Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 FIAT 500 powertrain problems
severe 65 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
65
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 65 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 FIAT 500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 52% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 65 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗1.4L FIRE Service Engine (Normally Aspirated) This engine in this kit will contain one of 8 different production full dress engines, but labeled as component engine 68275870AA or 71AA. The received engine will be configured for use with an automatic transmission, (includes auto transmission adapter plate / flexplate) or manual transmission. (includes flywheel / clutch asm) The received engine will be configured with or without a block heater. If required, dealer to purchase/install the block heater. The included instruction sheet K6855863AB in engine kit 68275870AA is to be followed for all applications that it applies. Please see the sheet for details. In addition to the items detailed in i
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FLASH: Battery Electric Vehicle, Multiple System Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the software in multiple modules, Vehicle Tracking Module (VTM), Body Control Module (BCM), On-Board Charging Module (OBCM), Power Inverter Module (PIM) and Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) if required. The customer may experience one or more of the following: ? The vehicle does not start charging when it?s plugged into the charging station. ? Intermittently the charge indicator will show it?s charging when it?s not charging. ? Intermittently the vehicle may have reduced performance. Enhancement: ? Increase of vehicle range in very cold weather. ? Improve Air Conditioning operation. ? Improvements
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: MIL Illumination, P0141 Oxygen Sensor 1/2 Heater Performance, P061A Internal Control Module Torque Performance This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest software. The customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0141 Oxygen Sensor 1/2 Heater Performance and/or P061A Internal Control Module Torque Performance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Fiat 500 with the dual-clutch transmission (DDCT) has generated 65 complaints describing a pattern of serious powertrain failures. Owners report sudden, unwarned loss of acceleration in moving traffic—engine runs fine but the car won't move or moves very slowly even with the gas pedal fully depressed. On highways, vehicles fail to accelerate during merging, leaving drivers vulnerable to collisions.
The clutch overheating is widespread. In routine stop-and-go traffic, the clutch generates heavy smoke and burning smell, then stalls with no warning light beforehand. Dealers tell owners this is normal and demand they shift into neutral at every traffic light—a requirement nowhere in the owner's manual. Once stalled, the car won't restart until the clutch cools, stranding drivers in dangerous positions.
Transmission gears become unavailable without warning: dashboard shows "gear not available" or the shifter won't engage selected gears. One owner lost gears sequentially (2nd, then 3rd) and eventually couldn't move the shifter at all. Some vehicles experience recurring failures even after warranty repairs, including transmission replacements.
Cold starts fail intermittently, starting difficulty increases over time, and in freezing weather the throttle becomes unresponsive during initial acceleration. Owners also report the transmission locking in park during winter. Fiat discontinued this transmission in 2015 models—a telling sign the manufacturer recognized the design was flawed.
Same FIAT 500 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Dual-clutch transmission loss of power and hesitation
The dual-clutch transmission (DDCT) suffers sudden and unpredictable loss of driving power with no warning lights. Engine runs but accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive, car stops moving entirely or moves very slowly. Owners report being stranded in traffic or unable to accelerate when merging onto highways. Restarting the vehicle sometimes temporarily restores function.
When: Can occur at any speed or driving condition; frequently in traffic and highway merging situations
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration with no warning lights; Accelerator pedal unresponsive despite being fully depressed; Engine running normally but car won't move; Intermittent power loss that clears after restart; Near-stall conditions with very slow movement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers suggest clutch replacement ($5,000+) with no guarantee of fix; transmission control module replacement; transmission replacement; some vehicles required multiple repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge DDCT problems in 2014 models; transmission not offered in 2015+ models; some recalls issued (NHTSA Campaign 14V103000, 16V302000)
Clutch overheating and transmission burn-out in stop-and-go traffic
The clutch overheats excessively during routine stop-and-go traffic, producing smoke and burning odor with no warning indicator lights. Vehicle stalls and will not restart until clutch cools down. Owners are told this is 'normal' operation and that they must shift into neutral at every traffic stop or manually operate an automatic transmission—requirements not found in owner's manual.
When: During or immediately after stop-and-go traffic situations; drive-thrus, city traffic, congested highways; as little as 5-10 minutes of idling in gear
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy white smoke coming from under hood; Burning rubber smell entering cabin; Engine stalling without warning; Vehicle won't restart until cooled; No warning light before stalling; Clutch overheating display message when it does appear
Codes mentioned: Clutch overheating warning display
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform clutch 'relearn' software reset; some replace clutch; cooling does not fix underlying issue; multiple owners report recurring problem after repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler/Fiat initially denied issue; later claimed 'performing as designed'; advised owners to shift into neutral in traffic (undocumented requirement); some dealers offered trade-in incentives instead of warranty repair; transmission not offered in 2015 models onward, indicating design flaw known to manufacturer
Transmission gear engagement failure and 'gear not available' errors
Transmission fails to engage in available gears or randomly loses specific gears (2nd, 3rd, 4th, reverse). Dashboard displays 'gear not available' or 'no gear found' messages. Vehicle stuck in one gear or will not move at all despite engine running. Requires restart to regain gear availability, sometimes temporarily.
When: Can occur during normal driving at various speeds (5-65 MPH), at stops, or during gear shifts; some instances at cold startup
Symptoms owners cite: Gear selector turns freely or won't engage into selected gear; Dashboard message 'gear not available' or 'no gear found'; Multiple gears become unavailable sequentially (2nd, then 3rd, then 4th); Vehicle stranded in one gear unable to shift; Intermittent: gear availability returns after restart; Delayed or refused engagement in specific gears
Codes mentioned: Gear not available warning, No gear found error, Transmission warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replacement (delayed by parts shortages); shifter cable assembly replacement; full transmission replacement; clutch release actuator and pressure plate replacement; multiple repairs often required on same vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued (campaigns 14V103000, 16V302000); parts shortages delayed repairs for weeks; some dealers unable to source replacement modules (only 4 modules available in entire US for one failure cluster); manufacturer called issue 'software glitch requiring EPA approval'
No crank / no start and intermittent starting failures
Engine fails to crank or start on the first attempt, or fails completely. Owner hears starter clicking and electronics power up but engine doesn't engage. Issue becomes more frequent over time. Affects ability to start vehicle after brief stops or cold starts.
When: Intermittent at first, increasing in frequency; cold starts and after brief parking periods
Symptoms owners cite: Engine doesn't crank on first key turn; Starter clicking audible but engine won't engage; Electronics power up normally; No engine start despite repeated attempts; Issue becomes more frequent over time
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates to powertrain module; reprogramming of instrument cluster module; replacement and reprogramming of powertrain control module; repeated visits required as issue persists despite repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain module updated; firmware flashes performed; owners left with cars at dealership when fixes unavailable
Throttle response failure in cold weather
Under freezing conditions (25°F and below) at first startup, throttle response becomes intermittent or unresponsive. Vehicle enters limp mode momentarily. Occurs when accelerating from stops during initial morning driving in cold weather. No fault codes are thrown and dealers cannot replicate the issue.
When: First startup of day in sub-freezing temperatures; during initial city driving after cold start; 1st and 2nd gear acceleration from traffic stops
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal unresponsive when pressed; RPMs drop to around 1,300 and enter limp mode; Momentary unresponsiveness cleared by pumping gas pedal multiple times; Vehicle resumes normal acceleration after pedal pumping; No error codes thrown
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs available; dealers cannot replicate issue; video evidence submitted to Fiat without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution provided despite video evidence submission to manufacturer
Brake engagement issues and sudden rear-end collisions
Brakes jam or engage abnormally, causing vehicle to lock up without warning. Owner experienced two rear-end collisions when brakes jammed suddenly. Second incident occurred after replacing brake pads and rotors.
When: Two weeks after purchase; six weeks after front brake replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes jam suddenly without warning; Vehicle locks up uncontrollably; Inability to prevent collision
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; owner focused on transmission/computer issues thereafter
Transmission computer communication loss
Vehicle loses electrical communication between engine computer and transmission, causing transmission to stop responding and vehicle to stall at random times including in moving traffic. Associated with loud engine noise described as metal breaking through engine wall.
When: Various streets and while in moving traffic; one instance on Friday the 13th (2015)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stops responding; Vehicle stalls in traffic; Very loud noise like heavy metal breaking through engine wall; Noise stops and issue clears after 20-minute cool down; Noise recurs upon restart, vehicle shuts off again
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; no repair completed; dealer refused coverage claiming vehicle out of warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial despite vehicle being relatively new
Clutch pressure plate and disc failure
Clutch components fail prematurely, particularly the pressure plate and disc. When shifting into gear, clutch slips and fails to engage properly. Burning odor occurs as clutch deteriorates.
When: Premature failure within first year of ownership; one case at 40,507 miles after clutch was replaced under recall in 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch slips when shifting into gear; Burning odor from clutch; RPMs increase but car fails to gain power; Inability to shift properly; Stick shift flopping around loose (shifter cable failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch pressure plate and disc replacement; shifter cable replacement; some failures post-recall and at low mileage ($2,436.60 repair cost noted)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign 16V302000 issued for clutch; however, failures recur post-repair
Transmission jerky shifting and sluggish engagement
Transmission exhibits jerky, harsh shifting in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears during both acceleration and deceleration. First gear is sluggish until gas pedal is pushed hard, then vehicle lurches forward suddenly. Transmission occasionally locks in park and won't engage until restart. Braking is also touchy.
When: During normal city and highway driving; recurring after manufacturer repair
Symptoms owners cite: Jerky movements while shifting in 1st, 2nd, 3rd gears; Sluggish 1st gear engagement; Sudden lurch forward when accelerating harder; Transmission locks while in park; Touchy, unpredictable braking; Harsh downshifts
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer replaced transmission valve body (temporarily improved jerky shifting but created sluggish 1st gear issue); case closed by manufacturer when lemon law mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission valve body replacement offered; case closed by manufacturer upon lemon law mention
Slow transmission response and delayed gear engagement
Automatic transmission is noticeably slow to respond to accelerator input. Vehicle sits for several seconds before moving when accelerating. Transmission response is unreliable, making highway merging and roundabouts dangerous. Multiple software updates have not resolved the issue. Vehicle cannot be trusted to respond predictably.
When: During acceleration attempts; highway merging; roundabout navigation; general city driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle sits idle for several seconds after accelerator pressed; Delayed gear engagement; Unpredictable transmission response; Near-accident situations from lack of acceleration response; Inconsistent behavior despite software updates
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates performed three times with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer states 'working as it should' and refuses to acknowledge system flaw
Shifter lock in park during cold weather
Shift lever becomes stuck in park position during cold weather (around 29°F), unable to move to other positions. Issue clears when vehicle warms up. Previous year exhibited similar symptom where shifter would move but transmission wouldn't engage until warm. Firmware flash temporarily resolved prior issue.
When: Cold weather conditions (around 29°F); first startup of day in winter
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever stuck in park, won't move; Unable to rock vehicle forward/back to free shifter; Clears after vehicle warms up; Intermittent reoccurrence each winter
Repairs/costs cited: Prior year issue resolved by firmware/BIOS flash update; current issue not yet repaired; owner speculates voltage-related cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Firmware flash performed for prior year symptom; current issue ongoing
Synthesized from 65 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, there was an abnormal noise and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v103000 (power train); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
Cold weather problem. 29 degf outside on occurrence. Shifter will not move from "park" position. This has cleared up before after letting vehicle warm up. It is still in this condition presently. I rocked vehicle forward and back, checked fuses, let it warm up to 39 deg f outside with the vehicle running for 20 minutes. Still stuck in park. Last winter the shift lever would move into…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. While driving, the vehicle would shift into the neutral gear and the vehicle would decelerate. The dealer discovered that the automatic transmission failed, but there were no failure codes to verify the specific issue with the automatic transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 26,640.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. When the vehicle was in neutral or park, the engine would not "rev up" and, sometimes, would not go into gear when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The car pros Fiat seattle dealer (700 s grady way, renton, wa) diagnosed that the transmission failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the dual clutch system failed to function properly causing the vehicle to be unable to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired but the details were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
In all weather conditions when putting the vehicle drive or reverse the car hesitates and is slow to get into drive/reverse... Even when at a stop sign or a stop light the car is starting to hesitate before properly accelerating.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into first or second gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The actuator clutch release, the clutch pressure plate and the disc were replaced. The contact indicated that approximately 25,000 miles later, the failure…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v302000 (power train). The part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500. While driving various speeds, the gears failed to shift or would delay in shifting without warning. When the brake pedal was depressed, the hazard warning lights illuminated and the radio failed. The dealer was unable to duplicate any of the failures. The radio was replaced on two different occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 powertrain problem on the 2014 FIAT 500?
It's a meaningful issue. 65 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 52 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 9,000 and 35,000 miles, with the median around 19,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,000; a quarter make it past 35,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2014/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.