Vehicles / Fiat / 500 / 2013

2013 Fiat 500

165 federal complaints (216 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 97 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 9 model years of the Fiat 500 →
Engine
1.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
28 city / 33 hwy
Federal complaints
165
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
79
Engine & cooling
22
Other
18
Electrical system
17
Fuel system
12
Body & structure
10
Air bags
10
Lighting
9
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 5 complaints01 years old: 16 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 39 complaints4 years old: 20 complaints5 years old: 12 complaints56 years old: 20 complaints7 years old: 17 complaints8 years old: 4 complaints9 years old: 8 complaints10 years old: 9 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 165 of 165 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 24 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 24 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 18 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 17 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 15 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 5 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 0 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 107 of 165 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

79 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING , I FILED FOR LEMON LAW. I WON. NOW THEY ARE GOING TO SELL THIS CAR ON THE INTERNET AS A BUY BACK...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

22 complaint records1 fire report
"COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING , I FILED FOR LEMON LAW. I WON. NOW THEY ARE GOING TO SELL THIS CAR ON THE INTERNET AS A BUY BACK...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

17 complaint records
"WIRING BETWEEN BODY AND TRUNK LID BREAKS DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND SHIELDING NOT PROTECTING THE WIRES.. 4 WIRES BROKEN CAUSING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT TO NOT BE LIT. THIS IS A TICKETABLE OFFENSE IN MASSACHUSETTS AND RESULTS IN A SURCHARGE ON THE DRIVERS LICENSE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA19001
opened Apr 2019
closed Sep 2024Air BagsElectrical overstress - led to recall 20V024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V817000Power TrainChrysler (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.Normally free
16V302000Power TrainChrysler (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.Normally free
15V291000Power TrainChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2024548
2024-08-15
Label314,717Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN".
2019577
2019-11-15
Powertrain10,627Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the shifter cable may detach. This could cause the transmission not to shift gears when the shifter is moved.
2016217
2016-05-12
Powertrain7,819On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, clutch diaphragm springs may crack or become damaged, which could result in the driver being unable to shift gears, or potentially result in a loss of motive power.
2015578
2015-12-04
Lights And Instruments17,516Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Canada is conducting a voluntary Customer Satisfaction Notification Program involving certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
23-021-26
Jun 2026
StructureBroken Exterior Driver And/Or Passenger Door Handles XB2 Warranty Extension Customers may comment the following: ● One or both exterior door handles are broken. This bulletin involves replacing one or both exterior door handles.
31-001-25 REV. B
Aug 2025
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
31-001-25 REV. A
Aug 2025
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
31-001-25
Aug 2025
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates
9100624
Jul 2025
EngineVerify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders:
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-001-24
Jul 2024
Structure"Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
9100229
Sep 2023
SuspensionLIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
93023
Aug 2023
EquipmentWarranty Bulletin D-16-03 - "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC (Rev. B)
93120
Aug 2023
EquipmentFCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-20 "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC
9100196
Jul 2023
EquipmentLubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
0700723
May 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingWater Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
1804823
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingwiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
3100123
Feb 2023
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
31-002-22
Dec 2022
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair Aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the leading edge of hood, hinges or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates or liftgates.
3100122
Aug 2022
Unknown Or OtherApproved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural...
S2209000004
Apr 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingIf a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
9004505
Mar 2022
StructureLithium Ion Batteries Beginning April 1, 2022, a $5,000 penalty will be assessed to dealers who return any visually damaged battery to the supplier. Improper handling of damaged lithium ion batteries can cause property damage, serious injury or even death.
08-177-21
Nov 2021
Hybrid Propulsion SystemBEV/Hybrid - Showroom and Display Vehicle Battery Maintenance This information only bulletin discusses procedures that must be followed for BEV/Hybrid vehicles that are on display at dealership showrooms.
S2109000004
Jul 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingIssue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
S1821000001
Apr 2021
Power TrainGear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
31-002-20
Oct 2020
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishingthe suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels.
3100220
Oct 2020
StructureAluminum Body Panel Corrosion Repair This bulletin involves inspecting and if necessary removing corrosion and refinishingthe suspect aluminum panels on the vehicle, hood, door, fenders, hinges, swing gates or liftgate panels.
S2008000118
Aug 2020
EquipmentHVAC Control Panel Illumination Inoperative
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
18-039-20
Apr 2020
Fuel SystemPossible Driveability Issues due to the Winter-Blend Fuel into the Warmer Season
9004022
Dec 2019
SuspensionAir Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-004-19
Nov 2019
VisibilityAuthentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100419
Nov 2019
VisibilityAuthentic Mopar® Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar® Glass.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003220
Aug 2019
EquipmentRADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
9003791
Oct 2017
Electrical System1.4L FIRE Service Engine (Normally Aspirated) This engine in this kit will contain one of 8 different production full dress engines, but labeled as component engine 68275870AA or 71AA.
9003109
Jun 2017
VisibilityWasher Fluid Level Sensor Prior to replacing this part due to "Low Washer Fluid" tell tale light on the dash and the washer fluid bottle is full, please perform this inspection: Check if float sensor is rotated off location from the bottle anti-rotation features that surround...
9003694
Mar 2017
Engine And Engine CoolingOil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached.
9003687
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
9003681
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
05152029
Sep 2016
Visibility/WiperWasher Fluid Level Sensor Prior to replacing this part due to "Low Washer Fluid" tell tale light on the dash and the washer fluid bottle is full, please perform the this inspection. Inspect the sensor for a fluid coating on the sensor pins.
22-004-16
Jul 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingWheel Clicking Sound When Moving Slow This bulletin involves replacing the inserts attached to the wheel The customer may describe a clicking sound from the wheel?s plastic trim inserts when moving slowly or when stopped.
22-004-16
Jun 2016
Tires"WHEEL CLICKING SOUND WHEN MOVING SLOW THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES REPLACING THE INSERTS ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL. THE CUSTOMER MAY DESCRIBE A CLICKING SOUND FROM THE WHEELS PLASTIC TRIM INSERTS WHEN MOVING SLOWLY OR WHEN STOPPED.
18-053-16
May 2016
Power TrainSYMPTOM/CONDITION: Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: • P1128-00 - Closed Loop Fueling Not Achieved - Bank 1 Upstream.
1805316
May 2016
Power TrainDiagnostic And System Improvements.
Z5091195A$
May 2016
EquipmentRES / RHA / REB radio that supports Bluetooth and Hands-Free For issues with Bluetooth, Hands-Free Calling, and/or Voice Commands, DO NOT replace the radio. Diagnose the Hands-Free Module system (also called the Telematics Module).
Z5091195A
May 2016
Electrical SystemRES / RHA / REB radio that supports Bluetooth and Hands-Free For issues with Bluetooth, Hands-Free Calling, and/or Voice Commands, DO NOT replace the radio. Diagnose the Hands-Free Module system (also called the Telematics Module).
08-045-16
Apr 2016
Service BrakesSUBJECT: Flash: Anti Lock Brake (ABS) Module System Enhancements OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves a coordinated update of the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and Regenerative Brake Controller (RBC) module software SYMPTOM/CONDITION: · U0001-00 - CAN C BUS.
68277402A
Apr 2016
Vehicle Speed ControlAdaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor.
S20
Apr 2016
Electrical SystemThe Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software on about 81,000 of the above vehicles may have backup lamp illumination timing that does not meet customer expectations.
RL108213A$
Jan 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingNAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
18-027-15 REV C
Dec 2015
Electrical SystemSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
1802715 Rev C
Dec 2015
Electrical SystemDiagnostic And System Improvements.
18-087-15
Nov 2015
Electrical SystemSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
1808715
Nov 2015
Electrical SystemSystem Improvements.
18-027-15 REV-B
Oct 2015
Service BrakesFlash: 1.4L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. Customers may experience one of the following: ? Intermittent fast crank condition ? Cranks as if no compression ?
18-027-15 REV. B
Oct 2015
Power TrainFlash: 1.4L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. Customers may experience one of the following: ? Intermittent fast crank condition ? Cranks as if no compression ?

Showing 60 of 97 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Fiat 500 →