Common problems · Fiat
Fiat 500 common problems and recalls
17 sourced problems across the 500's generations since 2012, plus 18 DVSA recalls. Enter a registration to see the ones that apply to your exact car.
Free · no signup · recalls, MOT data and researched problems
500e (electric, 2020–on) (2020 on)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · FiatDriveshafts & 4x4
Recall: driveshaft or its joints can fail
Two recalls cover driveshafts on the 500: the right-hand driveshaft on cars built August–December 2018, and the driveshaft joints (a material non-conformity) on cars built September 2020 – June 2021, which includes mild-hybrid models. A failed driveshaft means a loss of drive. The recalls replaced the parts.
Applies to: Fiat 500 built 13 August – 19 December 2018, or 9 September 2020 – 30 June 2021
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · FiatElectrics
Recall: reversing light switch may not work
On some 500s and Pandas built in spring and summer 2023, the reverse-gear switch is not to specification, so the reversing lights may not come on. The recall replaced the switch.
Applies to: Fiat 500 and Panda built March–July 2023
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 2 publishersScreen, sat-nav & audio
Early cars: software and infotainment glitches
Early electric 500s could suffer various electronic glitches, mostly infotainment-related. Software updates fix them, so check the car's updates are up to date.
Applies to: Fiat 500e (electric), 2020 on — mainly early cars
- Reported by 2 publishersEngine
If it has the Fiat 0.9 TwinAir petrol (two-cylinder): 0.9 TwinAir: very sensitive to oil grade and change intervals
The two-cylinder TwinAir uses an oil-operated MultiAir valve actuator. Using the wrong oil or stretching oil changes can damage that unit, which is expensive to replace. Check the car has had on-time oil changes with the specified oil.
Applies to: Fiat 500, 500C, Panda Mk3, Punto and 500L with the 0.9 TwinAir petrol (2010–2020)
DVSA recalls for the 500e (electric, 2020–on)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- Incorrect information on the registration document and CoC (certificate of Conformity)R/2023/313 · 24/03/2025
On affected vehicles incorrect data has been entered on the registration document and correspondingly the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Remedy: The registration document must be amended and a new CoC issued.
Listed for: 500, PANDA · built 2022–2023
- The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly.R/2022/268 · 23/09/2022
The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly
Remedy: The integrity of the positive lead terminal must be checked and if it is damaged it must be replaced. If it is not damaged the correct torque must be applied to the nut to ensure correct tightening.
Listed for: 500 · built 2022
- Front suspension control arm ball jointR/2023/283 · 22/11/2023
Affected vehicles may not have the correct installation and tightening between the suspension control arm and the steering knuckle joint.This may possibly result in the control arm bolt becoming detached from the knuckle seat whilst the vehicle is in motion In the worst case this could lead to loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Check installation of joint and if necessary correctly install joint.
Listed for: 500 · built 2023
- Fiat 500 BEV High Voltage battery negative pole connectionR/2024/434 · 18/12/2024
On affected vehicles the fastening nut may be missing from the negative terminal of the high-voltage battery pack which could result in a loss of torque failure to start the vehicle and in extreme cases it could present a possible fire hazard.
Remedy: The affected vehicles will have the high-voltage battery replaced.
Listed for: 500 BEV · built 2021–2023
Show 6 more
- The start & stop system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirementsR/2021/018 · 12/02/2021
The Start & Stop system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements.
Remedy: The proxi file must be updated to solve the non conformity.
Listed for: 500 · built 2020
- The sport mode system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirementsR/2021/019 · 12/02/2021
The �Sport� mode system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements.
Remedy: The proxi file must be updated to solve the non conformity.
Listed for: 500 ABARTH · built 2020
- Ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rodR/2022/186 · 09/09/2022
Vehicles may have been produced with ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod.
Remedy: Check for the correct tightening of the lock nut and check/adjust wheel alignment if tightening was required.
Listed for: 500 · built 2022
- Ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rodR/2022/187 · 09/09/2022
Vehicles may have been produced with ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod.
Remedy: Check for the correct tightening of the lock nut and check/adjust wheel alignment if tightening was required.
Listed for: 500 ABARTH · built 2022
- Vehicles may have been fitted with a faulty left or right side half-shaftR/2022/210 · 08/09/2022
A number of vehicles may have been fitted with a faulty left or right side half-shaft (drive shaft).
Remedy: The half-shaft identified as faulty according to traceability data must be replaced
Listed for: 500 BEV · built 2021
- Fiat 500 BEV Panda and Tipo. Instrument panel cluster softwareR/2025/319 · 04/09/2025
On affected vehicles the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) function may remain deactivated in a specific use case. If the customer seeks to reactivate the AEB after previously deactivating it during the same driving cycle (key on/off) it will remain deactivated however the icon on the cluster to alert about deactivation…
Remedy: Update front camera software.
Listed for: 500 BEV · built 2024–2025
Measured at MOT: how a 2023 500 fails more often
Based on 25,356 first MOT tests of this model at 3 years old (cars first used 2021–2022), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
500 (2007–2024, petrol and diesel) (2007–2024)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · FiatElectrics
Recall: dashboard wiring can chafe, so lights can fail
On 500s built between September 2011 and July 2014 the wiring harness under the dashboard can rub against the steering column. Over time the wires can chafe through, and the exterior and instrument lights can fail. The recall secured the wiring loom. Over 90,000 cars were included.
Applies to: Fiat 500 and 500C built 12 September 2011 – 8 July 2014
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · FiatBrakes
Recall: brake servo pipe connector can fail
On some cars built between June and September 2012, a connector on the brake servo pipe can fail. The brakes still work, but power assistance is lost, so the pedal needs much more effort. The recall fitted a new pipe and connector.
Applies to: Fiat 500, Punto, Doblò, Qubo and Fiorino built June–September 2012
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · FiatBody & corrosion
Recall: front seatbelt anchorage links may be weak
Some 500s and Pandas built between September and November 2014 had front seatbelt anchorage links that may not have been made to specification, so they might not hold in a crash. The recall replaced the links.
Applies to: Fiat 500 and Panda built 1 September – 20 November 2014
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · FiatBody & corrosion
Recall: right front seat may not stay in place in a crash
On some 500s and Abarths built between December 2015 and mid-2016, the right-hand front seat guides may not be to specification, so the seat may not stay in position in an impact. The recall repaired the seat.
Applies to: Fiat 500 built 7 December 2015 – 31 March 2016; Abarth 500/595 built 7 December 2015 – 27 June 2016
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · FiatBrakes
Recall: rear brake shoe lining may reduce braking
On 500s built in September and October 2016, the rear brake shoe lining may not have been made to specification, which could reduce rear braking and lengthen stopping distances. The recall replaced the shoes.
Applies to: Fiat 500 built 2 September – 18 October 2016
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · FiatElectrics
Recall: instrument cluster can stick and show the wrong speed
On 500s built between July and October 2017 the instrument cluster can stick and display incorrect speed information. The recall replaced the cluster.
Applies to: Fiat 500 built 19 July – 7 October 2017
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · FiatDriveshafts & 4x4
Recall: driveshaft or its joints can fail
Two recalls cover driveshafts on the 500: the right-hand driveshaft on cars built August–December 2018, and the driveshaft joints (a material non-conformity) on cars built September 2020 – June 2021, which includes mild-hybrid models. A failed driveshaft means a loss of drive. The recalls replaced the parts.
Applies to: Fiat 500 built 13 August – 19 December 2018, or 9 September 2020 – 30 June 2021
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
- Recall · FiatElectrics
Recall: reversing light switch may not work
On some 500s and Pandas built in spring and summer 2023, the reverse-gear switch is not to specification, so the reversing lights may not come on. The recall replaced the switch.
Applies to: Fiat 500 and Panda built March–July 2023
Recalls apply to specific vehicles by VIN — a Fiat dealer or the DVSA recall checker can confirm whether this car was included and whether the work has been done.
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 4 publishersInterior
Interior trim can break, fall off, rattle or squeak
Owners report pieces of interior trim breaking or coming away, along with rattles and squeaks from the cabin. Door handles and the front seat-tipping mechanism are also named as weak points.
Applies to: Fiat 500 and 500C, 2007–2024 (petrol and diesel)
- Reported by 4 publishersGearbox
Gearbox faults and early clutch wear
Owners report gearbox faults that are costly to put right, and early clutch failure is not unusual on petrol 500s. On diesels, the dual-mass flywheel can also give trouble. Check the clutch for slip and the gearchange for baulking or crunching, and listen for noise from the gearbox.
Applies to: Fiat 500, 2007–2024
The sources do not separate the manual gearbox from the Dualogic automated manual, and DVLA does not record which is fitted.
- Reported by 4 publishersElectrics
Electrical faults, warning lights and air-con trouble
Owners report recurring electrical faults — dashboard warning lights coming on and infotainment problems — and heating and air-conditioning faults, including compressors failing early and the blower motor squealing or failing. The blower sits behind the dashboard, so replacing it is labour-intensive.
Applies to: Fiat 500, 2007–2024
- Reported by 2 publishersSuspension
Front ball joints, dampers and wheel bearings wear early
Premature wear of the front suspension ball joints was the most reported fault on earlier 500s, and dampers and wheel bearings are also known to fail earlier than expected. Listen for knocks over bumps and a hum or rumble that rises with speed.
Applies to: Fiat 500 and 500C, especially earlier cars (RAC says the ball-joint issue was mostly sorted by the 2014 model year)
- Reported by 4 publishersElectrics
Tailgate wiring can chafe through: rear lights, wiper, boot lock
The cables running into the tailgate flex every time it opens and can chafe or break where they pass the hinge. The boot release, rear wiper, number-plate or brake lights then fail. Checking and protecting the loom is worth doing.
Applies to: Fiat 500 hatch and Abarth 500/595, 2007–2024 (500C pending a second source)
- Reported by 2 publishersEmissions, DPF & AdBlue
If it has the Fiat 1.3 MultiJet diesel: 1.3 MultiJet diesel: blocked DPF and fuel diluting the oil
The particulate filter needs regular longer runs to clean itself. On cars used for short trips it can clog, and interrupted regenerations can wash diesel into the sump, so the oil level rises. Watch for the 'oil exhausted' warning and a rising dipstick; left alone it can damage the engine. Expect an oil change and a forced regeneration, or a new filter.
Applies to: Fiat 500 and 500C with the 1.3 MultiJet diesel (2008–2015)
Short-trip use makes this much more likely; a car that regularly does motorway miles is at lower risk.
- Reported by 2 publishersEngine
If it has the Fiat 1.2 8v FIRE petrol (Euro 6): Euro 6 1.2 petrol: hesitates and lacks power pulling away
Euro 6 versions of the 1.2 FIRE petrol can bog down when pulling away, especially on hills and at junctions — an engine-management calibration problem. Fiat dealers have a software update that fixes it; ask whether it has been done.
Applies to: Fiat 500 and Panda Mk3 with the Euro 6 1.2 petrol (from about 2014)
Only Euro 6 versions are affected, and DVLA does not record the emissions standard. Cars that have had the software update should not show it.
- Reported by 2 publishersEngine
If it has the Fiat 0.9 TwinAir petrol (two-cylinder): 0.9 TwinAir: very sensitive to oil grade and change intervals
The two-cylinder TwinAir uses an oil-operated MultiAir valve actuator. Using the wrong oil or stretching oil changes can damage that unit, which is expensive to replace. Check the car has had on-time oil changes with the specified oil.
Applies to: Fiat 500, 500C, Panda Mk3, Punto and 500L with the 0.9 TwinAir petrol (2010–2020)
DVSA recalls for the 500 (2007–2024, petrol and diesel)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- Incorrect information on the registration document and CoC (certificate of Conformity)R/2023/313 · 24/03/2025
On affected vehicles incorrect data has been entered on the registration document and correspondingly the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Remedy: The registration document must be amended and a new CoC issued.
Listed for: 500, PANDA · built 2022–2023
- The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly.R/2022/268 · 23/09/2022
The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly
Remedy: The integrity of the positive lead terminal must be checked and if it is damaged it must be replaced. If it is not damaged the correct torque must be applied to the nut to ensure correct tightening.
Listed for: 500 · built 2022
- Front suspension control arm ball jointR/2023/283 · 22/11/2023
Affected vehicles may not have the correct installation and tightening between the suspension control arm and the steering knuckle joint.This may possibly result in the control arm bolt becoming detached from the knuckle seat whilst the vehicle is in motion In the worst case this could lead to loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Check installation of joint and if necessary correctly install joint.
Listed for: 500 · built 2023
- Interior and exterior vehicle lighting may failR/2014/089 · 22/09/2014
It is possible under extreme conditions that the wiring harness under the dashboard could come into contact with the steering column. This over a period of time may result in the chaffing of wires in the harness. If this should occur then it is possible both the exterior and instrument lights could fail.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to provide additional security of the wiring loom.
Listed for: 500 ABARTH · built 2011–2014
Show 14 more
- Replace electrical power steeringR/2017/297 · 19/12/2017
Due to a non-conformity in the production process the electrical power steering (EPS) must be replaced. This will prevent a potential loss of steering assistance. Loss of EPS functionality could increase the risk of a collision occurring.
Remedy: Replace the Electrical Power Steering unit
Listed for: 500 · built 2017
- Fiat 500 BEV High Voltage battery negative pole connectionR/2024/434 · 18/12/2024
On affected vehicles the fastening nut may be missing from the negative terminal of the high-voltage battery pack which could result in a loss of torque failure to start the vehicle and in extreme cases it could present a possible fire hazard.
Remedy: The affected vehicles will have the high-voltage battery replaced.
Listed for: 500 BEV · built 2021–2023
- Loss of steering controlR/2010/212 · 13/12/2010
The upper fork on the steering shaft fork may not have been correctly fixed/'staked' onto the shaft. This may cause a knock from the steering and in extreme cases the fork may separate from the shaft and result in loss of steering control.
Remedy: To check the shaft for the presence of the 2 'Stake' markings.
Listed for: 500, PANDA, ABARTH · built 2009
- The start & stop system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirementsR/2021/018 · 12/02/2021
The Start & Stop system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements.
Remedy: The proxi file must be updated to solve the non conformity.
Listed for: 500 · built 2020
- The sport mode system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirementsR/2021/019 · 12/02/2021
The �Sport� mode system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements.
Remedy: The proxi file must be updated to solve the non conformity.
Listed for: 500 ABARTH · built 2020
- Front seatbelts may not function as intendedR/2015/077 · 10/04/2015
It has been identified that the front seatbelt anchorage links may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. If the link is subjected to an abnormal force then it may not perform as required.
Remedy: Recall all the affected vehicles to check the link and if required replace it.
Listed for: 500 ABARTH · built 2014
- Ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rodR/2022/186 · 09/09/2022
Vehicles may have been produced with ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod.
Remedy: Check for the correct tightening of the lock nut and check/adjust wheel alignment if tightening was required.
Listed for: 500 · built 2022
- Ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rodR/2022/187 · 09/09/2022
Vehicles may have been produced with ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod.
Remedy: Check for the correct tightening of the lock nut and check/adjust wheel alignment if tightening was required.
Listed for: 500 ABARTH · built 2022
- Fuel may leak from manifoldR/2008/181 · 09/01/2009
Fuel may leak as on some engines the fuel manifolds may not be to specification. If the fuel manifold leaks it is possible that a loss of power could occur and the engine cut out.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect the fuel manifold and check it for conformity to specification. Where necessary replace the fuel manifold.
Listed for: 500, GRANDE PUNTO, PUNTO GRANDE · built 2008
- Vehicles may have been fitted with a faulty left or right side half-shaftR/2022/210 · 08/09/2022
A number of vehicles may have been fitted with a faulty left or right side half-shaft (drive shaft).
Remedy: The half-shaft identified as faulty according to traceability data must be replaced
Listed for: 500 BEV · built 2021
- Risk of rear brake lock upR/2009/023 · 06/04/2009
It has been identified that on subject vehicles the rear brake back plate retaining bolts may not have been tightened to the correct specification. Should the bolts work loose this can result in noise illumination of the ABS warning light and in extreme cases wheel lock.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the subject bolts checked and tightened to the correct specification.
Listed for: 500 · built 2008–2009
- Fuel may leak leading in extreme cases to fireR/2013/130 · 05/01/2014
The fuel pump protection bracket is not to conformity and in the event of an accident the fuel feed pipe could be damaged leading to an increased risk of fuel leakage and possible fire.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel pump feed protection bracket and reposition the fuel feed pipe.
Listed for: 500 · built 2013
- Fiat 500 BEV Panda and Tipo. Instrument panel cluster softwareR/2025/319 · 04/09/2025
On affected vehicles the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) function may remain deactivated in a specific use case. If the customer seeks to reactivate the AEB after previously deactivating it during the same driving cycle (key on/off) it will remain deactivated however the icon on the cluster to alert about deactivation…
Remedy: Update front camera software.
Listed for: 500 BEV · built 2024–2025
- The wrong airbag may deploy in a collisionR/2010/117 · 01/10/2010
In the case of a side impact the wrong airbag could deploy as a result of a software non-compliance.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to apply a software update.
Listed for: ABARTH, 500, PUNTO GRANDE, PUNTO · built 2009–2010
Measured at MOT: how a 2016 500 fails more often
Based on 76,612 first MOT tests of this model at 10 years old (cars first used 2014–2015), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
MOT failure rate: the 500 against vehicles its age
In our analysis of DVSA's anonymised MOT data for 2024 and 2025, 32.7% of 661,925 initial MOT tests on the Fiat 500 failed at the first attempt — 15% more often than vehicles of the same ages and fuel types, which failed 28.2%.
500Cars of the same age and fuel (all makes)
| Age | Tests | Bars | 500 | Same age & fuel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | 95,268 | 15.3% | 13.4% | 12% higher | |
| 6–9 years | 227,983 | 29.4% | 22.9% | 27% higher | |
| 10–14 years | 281,942 | 38.8% | 34.7% | 11% higher | |
| 15–19 years | 56,732 | 45.3% | 42.4% | 6% higher |
These describe the model, not one car: how vehicles are used and maintained shows up as much as how they were built. Differences are the conservative end of a 95% confidence interval.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Rates and comparisons are FindServiceHistory's own analysis, not DVSA figures.
These describe the model, not one car. Plenty of cars never have the problems their model is known for, and a recall may already have been done on yours. Every problem links to its sources; a reported problem needs two independent publishers before we list it.
Recalls are listed by DVSA for the model around its build date — check a specific car by VIN at GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
What are the most common 500 problems?
For cars built from 2012, the problems at least two independent publishers report include: Early cars: software and infotainment glitches; 0.9 TwinAir: very sensitive to oil grade and change intervals; Interior trim can break, fall off, rattle or squeak; Gearbox faults and early clutch wear; Electrical faults, warning lights and air-con trouble. Which apply depends on the generation and engine — they are listed generation by generation above, each with its sources.
Has the 500 been recalled?
Yes. DVSA lists recalls for the 500 built from 2012, shown above by generation. A recall covers a range of chassis numbers, so not every car is affected — check a specific car by VIN on GOV.UK, or by registration with our checker.
Does my 500 have these problems?
Not necessarily. These describe the model; many cars never have them, and a well-maintained car is less likely to. Enter your registration above to see the problems for your exact generation and engine, and whether DVSA records an outstanding recall on it. Whether a known problem was fixed is what a service history check shows.
Has this 500 had the work done?
A known problem matters far less on a car whose dealer records show it was fixed. A service history check returns the manufacturer's own dealership records for a specific car — and there's no charge if we find nothing.
Check a Fiat service history