repaired · 2021 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the transmission may not shift into the gear selected by the driver.
2013 FIAT 500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 166 owner complaints about the 2013 FIAT 500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-817 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 FIAT 500 has problems
166 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
80Power train4 crash/fire/injury
22Engine1 crash/fire/injury
17Electrical system
12Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
10Air bags
10Structure
9Exterior lighting
7Service brakes
7Steering
259 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 80 | 4 |
| Engine | 22 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 1 |
| Air bags | 10 | 7 |
| Structure | 10 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 25 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2013 FIAT 500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Power train: manual transmission
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.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with FIAT.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
65kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 50 power train complaints. 84% were reported before 100,000 miles.
15under 30k miles42under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other 500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 500 median. How we score
'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 FIAT 500 safety ratings
2013 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 FIAT 500, and the recalls they led to.
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
In owners' words
What 500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
Own a 2013 500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.