DecodedCars2013 Fiat 500
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2 Dr Hatchback Pop/Sport/Lounge, 2 Dr Hatchback Turbo/Abarth, C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Pop/Lounge, C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Turbo/Abarth
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 30 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 139.8–144.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,355–2,491 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2013 minicompact car (23.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints150 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 7 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 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 34 MPG combined (30 city / 38 highway), 42% better than the 2013 minicompact car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 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 150 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2013
- Best combined MPG up from 32 to 34
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 500 →
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 |
| 2 Dr Hatchback Turbo/Abarth | 144.5 in | 64.2 in | 59.1 in | 90.6 in | 55.5 / 55.5 in | 2,491 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 |
| C 2 Dr Hatchback Convertible Turbo/Abarth | 144.5 in | 64.2 in | 59.1 in | 90.6 in | 55.5 / 55.5 in | 2,491 lb | 62/38 |
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 / 38 / 34 | +42% | $2,400 | 265 |
| 500 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +26% | $2,750 | 293 |
| 500 Abarth | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +26% | $2,750 | 293 |
| 500 | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +21% | $2,850 | 300 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Fiat 500.
Similar 2013 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Fiat 500 (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Fiat 500e | 87 mi | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 MINI John Cooper Works | 29 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · May 18, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V291000 · 3,851 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2013 Fiat 500 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Fiat 500 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 79 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 52,000 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 2013 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 | ★★★★★ | 1 | 14 |
| 2016 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 14 |
| 2015 500 | 34 | 139.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 92 |
| 2014 500 | 33 | 139.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 107 |
| 2012 500 | 32 | 139.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 335 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Fiat. How we calculate this →