2012 Fiat 500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 13%of 396 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,416miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Fiat 500, 13% of the 396 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,416 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I car warning lights started coming on and staying on all the time. I took the car in for an oil change and was advised I needed a new motor. The car is constantly stalling, cutting off all the time, bearly restarting and only able to drive less than 25 MPH. This is the problem every time I start it up.”
NHTSA complaint #11128207, filed 2018-09, 60,000 miles“Took car in for service with 29,600 miles on it. Was told it needed new valve cover gasket, both cv boots replaced, and both transmission output seals replaced. I had already replaced one transmission output seal at 22,000 miles. Total cost $900 all out of warranty. I've already filed a complaint about having to replace the clutch. Seems there are a lot of issues with this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10864406, filed 2016-05, 29,600 miles“Engine light when on with 10 k miles in my engine only 1/4 oil left, the dealer performece the oil change 3 weeks latter engine light on again. Only 1/4 oil inside, they did the (cot) consumcion oil test every 500 miles for 4 times. Answer from the manufacture every 1 k miles I have to add 1/4 oil now I have to check it every 1 k... Not include in the guarante. If the manueal says oil change every 8 k miles how is posible 1/4 every 1 k miles I think they just clean their hands...”
NHTSA complaint #10717899, filed 2015-05, 15,000 miles“My 2012 Fiat is having starter issues. Sometimes the engine just cuts off. I took the car in and they told me that all 2012 fiats recently serviced, are having this issue. There is no fix until chrysler creates a code for the system. I asked how long has this been going on and he said 3 months now. So basically I have to deal with my car barley starting and possibily cutting off and there is no solution. This could be dangerous and may lead to other damages. Something needs to be done.”
NHTSA complaint #10762239, filed 2015-09, 48,000 miles“The car got stuck with mud under the car. When we go it pulled out and took it to the dealer would have cost us 3000 to have it fixed. That way to much and they told there was problem with the engine now. They wouldn't work a deal on it. When driving home we noticed thry left a plate from under the sterling will and had rip the black peace that wrapes oround it.we to it to a tramission place in town where they fixed the transmissin , the car drive like a mess I just afraid to go lomg distance.”
NHTSA complaint #10758772, filed 2015-08, 6,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11020767Jul 8, 2025Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders:
- 10159934Nov 13, 2015Flash: 1.4L System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience one of the…
- 10151747Oct 13, 2015Flash: 1.4L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. Customers may…
- 10150518Apr 7, 2015Flash:1.4L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number…
- 10055329Feb 11, 2014Chrysler: some vehicles are exhibiting malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination, no start, engine crank and the powertrain control module (pcm) has selectively erasing and…
- 10128948Feb 6, 2013Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure…
- 10044530Jun 8, 2012Fiat: due to tee being installed backwards, the boost vacuum purge harness causes a mil illumination with p1cea and if necessary be replaced.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Fiat 500
201 complaintsElectrical system
63 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Fiat 500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology