Recall 11V550 affects 340 2012 FIAT 500 and Journey vehicles for contaminated brake fluid. Brake-system replacement is free at any franchised FIAT dealer.
FIAT is recalling 340 2012 500 and Journey vehicles under recall 11V550 because contaminated brake fluid can degrade sealing components inside the brake system. The defect can lead to loss of braking ability and increase crash risk; the FIAT dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake fluid in the 2012 500 and Journey is the liquid that carries brake-pedal force through the hydraulic brake system. When you press the pedal, the master cylinder pushes that fluid through brake lines to the calipers and wheel cylinders, which apply the brakes at the wheels. Clean fluid also helps protect the rubber sealing parts inside the system.
In these vehicles, the problem starts with contaminated brake fluid installed during assembly. That contamination can break down the sealing components inside the brake system. Once those seals degrade, the system can lose the pressure it needs to apply the brakes in the normal, predictable way.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the brake pedal feels different, the brake warning light comes on, or braking performance changes, treat that as a reason to stop driving and arrange service.
Who's affected?
Covers 2 2012 model lines tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2012 FIAT 500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Journey | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 340 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of braking ability increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair and leave extra stopping space until the brake system has been inspected. Treat any change in brake feel as a reason to call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised FIAT dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 FIAT 500 or Journey is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised FIAT dealer about the free brake-system service that replaces components exposed to contaminated brake fluid.
- Bring the recall notice if FIAT mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V550 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
- Call FIAT customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about the recall or repair scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a FIAT technician replaces every brake component that comes in contact with hydraulic brake fluid. That includes the parts exposed to the contaminated fluid named in the recall. The repair path is replacement, not an adjustment or inspection-only visit. The recall filing says the safety recall began on March 1, 2012. Because the current remedy status is not marked available here, treat the dealer repair as free once available. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| November 10, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V550?
Recall 11V550 covers 340 2012 FIAT 500 and Journey vehicles built with contaminated brake fluid. The fluid can damage brake-system sealing components. The official consequence is loss of braking ability, which increases crash risk. The dealer repair replaces brake components that contact hydraulic brake fluid for free.
What should I do if my 2012 FIAT 500 or Journey is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V550. If it is, contact a franchised FIAT dealer and ask for the brake-system recall repair. Reference recall number 11V550 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the safety defect at no cost, and this recall states that the brake-component replacement is performed free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised FIAT dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced or lost braking ability. Contaminated brake fluid can degrade seals inside the hydraulic brake system, and the official consequence says that loss of braking ability increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free brake-component replacement if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received the original owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012 FIAT 500 or Journey is included, then call a franchised FIAT dealer with recall number 11V550.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V550000 |
|---|---|
| FIAT customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V550 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V550000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →