidden from me. Not told of problem . They hide it by removing the fuses." (NHTSA complaint 11467104, June 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Fiat 500?
6 of the 165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Fiat 500 (3.6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Fiat's check engine light came on,and upon being diagnosed no codes came up for this car. soon after being diagnosed as a faulty code, my car suddenly stopped being able to change gears while the car is running, although it changes just fine whem it is turned…" (NHTSA complaint 11243137, August 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2013 Fiat 500?
5 of the 165 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Fiat 500 (3%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. One owner wrote: "Defect in manufacture of the driver side seat belt latch causes the seat belt to fail, (no longer latch), which in turn causes the air bag to disable while the driver is in their seat and the vehicle is in motion. failure occurs at any speed." (NHTSA complaint 11255158, September 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 500
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 500 and 500C.