What 164 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth

Systemic Hydraulic Defect & Safety Recall Circumvention I am reporting a critical safety defect in the clutch hydraulic system of my 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth, which directly mirrors the failures described in NHTSA Recalls 16V-302 and 20V-124. Diagnostic measurements confirm a 1.23mm hydraulic over-travel in the clutch release bearing/slave cylinder assembly. This over-travel causes the diaphragm spring to be over-extended, leading to the catastrophic failure of the pressure plate and subsequent inability to disengage the clutch. This poses an immediate safety risk of vehicle surge or inability to shift gears while in motion. Despite this objective engineering data, Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) Executive offices (specifically Mike Macdonald) have formally refused to perform the safety recall repair, citing my status as the "5th owner" as a justification for exclusion. This represents a willful circumvention of a federal safety recall, as the hydraulic over-travel is a latent design defect present since manufacture and is entirely unrelated to ownership history or vehicle maintenance. The vehicle is currently available for inspection to verify these measurements.

NHTSA ODI 11734738

While driving 40mph, pressed clutch and the transmission would not shift into gear. Car began to slow in traffic ans I was unable to accelerate as the clutch would not engage a gear. Mamaged to sagely get iff road. No fluid leaks found. Would shift into gear with car off. Gear selection works, not a shift cable issue.

NHTSA ODI 11697531

In June 2025, while driving my 2013 Fiat Abarth at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. This happened on one of the hottest days of the year with another person in the car, creating a serious risk of a high-speed collision. The cause was later confirmed by a different Fiat dealership: a port in the intake/PCV system had been left completely uncapped after service at a Fiat dealership in 2024. The mechanic who worked on my car apparently believed this was only a “vent” and not part of the vacuum system — a dangerous misunderstanding that allowed unmetered air into the engine. This disrupted the air/fuel mixture and led directly to the stall. I have written proof from the dealership admitting to the “vent” claim. A competent technician should know the difference between a vent and a vacuum port. Returning a vehicle in this condition is negligence and puts lives at risk. The component is still available for inspection, and I have documentation supporting my claims.

NHTSA ODI 11680788

Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am filing this formal complaint to report the sale and interstate delivery of a dangerously defective and noncompliant vehicle sold to me by Arlington Auto Group, located at 3621 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia. On [XXX], I purchased a 2013 Fiat 500 (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle was delivered to my home in Englewood, Colorado on [XXX]. Within 24 hours of taking possession of the car—and having driven fewer than 100 miles—I had the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic at The Auto Repair Place in Boulder, Colorado. Their findings revealed multiple severe safety hazards, including: Rear brake pads completely worn to metal-on-metal contact Two bolts missing from the rear passenger wheel A destroyed and leaking turbocharger, which increases the risk of engine failure Inoperable tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) No Virginia safety inspection documentation provided Additionally, the car had been illegally tampered with to bypass emissions systems, including removal of the catalytic converter and installation of sensor bypass wiring, which also violates federal law and emissions standards. This vehicle was represented as safe and legally operable at the time of sale. However, these issues clearly indicate the vehicle poses a substantial risk to public safety and should not have been sold or shipped across state lines. Request for Investigation I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter for violations of federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and to determine whether this dealership has a pattern or practice of selling unsafe or defective vehicles. I am prepared to provide: Full mechanic inspection report Purchase contract and shipping records Photos of the damage and mechanical issues Communications with the dealership and lender Thank you for your time and attention to this serious safety matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] (303) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11651198

2013 FIAT 500 - Manual Transmission. The clutch cover diaphragm spring on the vehicle has fatigue and/or fracture. A failed clutch cover diaphragm spring has resulted in the inability to disengage the clutch, or shift gears. There is an inability to disengage the clutch, shift gears. It is potentially available for inspection if needed. This occurred while driving at low speed (thank goodness). The car became stuck in place when the failure occurred (obviously a safety concern). The issue has been confirmed by a professional. The component has been inspected by service technician. There were no warnings (lamps, messages, etc.). I believe this failure is described in Recall S34 (NHTSA), and this vehicle should be included in that recall. FIAT disagrees and has denied responsibility. Can you help?

NHTSA ODI 11634558

The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the clutch pedal was depressed; however, the pedal was sticking and failed to respond as designed. The contact was almost involved in a crash due to the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle then started operating as needed after the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 195,000. VIN tool showed no open recall.

NHTSA ODI 11627352

The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that there was a jingling sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the contact stated that while the clutch was depressed, the vehicle jerked and then rolled forward. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the hard braking warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact was fearful of driving the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 90,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11626590

The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle failed to shift into park after stopping. While shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to move after the gear selector was placed in the desired gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train). The contact called a towing company. The tow truck driver was able to re-attach the gear shifter cable, but the failure recurred. While reversing slowly to parallel park, the gear shifter cable detached again. The contact reattached the shifter cable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 128,300.

NHTSA ODI 11621507

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the convertible sunroof retractor failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the convertible sunroof failed to close as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the convertible sunroof mechanical system had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the convertible sunroof mechanical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11601002

Manual Transaxle Clutch Pedal

NHTSA ODI 11585946

The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000(Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part 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 contact had experienced the failure causing the clutch to fail. The failure mileage was 103,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11578488

The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into drive, the RPMs increased, but the vehicle failed to move, and had lost motive power. The contact shifted the vehicle to manual mode, and manually shifted the transmission into first gear and drove the vehicle. However, the vehicle would not shift into higher than third gear while in manual mode. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11568743

The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the RPM failed to exceed 2,500 RPM. The contact stated that upon applying added pressure to the accelerator pedal, the RPMs increased, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact who is an independent mechanic, determined that the failure was related to the recall. The contact stated that he stopped driving the vehicle due to safety issues. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact only one part per week was being shipped to dealers. The failure mileage was approximately 3,800. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11557842

The car is difficult to accelerate and makes a loud hum over 50. It wont shift into reverse. It is confirmed that it is a transmission issue and the whole thing has to be replaced. I found on a mechanic's site that there is an open recall S34 however my VIN is not included despite the fact that my car has the same issue as the recall. The clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA ODI 11555448

On Sept. 5, 2023 I took our Fiat 500 2013 model c in for air condition repair to Winter Haven Fiat service Dept. After I brought it home on Sept. 8th it started making strange noise, so i took it to local auto repair. They advised me that it was a clutch problem. I called Fiat service and they said they had good news and bad news. The clutch problem was under recall but they have been unable to get parts. they gave me the number for Fiat customer service and I called. At first I was told parts were available and to take car in for fix. Service dept. again said they couldn't get parts and not to drive car and not to bring it to them until they got parts. I was told to expect parts Oct 1st. then Oct. 13th , Then Oct. 23. Service dept also got these dates of delivery, but parts never came. then when i questioned parts not coming, i was told by case worker that service dept had cancelled my part order. The service dept denies this and since they are vin specific they couldn,t reorder. My caseworker has been unable to answer any questions as to if parts made, being made or if they even will. When i expect answers I am given a new case manager. I have an undriveable car that I need. I was told not to drive it by Fiat service manager as it could totally fail on highway and cause an accident and driving it can cause further damage to clutch.

NHTSA ODI 11551976

The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth equipped with a Madness Autoworks Fiat 500 Short Shifter Kit/Adjustable/Madness. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and attempting to shift the gear shifter, the vehicle was not responding. The shifter began to move in a circular motion making it impossible to drive the vehicle. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side and noticed that the shifter had fractured in half. The contact was able to obtain a different part and replaced the part at the location of the failure. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a recall had been issued on the part. The contact was offered the new replacement part. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11549850

Real main seal leak Valve cover leak Vacuum pump leak Leaks went on to the starter and caused the starter to fail

NHTSA ODI 11527478

While driving down the highway, I noticed my engine began to shake violently and began to make a strong knocking noise. The check engine light then illuminated and started blinking, indicating a serious problem. I immediately attempted to pull over because the car was no longer safe to drive. I waited a few hours on the side of the road and had the car towed to a mechanic shop. They told me that there was an engine misfire on cylinder 3. They then pointed me toward the dealership. At the dealership, they found that three cylinders had exhaust valves that were burnt out, and needed to be replaced. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The exhaust valves of cylinders 1, 2, and 3. I have photos of what the valves looked like, but may not be able to retrieve the defective valves. I can retrieve an invoice as soon as I receive it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Immediately once the issue started, it was no longer safe to continue driving on the highway. If I had continued to drive, it could have started a fire, or the engine could have stopped working, meaning that I would be stranded in the middle of the highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes. The dealership has determined the exhaust valves were at fault. The same dealership also had another vehicle with the same issue in the shop at the same time mine was in the shop. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes, the dealership has inspected the part. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - There were no prior warning signs to this issue besides a slightly higher idle than usual. Immediately when the issue happened, the check engine light illuminated and started blinking.

NHTSA ODI 11527261

The clutch pedal sticks to the floor and won't let me shift gears. There is a recall already but for some reason my car is not included the no.16v302000 please help if possible to get my car added to this recall thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11508136

The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that they would like to withdraw this complaint because the part it due to arrive soon.

NHTSA ODI 11502754

I stepped out of my car and shut my door by accident with my keys still in the car and all the doors locked on my car and locked me out. This is not a normal thing. My keys, my phone, and my purse were all in the car I am very thankful a child was not in there locked in. It was very cold out and raining. I had to use Walgreens office phone and they were not supposed to allow that but did thankfully. The police came and got me in my car. Ever since my car locked me out my door handles do not work. I have to leave my passenger window down at all times to get in my car. It rains in my car and on my passenger seat. I use the passenger window so I am not sitting in a wet seat so I just crawl through the passenger side after I stick my hand in the hole where the window should be to open my door and actually get in my usually wet car. I was sitting in Walgreens parking lot car was off and keys in seat. Please let me know if you need a police report. I have to locate the officer and get him to send me the report then upload it. He got me back in my car

NHTSA ODI 11498250

In 2019 my 2013 500e wouldn't start/take a charge. I towed it to the dealer and after more than a month and $2250 they replaced the PIM module and HV battery pack. Fast forward to 2022 and I received the SERVICE ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYSTEM error. I drove the car to the dealer. They are claiming the failure is the HV battery cooling system is leaking coolant in to the battery itself and the only repair is full replacement. They are also claiming the battery is not under any warranty at this time. Any thoughts or advice on next steps would be appreciated. I cannot believe the HV battery would need to be replaced twice in 3 years.

NHTSA ODI 11496179

shift cables & bushings failed causing inability to shift gears.

NHTSA ODI 11472675

Car break shift lock stuck in park with various different elements illuminating on the dash. Must manually override break shift lock to put car in neutral, start the car, and put it in drive or reverse. Will no go over 40 mph. Power steering will unexpectedly go out in addition to fuel cut off, ABS, and electronic stability control also stopping. Have had brake light switch replaced for temporary fix, and replaced the battery. Has passed multiple 20 point inspections with no visible damage. The same problem has reoccurred and the fiat mechanics only idea is to replace the entire shifter column and see if any other codes are appearing.

NHTSA ODI 11471124

MELTING DASKBOARD, FIRST TIME COVERED BY ORIGINAL MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. We extended the vehicle warranty with the dealer and specifically asked if the prior problem was covered and they answered in the affirmative. We then renewed vehicle warranty with the dealer again. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN, AND THEY DENIED COVERAGE. SINCE THIS IS THE FACE OF THE DASHBOARD AND NOT THE TOP WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WILL NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY FOR THE PASSENGER. PART NOT COVERED ESTIMATE FOR PART IS $377.OO Labor charges unknown

NHTSA ODI 11467393