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 BRAKE…
2012 FIAT 500 brakes problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$450
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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.
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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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