2013 FIAT 500

The 2015 Fiat 500 with the 5-speed manual transmission suffers from premature clutch failure, often between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. The clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder (which are integrated into a single hydraulic unit) also fail, causing a soft or sinking clutch pedal. The dual-mass flywheel develops noise and vibration as it wears, further complicating clutch replacement costs.

Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing as a kit. Replace the concentric slave cylinder at the same time since it requires transmission removal to access. If the dual-mass flywheel is noisy or has excessive play, it must be replaced as well. TSB 21-001-15 covers clutch system diagnosis for the 500. Aftermarket solid flywheel conversion kits are available.

The 2015 Fiat 500 is notorious for random electrical problems including dashboard warning lights illuminating for no reason, power windows failing intermittently, the key fob not being recognized by the ignition system, and the automatic headlights turning on and off randomly. The BCM software is prone to corruption, and connector pins at the BCM corrode in humid climates.

Update the BCM software to the latest calibration. Clean all BCM connector pins with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease. TSB 08-048-15 covers BCM reprogramming and communication fault diagnosis. If software updates do not resolve the issue, the BCM may need replacement. Check the main body ground connection behind the left headlight.

The 1.4L MultiAir engine stalls at idle, particularly when the engine is warm and the AC compressor is engaged. The electronic throttle body becomes contaminated with carbon deposits, reducing airflow at idle. The MultiAir solenoid system also contributes to rough idle conditions when the actuator oil degrades or the solenoids become sticky.

Clean the electronic throttle body with an approved throttle body cleaner. Replace the PCV valve and check vacuum hoses for cracks. TSB 09-010-15 covers idle quality improvements through PCM software updates. If the MultiAir actuator is noisy or causing misfires, the actuator assembly must be replaced, which involves camshaft cover removal.

The airbag warning light illuminates on the dashboard due to a faulty clockspring (the rotary connector in the steering column that connects the driver's airbag). The clockspring develops internal breaks in its ribbon cable from normal steering wheel rotation, disabling the driver's airbag, horn, and steering wheel controls. NHTSA Recall 15V-883 was issued for this component on certain production dates.

Replace the clockspring (steering column rotary connector). Check if the vehicle is covered under NHTSA Recall 15V-883 or subsequent recall extensions. After replacement, clear the airbag fault code with a diagnostic scan tool to extinguish the warning light. The repair is covered at no cost if the recall applies.

The 1.4L MultiAir engine consumes oil at an elevated rate, typically 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. The MultiAir hydraulic system allows oil past the intake valve seals, and the thin-profile piston rings contribute to oil passing into the combustion chamber. Many owners only discover the issue when the low oil pressure light appears, which can cause engine damage if levels have dropped significantly.

Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill-up and top off as needed using the manufacturer-specified 5W-40 synthetic oil. TSB 09-011-15 documents acceptable oil consumption thresholds. If consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,000 miles, the dealer may authorize an oil consumption test and possible engine repair. Replacing the PCV valve can marginally reduce consumption.

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.

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.

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.

DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.

If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.

DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.

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.

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.

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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015. The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) of the affected vehicles may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift to neutral.

If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EVCU, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R20.