2013 Fiat 5 Series problems

“The contact owns a 2013 Fiat 500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the shifter cable bushing had failed. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V817000 (Power Train); however, the failure recurred 25 miles later. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the shifter cable bushing under the hood had detached again. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired with the part provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and initially informed the contact that a case was pending authorization for a loaner vehicle, tow truck service, and repair assistance; however, the dealer later informed the contact that the manufacturer had only agreed to cover the repair. The failure mileage was 117,627.”

“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.”

“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…”

“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.”

“The airbag warning light comes on intermittently with nothing on the passenger seat and a message that says "airbag service required" also appears intermittently. Dealership was unable to diagnose ("never seen this issue before"}, escalated to STAR (STAR case 101975980). STAR could not diagnose and requested that the tech perform a teardown to try to figure out what was wrong. The dealership wanted to do this at my expense ($360 just to perform the tear down. Actual repair cost unknown.) I do not feel that a customer should have to cover the cost for a manufacturer to find out what is wrong with their vehicle when the error is something that they are not familiar with and cannot diagnose and was not caused by the owner, especially when it is related to safety equipment and the proper functioning of that equipment.”

“TAKARA RECALL: MY 2013 FIAT ABARTH HAS BEEN GIVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TURBO AND SIDE MOLDINGS. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, THE MOLDINGS WERE NOT ATTACHED COMPLETELY AND THE DEALER PROMISED TO REPAIR UNDER THE WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THE MOLDINGS CONTINUE TO PEEL OFF EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED. SECONDLY, MY VEHICLE CONTINUES TO THROW A P0299 CODE WHILE I'M DRIVING EVEN AFTER I SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO REPAIR IT; CONSEQUENTLY, MY VEHICLE IS NOW NOT PASSING THE VEHICLE INSPECTION.”