Own a Fiat 500 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Fiat 500 for model years 2011 to 2019. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help 500 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 811 owner complaints on file for the 500 and 7 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (390), electrical system (136), engine (109).
Most-Reported Fiat 500 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the 500 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 390 | 48% | |
| Electrical System | 136 | 16% | |
| Engine | 109 | 13% | |
| Air Bags | 52 | 6% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 40 | 4% | |
| Steering | 38 | 4% | |
| Service Brakes | 34 | 4% | |
| Structure | 32 | 3% |
Power Train
390 of the 811 complaints (48%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
136 of the 811 complaints (16%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Engine
109 of the 811 complaints (13%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Fiat 500 Complaints by Model Year
The 500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012, 2013, 2014. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 396 | |
| 2013 | 165 | |
| 2014 | 124 | |
| 2015 | 92 | |
| 2016 | 14 | |
| 2017 | 14 | |
| 2018 | 5 |
Fiat 500 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the 500, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Fiat.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your 500? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Fiat 500 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 500 in these model years, most often involving power train, service brakes, hydraulic, tires. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2024 recall, Tires (campaign 24V474000): Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended.
- 2019 recall, Power Train (campaign 19E044000): DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles.
- 2019 recall, Power Train (campaign 19V817000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Fiat 500 vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the cable to detach from the transmission.
- 2016 recall, Power Train (campaign 16V302000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission.
- 2016 recall, Equipment (campaign 16V667000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016.
- 2015 recall, Power Train (campaign 15V291000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the 500, 48 involved a crash, 16 involved a fire, 38 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Fiat 500 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Fiat will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a 500 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for 500 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Fiat 500, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Fiat 500 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Fiat 500 repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Fiat 500 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Fiat 500?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Fiat 500 are power train (390), electrical system (136), engine (109). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which 500 model years have the most complaints?
The 500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012, 2013, 2014. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Fiat 500?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Fiat 500. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Fiat 500 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the Fiat 500 across model years 2011 to 2019. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Fiat 500 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Fiat vehicles including the 500, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Fiat 500?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Fiat 500 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Fiat Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.