2012 Fiat 500: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jan 14, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · 86,400 miles · CA

2012 fiat 500c mileage 86649. When driving over a bump or pothole a loud metallic sound is heard on the driver's side and to a lesser extent from in front of the engine down low when both wheels go over a crack in the road simultaneously. Carcomplaints.com says some persons have experienced the control arm disengaging from the steering mechanism on both the driver and passenger sides. Other's report a broken ball joint causing car to lose control. One person reported that when "firestone" tried to get a "d/s" axle replacement part they were told it was a "customer satisfaction recall." but when the fiat 500 was taken to the dealer they said no such recall existed and wanted owner to pay the total cost. I am the original owner of this 2012 fiat 500c special order dealer showroom model. Thousand oaks fiat ordered [xxx] with all the top features, color combinations and options special from the factory for their showroom and not intended for general sale. Being a good talker and having a load of cash I was able to obtain this machine. It has always been driven gently. Now with the clunking noise and learning of others having serious ball joint and control arm separation causing loss of steering control and a reported customer "satisfaction" quiet recall - I think fiat knew of the problem and should have a recall for any owner regardless of mileage to repair this dangerous condition. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 8, 2020 · Brakes, Suspension · 44,161 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. The contact stated that after driving, the tires were extremely warm. The vehicle was taken to a tire specialist to be inspected. The contact was informed that the passenger's side front control arm bolt loosened from the vehicle which caused the tire to tilt inward with the front control arm slightly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to palmetto alfa romeo-fiat service department (2065 ne 151st st, north miami beach, fl 33162, (305) 948-6794) where the mechanic replaced the front rotor, rotor shield, wheel bearing, front control arm and bolts. The contact stated that the vehicle previously experienced a similar failure on the front driver's side and was repaired by massey yardley jeep chrysler dodge ram (777 n. State rd 7, plantation, fl 33317, (954) 327-4000). The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving approximately 15 MPH, while attempting to make a turn when the control arm detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was fluid leaking from the ball joint on the driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,161.

Filed Aug 1, 2019 · Suspension · CA

Was told recently need to replace d/s axel but when firestone went to call fiat for part they were told' this vehicle has customer service satisfaction recall in which with the axel the control arm and other components must be replaced and to refer to dealerships or recall. When went to fiat dealership they said there no recall and proceed to say must buy rf axle, lower control arm, knuckle, bearing in order to replace original axle. Parts alone totaling 1131.75. Its was only 5 year old car at time. And previous fiat owners say they received the customer service recall before alfa romero said no.

Filed Jun 16, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 48,000 miles · DE · crash

At 47,500 miles and 4 years, 9 months of ownership, my passenger side lower front ball joint broke. There were no signs of problems leading up to the breakage. Unfortunately fiat no longer makes the 2012 lower front ball joints and the 2013+ ball joints require a new assembly so the entire ball joint, control arm, etc. Assembly has to be created.

Filed Oct 29, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 61,500 miles · GA

2012 fiat 500 prima edizione. Backing out of parking lot, driver's side front wheel disconnects from the lower control arm. Car falls almost to the ground. Dealer identifies worn ball joint. Just under 62k miles. Recent alignment and tire replacement done by the dealer. All regular service done at same local dealer since new. First and only owner. Very fortunate this did not happen on the highway at speed.

Filed Oct 12, 2015 · Suspension · 54,000 miles · OH

Lower ball joints on both sides loose and show excessive wear. Dealership performed maintence and did not notice anything while under warranty but next maintence showed excessive wear and car was just out of warranty and fiat would not cover repair. Numerous documented incidents on 2012 fiat 500's where ball joints have broken loose. A serious safety issue that fiat needs to address as the ball joints are wearing within 50,000-60000 miles

Filed Jul 29, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 68,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 fiat 500. While driving at approximately 70 MPH, the steering seal was loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was located at the ball joints. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2015 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · SC

Noticed car would 'hunt' over rutted road surfaces such as coming to a stop at a traffic light. Took in for alignment and was told driver side ball joint bad and the upper strut mount was as well. Was also informed by both a local goodyear dealer and the fiat dealer that the original parts were not available and that the repair would be $1400+ because multiple things had to be upgraded to a later year's specifications requiring the purchase and installation of 2013 or later cast not stamped lower control arm with new joint. Because that had to be changed, the steering knuckle, the bearings and the drive shaft would all require replacement to match the 2013 or later product. This would be very expensive as noted and is a known problem that the manufacturer is ignoring. This should be a 100% manufacturer paid replacement if they have determined the part is not safe or otherwise too defective to be sold.

Filed Dec 1, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 22,890 miles · PR

Car falls front and drops on a parking lot. I was manuvering to park and the car fall because the tire , shock,transaxle,ball joint fall off. This results in damage in the body and I have photos of the car at the site on my work. No pothole,no crash, just falls and breaking apart...updated 12/02/14 *bf updated 12/22/2015*js updated 9/7/2017

Filed Nov 7, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 25,000 miles · ID

After dealer replaced faulty rear main seal in july/august 2013, rear wiper blade would activate with controls in off position, causing me to have to move front windshield wiper control arm up and down, and then rear wiper blades would stop. Also the car starter would intermittently make a electrical noise after turning the key and the car wouldn't start, then I had to turn key two to three times to start car. After two months with above, in cold weather below 35 degrees the stereo, cd player, blueme systems won't work! It only starts to work after the car and surrounding environment reaches 40-45 degrees. Called into dealer and have appointment for checking all and repair/replace components not working properly and safely.