Power train: floor shift
Free remedy
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.
Research
2012 Fiat 5 SeriesRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 396 owner complaints for the 2012 Fiat 5 Series. Most complaints involve power train (201) and electrical system (63). NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
3of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Nov 2019
Owner complaints
396
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · 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 train: manual transmission
Free remedy
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. The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fail, causing an inability to switch gears.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
396 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2011 – Sep 2026
- Power train201
- Electrical system63
- Engine51
- Air bags32
- Suspension21
- Steering19
- Fuel/propulsion system19
- Exterior lighting12
- Vehicle speed control12
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
201 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that upon shifting the gear shifter into drive(D), park(P), or reverse(R), the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear and shifted into a different gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer after each failure. The dealer repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train); however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure several times by phone and by an online complaint. Several cases were filed and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance.”
Electrical system
63 reports3 crashes3 fires
“The vehicle had been stalling out on numerous occasions one being a freezing Xmas eve in Drive thru if it had happened somewhere isolated the driver could have frozen. I rented cars several times and replaced the alternator ,battery and at the final point at the dealership the mechanic suggested I purchase a $600 battery though I had a brand new one. The dealership gave me a $200 credit but it happened again, the mechanic in town said the Bluetooth component was draining the battery. They removed it and no problem since. The dealership mechanic talked around the issue and would not answer my questions about this. The safety issues related to this are dangerous and it appears to be known by mechanics about this model.”
Engine
51 reports1 crash
“I've had 3 different issues with the transmission- There's been 1 recall on the clutch- The transmission put me in Great danger I was driving on the freeway about 60 mph when the car just popped into neutral- I was terrified and I managed to pull to safety to put the manual transmission into gear- I didn't want it to happen again- I had to hold the gear until I got to an exit to get off the freeway- I had the Fiat towed to the dealership and fixed- then 6 months later driving again and it jumps out of gear into Neutral another scare- I put it in the shop and it cost me $4646,00 to replace the transmission, I really would like this serious safety hazzard investigated so no one gets hurt- I was Blessed to be able to think fast to save my life on a busy Highway my safety and others was put at risk because it could have caused a crash- It gives no warning at all- car is available upon request I have all receipts I can send -for some reason I was unable to download to this Site”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
3/ 5
3 of 5Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Later Release
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 3 of 5
- Side pole
- 3 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.7%
Overall
3 / 5
Fiat 500 3 HB FWD Early Release
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 2 of 5
- Side pole
- 3 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.5%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2012 5 Series questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Fiat 5 Series have?
4 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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 2012 Fiat 5 Series problems?
Owners filed 396 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (201), electrical system (63), engine (51). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
How safe is the 2012 Fiat 5 Series?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Fiat 5 Series 3 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026