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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-FIAT-500
2013 · FIAT

FIAT 500 problems

1 safety recall. 164 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
77 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
13 reports · avg $850
moderate
airbags
10 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
10 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
lighting
7 reports · avg $250
moderate
steering
7 reports · avg $700
moderate
body
4 reports · avg $1,500
severe
cruise control
4 reports · avg $600
moderate
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2013 500?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 500 · powertrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385761.0
2013 500 · powertrain
2013 FIAT 500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR RECALL NOTICE 16V-302. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, THE CLUTCH WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD NOT BE PERFORMING ANY…
12/29/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10937008.0
2013 500 · powertrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V302000 (POWER TRAIN) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE TWO DEALERS CONTACTED DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC…
12/28/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10937945.0
2013 500 · brakes
NOT JUST "HAPPENED", BUT RATHER CONSTANTLY HAPPENING. THE "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN" DATE BELOW IS WHEN IT STARTED, RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT IT. EVERY SINGLE TIME BRAKING SPEED REACHES AROUND 6MPH: AS I BRAKE FROM OVER 7MPH, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY GRAB, DECELERATING ALMOST VIOLENTLY. 1…
12/21/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11290445.0

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 19V817000 15/11/2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Fiat 500 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions

If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the transmission may not shift into the gear selected by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable adjuster, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB4.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Fiat 500 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Fiat 500 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Fiat 500?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 77 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Fiat 500 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Fiat 500?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 164 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with FIAT. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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