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2012 Fiat

500

Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L

Fiat 500: best and worst years
2012 Fiat 500

Closest available photo (2011 model year); you're viewing the 2012.

2011 photoIFCARPublic domainWikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Minicompact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
100
Power to weight
0.041 hp/lb
Axle ratio
2.76
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
33 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
27 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,650EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
33.9 mpg, reported by 9 driversabout 4.9 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
140 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
64 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
60 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
91 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
2,421 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
4
Owner complaints
394
Reported injuries
17
Theft rate
1.0 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN37%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12%
  • ENGINE10%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER7%
  • AIR BAGS6%
  • SUSPENSION4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 535 total.

Fiat 500: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA19001opened Apr 19, 2019AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

    Electrical overstress

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

87 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jul 8, 2025ENGINE9100624

    Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders:

  • Sep 20, 2023EQUIPMENT9100229

    LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.

  • Sep 15, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9100226

    Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

  • Jul 27, 2023EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL9100196

    Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used

  • Apr 15, 2023EQUIPMENT1804823

    wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK

  • Aug 19, 2022STRUCTURE3100122

    Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.

  • Apr 2, 2022ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGS2209000004

    If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.

  • Jul 6, 2021ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGS2109000004

    Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.

  • and 79 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.