Research

2011 Fiat 5 SeriesRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2011 Fiat 5 Series. Most complaints involve service brakes (1).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2019
Owner complaints
1
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: floor shift assembly

Free remedy

DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.

Power trainReported Jul 3, 2019NHTSA 19E044000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2017 – Nov 2017
  1. Service brakes1
  2. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 5 Series model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20111
2012396
2013182
2014323
2015126
2016174
201731
201816
20193
20202
20222
20245
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

1 report
“TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500 SPORT.... CONTACT STATED VEHICLE HAS 23000 MILES,,, CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM THE VEHICLE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED... WENT TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS... CONTACT STATED DEALERSHIP FILED A FALSE VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT... STATED DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM HE HAD TO PAY FOR NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS DUE TO VEHICLE HAVING NO WARRANTY.. [XXX]... 0 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIN.... *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 27, 2017Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11048560
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Fiat 5 Series as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2011 5 Series questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Fiat 5 Series have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Fiat 5 Series problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026