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 the federal safety agency 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.
2012 Fiat 500 transmission problems
201 complaints (51% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 48,099. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 201
- of this car's complaints
- 51%
- typical mileage
- 48,099
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Clutch assembly7
- Clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Fiat 500 transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Fiat 500 transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the transmission may not shift into the gear selected by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable adjuster, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VB4.
Recall number 19V817000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The remedy for this recall will include the installation of a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S34.
Recall number 16V302000 · Recall details
What 2012 Fiat 500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The clutch went out while downshifting upon making a turn onto a street. The gear shift became wobbly and would not shift into any gear. This happened without warning. Minutes before, my passenger and I were driving across town on a freeway.
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the clutch pedal went to the floorboard and the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) which had been completed in 2023 on the vehicle by the same dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
Front Wheel hub bearings grinding, very fast wear and tear Transmission still not shifting right after recall shifter cable replaced not grabbing gears
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the transmission failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the recall repair was not yet available and there was no expected date when parts would be available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch pedal briefly depressed to the floor and remained stuck before releasing. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch diaphragm spring. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train); however, the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
The clutch is out in the car. This may be caused by the clutch cover diaphragm spring and results in the inability to disengage the clutch, shift gears, and loss of mode of power. Leaving the passengers in a situation that can cause wreck without warning. My clutch went without any warning. I would like to be able to have my car fixed since this is a issue that many other cars made the same year make and model as mine are have been recalled for this very issue I'm having. My car is very unsafe and without warning the clutch became none responsive and has been that way ever sense. I dont have the means to repair this and since you are taking responsiblty for this issue on other cars my car is having the same issue but not on the recall alrhough it should be on the recall as it is Very very dangerous.
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) which was linked to the failure. The dealer had been notified about the recall but stated that parts were not yet available and remained on backorder. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch assembly. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Questions about the 2012 Fiat 500 transmission
Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 201 complaints about the transmission of the 2012 Fiat 500, 51% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2012 Fiat 500 transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 48,099 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Fiat 500 transmission?
Yes, 2 recalls: 19V817000, 16V302000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Fiat 500 have bad transmission?
The Fiat 500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2012 (201 complaints), 2013 (80 complaints) and 2014 (67 complaints).
Other 2012 Fiat 500 problems
Electrical 63Engine 53Airbags 32Fuel system 23Suspension 21Steering 19Brakes 13Acceleration 12Lights 12Visibility 11Body 9Driver assistance 8Wheels 8Seat belts 6Seats 6Locks 1Tires 1
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