Worst 2012 Fiat 500 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Fiat 500.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 192 | 1 | — | 58,402 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 55 | 3 | 3 | 83,774 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 51 | 1 | — | 89,577 mi | |
| Airbags | 32 | 13 | — | 61,873 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 21 | 1 | — | 42,669 mi | |
| Fuel System | 19 | — | — | 59,040 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 19 | 3 | — | 55,986 mi | |
| Brakes | 12 | 1 | — | 43,361 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 2 | — | 23,181 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 11 | — | — | 219,305 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 8 | 1 | — | 64,875 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | 35,602 mi | |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 7 | — | — | 56,722 mi | |
| Body Structure | 7 | 2 | — | 25,027 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | 73,390 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | — | 22,031 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Starter Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Fiat 500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Fiat 500
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~91,313 vehicles.
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.
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.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. SOME VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID AND MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF THE SEALING COMPONENTS WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Other Fiat 500 Years
2012 Fiat 500 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Fiat 500 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Fiat 500?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Fiat 500?
How safe is the 2012 Fiat 500?
Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Fiat 500?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Fiat 500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Fiat 500
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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