In the European service world, FIAT transmission and driveline failures land on our lifts with regularity. 552 complaints across 10 year-model entries (2012–2018) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The 2012 FIAT 500 carries about 36% of the transmission and driveline complaints — typical of a generation-specific design pattern that gets resolved in the next refresh but never recalled for the affected years. 12 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Across the 338 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 48,898 miles. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $2,500; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin FIAT / POWERTRAIN
10 model-year entries · 2012–2018
FIAT powertrain problems
552 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against FIAT vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
552
Recalls
0
Year-models
10
Avg fix
$2,500
9crashes
12fires
4injuries
Worst-affected FIAT model-years for powertrain Top 10 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2012 FIAT 500
196 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2014 FIAT 500L
118 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2013 FIAT 500
77 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2014 FIAT 500
65 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2016 FIAT 500X
47 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 FIAT 500
31 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2016 FIAT 500
7 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2018 FIAT 500X
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 FIAT 500L
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2017 FIAT 500
3 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
Common questions
How many FIAT powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
552 complaints across 10 model-year entries from 2012 to 2018. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for FIAT.
Which FIAT model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2012 FIAT 500 leads with 196 complaints in this category. Next: 2014 500L (118) and 2013 500 (77).
What does it cost to fix FIAT powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the FIAT lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there FIAT powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on FIAT vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with FIAT.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.