Flash: 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 ? Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination ? Intermittent crank - no start condition The technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are set in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) memory: ? P1128-00 - Closed Loop Fueling Not Achieved - Bank 1 Upstream ? P1524-00 - Oil Pressure Out Of Range - Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled (Sales code EAF only) ? P1607-00 - PCM Internal Shutdown
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 FIAT 500 brakes problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 3 brakes complaints filed for the 2012 FIAT 500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Flash: 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 ? Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination ? Intermittent crank - no start condition The technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are set in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) memory: ? P1128-00 - Closed Loop Fueling Not Achieved - Bank 1 Upstream ? P1524-00 - Oil Pressure Out Of Range - Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled (Sales code EAF only) ? P1607-00 - PCM Internal Shutdown
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash:1.4L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon inspection, the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are set in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) memory. ? P1524-00 Oil Pressure Out Of Range - Camshaft Advance/Retard Disabled (Sales code EAF only) ? P1607-00 - PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. (Sales code EAB only) ? P2610-00 - PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance. (Sales code EAB only) ? P1239-00 - Engine Oil Temperature Too L
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash:1.4L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon inspection, the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are set in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) memory. ? P0452-00 - EVAP Pressure Switch Stuck Closed. (2012 vehicles with Sales code EAB) ? P1607-00 - PCM Internal Shutdown Timer Rationality. (Sales code EAB only) ? P2610-00 - PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance. (Sales code EAB only) ? P1239-00 - Engine Oil Temperature Too Low. (Sales
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I'd pulled over in a parking lot to take a phone call (bluetooth reception was static-y), and was sitting with my foot resting on the brake pedal. I felt a kick under my foot, turned the engine off and removed my foot from the brake as I completed the call. When I started the car and pulled to the edge of the lot's exit, I of course stepped on the brake to stop and check for traffic, but the…
Driving down the highway with my cruise control on, and all of a sudden my emergency brake light came on and the brakes were applied and cancelled the cruise control. There was nothing around my emergency brake. I pulled over to pull it and make sure nothing was making it be engaged. Drove on home with no other problems.
Had brakes trouble with your 2012 FIAT 500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2012 FIAT 500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 36,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/FIAT/500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.