10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,929 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #51

Dec 162019

500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V817000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Safford Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat (5202 jefferson davis hwy, frederickburg, va 22408) confirmed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Bealton, VA, USA

problem #50

Mar 222019

500

  • 96,500 miles
Late in March 2019 I went out to my car at work to drive home (hour commute via mostly highway roads). When I put my car in reverse, the stick shift didn't seem right. When I attempted to put the car in 1st gear it would not go. At that point I only had 2nd and 4th gear available (3rd and 5th would also not work). I drove home at lower speeds due to not being able to shift into 5th gear. I immediately dropped the car off at a tires plus in athens, ga where I live. I thought my clutch had gone out as by the time I got there I could no longer shift gears at all (stuck in 2nd). Over the next few days, tire plus told me they thought it was my transmission and they advised me to look into getting it fixed elsewhere due to them not being able to do the work. One of the techs there did mention the possibility that it could be the shifter cable and that it might be worth it to take it to a Chrysler dealership to verify. I then picked the car up and delicately drove it to athens Dodge Chrysler Jeep on 4/1/19. They ran diagnostics and determined sure enough- it was a broken shift cable (invoice attached says they "replaced shifter cables"). I recently became aware of a recall (via mail?) on Fiat in the age range of my vehicle (NHTSA campaign id: 19V817000 and Chrysler recall #VB4) and upon looking into it on both the NHTSA and Fiat sites, for whatever reason my car wasn't under the recall. I called Chrysler directly at 800-853-1403 and the representative I spoke to said she didn't understand why my VIN # wasn't one that was recalled based on the nature of the malfunction and subsequent repair last April. She said that people call all the time having already had the work completed prior to the official recall seeking (and receiving) reimbursement. She suggested going to this site to request that my specific vehicle be added to the recall so that I could be reimbursed, as well.

- Athens, GA, USA

problem #49

Jan 092020

500

  • 104,500 miles
Two weeks ago, I got into my car and upon starting it found that it was unable to shift into reverse gear (my car is a 5-speed manual transmission). Following this incident I had the car towed to a garage, and after consulting a mechanic, I was told that there had been a failure with the shift cable bushings and that a total replacement was needed; I was also told that the 2013 Fiat 500 had been issued a recall by the company for this very issue. However, after talking with a representative of Fiat, I was told that my car's VIN number was not in the recall group. As a result, I was forced to pay for the repair indepently. I am writing, at the recommendation of my mechanic, to request that my vehicle to be added to the recall group and that the repair expenses be reimbursed.

- Greenfield, MA, USA

problem #48

Jun 242019

500

  • 23,600 miles
I was stopped, waiting for a green light in moderate morning traffic; my car was working properly. The light changed, I moved... could not engage any gears other than first and reverse. I was able to pull into a small business mall; only 1st and rev. I called for aaa, I was not that far from the dealer from whom I purchased this used Fiat in January 2017- approximate mileage 19,600 in that month. The dealer didn't care about my difficulties; would not look at it for 3-5 days and then would automatically attach a $275 charge - "just to take a look at it". I asked them to not look at it and left with my ride. The dealer's first effort was to look at my Fiat's warranty status - none, expired due to date on January 7, 2017!! two days later, I returned, I could not have aaa tow me from that location so, - having just 1st and rev, I drove out into a busy boulevard to 'relocate' the car for a tow to an independent repair shop near my home. There, a few days later it was determined the trans axle had failed; he prepared an estimate of $2,700 to replace it with a used trans axle. I am a 76 year oldsenior citizen trying to survive on just ss; after a lengthy time trying to convince fca their car failed at 19,600 and seeking pro bono litigation, I finally had to take out a personal loan that will cost me $3,762!!! the independent repair shop has very qualified technicians on staff, their vp worked in nascar their shop is aaa certified. None of these qualities are provided by the dealer. Since August 15th I have a used trans axle with approximately 85,000 miles on it from an abarth on my car. To date it's performing 'okay'. there is little trust whenever I drive it; I'm not trusting it enough to take a long trip. When I got the Fiat, the tires were almost bald (dangerous); they were replaced in January 2018, other 'issues' are slowly appearing, broken dash vents, etc.

- Lockport, NY, USA

problem #47

Jul 032019

500

  • 89,000 miles
While driving, I lost the ability to shift between gears using the manual shift. The dealer replaced the entire clutch and it cost me $2600. This lost of shifting is the subject of a recall for Fiat by my VIN was not included in the recall.

- Roebling, NJ, USA

problem #46

Aug 102019

500

  • 113,000 miles
Fiat's check engine light came on, and upon being diagnosed no codes came up for this car. Soon after being diagnosed as a faulty code, my car suddenly stopped being able to change gears while the car is running, although it changes just fine whem it is turned off. The first incidence of this happening occured while I was driving and posed a huge safety hazard

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #45

Jun 072019

500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to shift in and out of gear and there was a loss of power. The vehicle was taken to moses Fiat-alfa romeo (2041 maccorkle ave, St albans, wv 25177, (304) 722-4900). The dealer stated that the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 16V302000 (power train); however, the failures occurred afterwards. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to the dealer more than once. The dealer indicated that the same oem parts needed to be replaced. The dealer turned the contact away twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Beards Fork, WV, USA

problem #44

Apr 012019

500

  • miles
There is an oil leak on drivers side cam seal or actuator

- Easton, PA, USA

problem #43

Feb 212019

500

  • 63,109 miles
Driving in 3rd gear slid and hit the guard rail and when vehicle stopped couldn't get vehicle out of 3rd gear. Had to use both hands to get vehicle into 1st gear. After vehicle was in 1st gear the vehicle started to smoke and the clutch pedal stuck to the floor. Found a recall bulletin #16V302000 on fca us llc website which describes a recall for S34: "if the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose power, increasing the risk of a crash." That's exactly what happen to the vehicle. Fiat Chrysler will not stand behind recall S34 on this vehicle. Vehicle was in motion driving in 3rd gear and couldn't get vehicle to go into 4th gear stuck and crashed on a county road.

- Freeport, IL, USA

problem #42

Oct 012018

500

  • 70,000 miles
My vehicle is experiencing the exact problem described in recall 16V302000 so I contacted Fiat. They will not repair the transmission because my VIN is not registered as an effected vehicle. I have on more than one occasion run into problems shifting, the car would physically not go into gear until a downshift first occurred. This has caused drastic slowdowns while driving in traffic.

- Grayslake, IL, USA

problem #41

Nov 082018

500

  • 21,000 miles
Loss of motive power while I drive and I have to pull over on the highway. This has happened many times. I have taken the car to Fiat and they have not fixed the issue. Fiat has a recall on my type of car except fca us llc said my VIN is not included. NHTSA campaign id # 16V302000. I do not want passengers to be in my car because of the risk of death. There is a significant danger to myself and others.

- White Plains, NY, USA

problem #40

Oct 132018

500

  • 69,000 miles
Transmission lost gears while merging with traffic. Due to shifter cable bushing failure. Lost 3rd, 4th & 5th year. This has caused numerous owners stranded. www.fiat500usaforum.com/showthread.php?21879-lost-some-gears-shifter-broken/page3

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #39

Oct 092018

500

  • 77,000 miles
Experienced difficulty shifting gears, and once the car stopped on the highway; was able to get it into third gear to move the car. Once the vehicle was parked 10/09/2018 I was unable to engage the gears; the manual gearshift would not enter any gear. Extremely dangerous while on the road, as you are unable to move the vehicle. The vehicle was towed. I called fca and they advised that this is not part of the recall, but the vehicle is experiencing exactly the same issues as those included in the recall. I would have to pay out of pocket to tow the the vehicle a 2nd time to a fca repair shop with no guarantee that a) they can fix it; B) they will cover any of the costs incurred; C) they would include this information or vehicle in the reporting of those affected by the (already known) S34 recall. Vehicle has less than 80K miles and I consistently brought it to fca dealership and service centers since purchase. I am the original owner.

- Tarrytown, NY, USA

problem #38

Jul 142018

500

  • 29,910 miles
On July 14, 2018, I began experiencing trouble with my Fiat 500 sport ive only had 2-3 months. I was driving the vehicle in some traffic when it suddenly loss of power. The car began sending multiple codes dealing with the powertrain and transmission. Right now no obd II devices are able to read the codes because nothing shows. I am unable to track my vehicle's mileage as well. The check engine and ESC lights are on. If driven the transmission light comes on and the car tries to stall. The oil has been changed as required. There is very rough idling. There are constant misfires in one of the cylinders. I haven't driven this car in over a month. Today I have finally managed to get it to the dealership. I'm not sure what they will say is the problem but I feel its a bad ECU/BCM/PCM.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #37

Nov 012014

500

  • 500 miles
Since I bought the car when I put it into reverse it slips out of gear. Ive had it since 2014. I've looked up recalls but it hasn't been recalled yet. It looks as though several model close mine are having the same issue and have been recalled already. I will be trying to reverse on a street and it pops out of gear and grindes. This issues happens frequently and has gotten me close to accidents.

- Port Orchard, WA, USA

problem #36

Jun 052018

500

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift gears and remained in neutral while attempting to shift into park. As a result of the failure, the vehicle continued to roll and almost crashed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 98,000.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #35

Jun 062017

500

  • 96,331 miles
My 2013 Fiat pop was called in for a recall on the clutch plate and spring. Desert Fiat of victorville made the repair and I drove it until June 6, when the clutch failed and I had it towed to their service center. They had my car from June 6 until July 7. when I spoke with fca (888-242-6342 file #[xxx])they told me I had to authorize the service and they would help if the repair was not cover under the recall. The repair is $1748 and they are holding my car hostage and will not negotiate with me as they said they would. They have threaten to put a lien on my car. I have contacted the bureau of automotive repair ([xxx])and they have found 3 violations. I am trying to get my car back is there anything that can be done. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Victorville, CA, USA

problem #34

Jun 162017

500

  • 54,000 miles
I was driving to an appointment and was sitting at a red light when my Fiat began to shake. I took it to the Fiat dealership after my appointment on June 16, 2017. The following Tuesday they said I was my spark plugs and I approved changing them. When they started the car again then they got a message stating no compression in cam 2. I an the original owner and have had the car just under 4 years. I have had all the scheduled maintenance done there at the dealership. I however have 54K on the engine so I am just outside of the warranty. I have been going through various Fiat forums and see that this seems to be an issue with cam 2.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #33

Oct 302016

500

  • 1,400 miles
Complete loss of power when driving, I filed for lemon law. I won. Now they are going to sell this car on the internet as a buy back.

- Hot Springs, AR, USA

problem #32

May 102016

500

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the oil pressure and service engine warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V302000 (power train). The contact stated that the manufacturer had not supplied the remedy and parts within a reasonable time frame. Months after waiting for the recall repair parts, the clutch was not functioning properly and there was a strong vibration coming from the pedal. The manufacturer had a dealer (bob frensley Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat in madison, tn) schedule an appointment for July 6, 2017. In the interim, the contact could obtain a rental vehicle and would be reimbursed. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Nashville, TN, USA

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