DecodedCars2012 Fiat 500
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2 Dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Lounge, Abarth, C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Pop/Lounge
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 30 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 139.8–144.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,355–2,438 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 44% better than the average 2012 minicompact car (22.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Fiat 500 is a minicompact car offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl and 1.4L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 140 inches long and 64 inches wide on a 91-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,355 lb (2 Dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Lounge).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (30 city / 37 highway), 44% better than the 2012 minicompact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 335 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Lounge | 139.8 in | 64.2 in | 59.8 in | 90.6 in | 55.9 / 55.1 in | 2,355 lb | 62/38 |
| Abarth | 144.5 in | 64.2 in | 59.1 in | 90.6 in | 55.5 / 55.5 in | 2,438 lb | 62/38 |
| C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Pop/Lounge | 139.8 in | 64.2 in | 59.8 in | 90.6 in | 55.9 / 55.1 in | 2,421 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 37 / 32 | +44% | $2,550 | 278 |
| 500 Abarth | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +35% | $2,750 | 296 |
| 500 | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +31% | $2,850 | 306 |
| 500 Cabrio | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +31% | $2,850 | 306 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Fiat 500.
Similar 2012 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Fiat 500 (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 MINI John Cooper Works | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Nov 15, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V817000 · 51,788 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Manual Transmission · May 16, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V302000 · 39,185 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Nov 10, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V550000 · 340 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. SOME VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID AND MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF THE SEALING COMPONENTS WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
- Risk
- THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Not every 2012 Fiat 500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Fiat 500 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 177 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 41 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 40 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Fiat 500. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 500 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 500 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 500 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 500 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 500 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 500 | 30 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 500 | 30 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2017 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2016 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2015 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 92 |
| 2014 500 | 33 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 107 |
| 2013 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 150 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Fiat. How we calculate this →