CarComplaints.com Notes: Considering sales numbers and data that monitors complaints-per-make, there appears to be an unusually high number of issues with the 2012 Fiat 500. Perhaps that isn't surprising -- it is the first model year of the car, and those tend to have a higher incidence rate.
Of particular concern is the number of engine and powertrain complaints submitted to NHTSA.
The key became difficult to get out of the ignition around 7000 miles (August 2013). In order to get it out, you have to sit there for a few minutes and gently "jiggle" the key, back and forth, until the key cylinder catches and releases the key.
The key will eventually come out, however it is a major pain in the a** to get it out. Who has time for that?! Plus, it's really just a matter of time before it breaks completely and the key is really stuck.
I took the car to the dealer on 8/16/13 and asked them to fix it. Problem #1: the guy at the local FIAT dealer instantly said there was nothing wrong with it, that he was able to get it out just fine (by jerking it out very hard - not cool). Once an actual mechanic looked at it, it was agreed that no, this is not normal or ok and they would fix it.
Problem #2: The dealer has been unable to get the part from FIAT / Chrysler - so my car has been sitting at the dealership lot for 38 DAYS (and counting) now. Fortunately, they did give me a loaner Fiat (not surprising, but a bigger pile of junk than mine- broken arm rest, seat warmers cut on randomly, fog lights work when they want, rattles EVERYWHERE).
On day 35 I called FIAT USA to get some assistance on locating this part, and was told they would have to submit the request the their parts department and someone will "call me back in 4 or 5 days"... crickets
Needless to say, not happy at all with this car; this is one of many problems I have had since I purchased it new in January 2013.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The key became difficult to get out of the ignition around 7000 miles (August 2013). In order to get it out, you have to sit there for a few minutes and gently "jiggle" the key, back and forth, until the key cylinder catches and releases the key.
The key will eventually come out, however it is a major pain in the a** to get it out. Who has time for that?! Plus, it's really just a matter of time before it breaks completely and the key is really stuck.
I took the car to the dealer on 8/16/13 and asked them to fix it. Problem #1: the guy at the local FIAT dealer instantly said there was nothing wrong with it, that he was able to get it out just fine (by jerking it out very hard - not cool). Once an actual mechanic looked at it, it was agreed that no, this is not normal or ok and they would fix it.
Problem #2: The dealer has been unable to get the part from FIAT / Chrysler - so my car has been sitting at the dealership lot for 38 DAYS (and counting) now. Fortunately, they did give me a loaner Fiat (not surprising, but a bigger pile of junk than mine- broken arm rest, seat warmers cut on randomly, fog lights work when they want, rattles EVERYWHERE).
On day 35 I called FIAT USA to get some assistance on locating this part, and was told they would have to submit the request the their parts department and someone will "call me back in 4 or 5 days"... crickets
Needless to say, not happy at all with this car; this is one of many problems I have had since I purchased it new in January 2013.
- Mary H., Glen Allen, VA, US