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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-FIAT-500NHTSA data synced 1 hour ago
2013 · FIAT
FIAT 500 problems
164 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.4 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 500?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
Powertrain: 77 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 29,910–89,000 mi
Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2013 FIAT 500? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 77 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,429 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 13 owner reports
· tends to show around 49,980 mi · ~$850 to fix
airbags — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 38,883 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
engine — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 47,078 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 64,429 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Had a problem with your 2013 FIAT 500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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.
Should you avoid the 2013 Fiat 500?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 FIAT 500 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 77 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 29,910–89,000 mi; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Fiat 500?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 77 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,429 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Fiat 500 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 164 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 64,429 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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. Typical failure occurs around 64,429 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 64,429 miles. 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 hour ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/FIAT/500.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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