Fiat 500 reliability
The Fiat 500 fails its MOT more often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 30% of 163,387 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
28 DVSA recalls for the Fiat 500
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Fiat 500 BEV Panda and Tipo. Instrument panel cluster software
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 remains off. This does not meet regulatory requirements.
Fix: Update front camera software.
Recalled models: 500 BEV · 386 vehicles
Incorrect information on the registration document and CoC (certificate of Conformity)
On affected vehicles incorrect data has been entered on the registration document and correspondingly the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Fix: The registration document must be amended and a new CoC issued.
Recalled models: 500 · 11,381 vehicles
Fiat 500 BEV High Voltage battery negative pole connection
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.
Fix: The affected vehicles will have the high-voltage battery replaced.
Recalled models: 500 BEV · 1 vehicles
Reverse gear switch not functioning as intended.
On affected vehicles the reversing gear switch is not according to specification. This could result in a failure to illuminate the rear light of the vehicle during a reversing manoeuvre.
Fix: Check the reversing gear switch and replacement if required
Recalled models: 500 · 387 vehicles
Front suspension control arm ball joint
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.
Fix: Check installation of joint and if necessary correctly install joint.
Recalled models: 500 · 199 vehicles
The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly.
The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly
Fix: 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.
Recalled models: 500 · 6 vehicles
Ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod
Vehicles may have been produced with ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod.
Fix: Check for the correct tightening of the lock nut and check/adjust wheel alignment if tightening was required.
Recalled models: 500 ABARTH · 1 vehicles
Ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod
Vehicles may have been produced with ineffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod.
Fix: Check for the correct tightening of the lock nut and check/adjust wheel alignment if tightening was required.
Recalled models: 500 · 52 vehicles
Vehicles may have been fitted with a faulty left or right side half-shaft
A number of vehicles may have been fitted with a faulty left or right side half-shaft (drive shaft).
Fix: The half-shaft identified as faulty according to traceability data must be replaced
Recalled models: 500 BEV · 2 vehicles
The drive shaft may fail due to a non-conformity in the material
The drive shaft joints may fail
Fix: Replace the drive shaft or shafts as required
Recalled models: 500 · 1,705 vehicles
The sport mode system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements
The �Sport� mode system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements.
Fix: The proxi file must be updated to solve the non conformity.
Recalled models: 500 ABARTH · 30 vehicles
The start & stop system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements
The Start & Stop system may not be set correctly and therefore may not comply with type approval requirements.
Fix: The proxi file must be updated to solve the non conformity.
Recalled models: 500 · 24 vehicles
The right side of drive shaft may fail
Drive shaft may fail.
Fix: Replace the right hand drive shaft
Recalled models: 500 · 164 vehicles
Instrument cluster may display incorrect information
Due to a nonconformity in the production process the instrument cluster may stick and display incorrect speed information.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the instrument cluster.
Recalled models: 500 · 680 vehicles
Replace electrical power steering
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.
Fix: Replace the Electrical Power Steering unit
Recalled models: 500 · 42 vehicles
Reduced brake performance
It has been identified that the rear brake shoe lining material may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This could result in a reduction in brake performance from the rear brakes.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check the conformity of the brake linings and if found to be incorrect replace with new brake shoes which meet the correct conformity.
Recalled models: 500 · 1,665 vehicles
Seat may not perform as expected during a collision
The seat may not remain in position when subjected to greater than normal driving forces such as those involved in an impact. This may possibly cause injury to the driver/passenger seated in the right hand front seat. The right hand front seat guides may not conform to design specification and installation specifications.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the installation of the original seat guide. If it does not conform replace the seat cushion structure (guide).
Recalled models: 500 · 1,045 vehicles
Front seatbelts may not function as intended
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.
Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles to check the link and if required replace it.
Recalled models: 500 · 1,041 vehicles
Front seatbelts may not function as intended
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.
Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles to check the link and if required replace it.
Recalled models: 500 ABARTH · 42 vehicles
Interior and exterior vehicle lighting may fail
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.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to provide additional security of the wiring loom.
Recalled models: 500 · 91,448 vehicles
Interior and exterior vehicle lighting may fail
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.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to provide additional security of the wiring loom.
Recalled models: 500 ABARTH · 3,318 vehicles
Fuel may leak leading in extreme cases to fire
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.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel pump feed protection bracket and reposition the fuel feed pipe.
Recalled models: 500 · 271 vehicles
Braking efficiency may be reduced
A connector on the brake servo pipe may fail and cause a loss of vacuum assistance necessitating the driver to include additional effort when braking.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a new brake servo pipe.
Recalled models: 500 · 3,095 vehicles
Loss of steering control
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.
Fix: To check the shaft for the presence of the 2 'Stake' markings.
Recalled models: 500 · 544 vehicles
The wrong airbag may deploy in a collision
In the case of a side impact the wrong airbag could deploy as a result of a software non-compliance.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to apply a software update.
Recalled models: 500 · 29,130 vehicles
Loss of steering control
The steering column upper shaft fixing bolt may not have had thread locking agent applied to it during assembly. This may allow it to come loose causing a noise. In extreme cases this may result in a loss of steering control.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary fit a bolt affixed with pre applied locking compound.
Recalled models: 500 · 47 vehicles
Risk of rear brake lock up
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.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject bolts checked and tightened to the correct specification.
Recalled models: 500 · 3,020 vehicles
Fuel may leak from manifold
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.
Fix: 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.
Recalled models: 500 · 1,893 vehicles
Checking a Fiat 500 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.