Recall 16V302 affects 39,185 2012-2016 FIAT 500 vehicles with manual transmissions for clutch diaphragm spring failure. Repair is free at any franchised FIAT dealer.
FIAT is recalling 39,185 2012-2016 500 vehicles with manual transmissions because the clutch diaphragm spring can fracture and fail, and leave the driver unable to shift gears or without motive power. That failure increases crash risk, and the FIAT dealer repair will be free once FIAT opens it.
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What's wrong?
The clutch in a 2012-2016 FIAT 500 with a manual transmission is the part that lets the engine and transmission connect, then separate, when you press the pedal. Inside that clutch assembly, the diaphragm spring helps apply and release pressure so the transmission can move cleanly from one gear to another.
On affected 500 vehicles, that diaphragm spring can fracture and fail. The failure point is the spring itself: once it breaks, the clutch cannot release or apply pressure the way it was designed to. That can leave the driver unable to switch gears, even though the shift lever and clutch pedal are still being used normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign is the gear change problem itself, such as the vehicle refusing to shift when the clutch pedal is pressed.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012-2016 model years with the same manual-transmission component listed for each year.
| 2012 FIAT 500 | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2016 FIAT 500 | manual transmission |
| 2013 FIAT 500 | manual transmission |
| 2015 FIAT 500 | manual transmission |
| 2014 FIAT 500 | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 39,185 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed clutch diaphragm spring can leave the driver unable to shift gears or can cause the vehicle to lose motive power, increasing crash risk. If the car stops shifting or loses power, move out of traffic when safe and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised FIAT dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 FIAT 500 is included in this recall.
- Use the FIAT owner notice mailed on November 10, 2016, or ask a franchised FIAT dealer whether recall 16V302 is open for your VIN.
- Contact a franchised FIAT dealer before scheduling the clutch pedal limiter and clutch pedal switch repair that addresses the fractured clutch diaphragm spring risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 16V302 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra space and avoid routes where a loss of motive power would leave you with no safe place to pull over.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a FIAT technician will install a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch once the final repair is available. The final dealer repair will be free once it opens, with parts and labor covered under the recall. If you already paid for a repair tied to this clutch problem, FIAT's reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed. Keep that paperwork ready for the owner letter and ask the service desk how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 16, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 10, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 10, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 10, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V302?
Recall 16V302 covers 39,185 2012-2016 FIAT 500 vehicles with manual transmissions. The clutch diaphragm spring can fracture and fail, leaving the driver unable to shift gears or causing loss of motive power. FIAT dealers install a clutch pedal limiter and clutch pedal switch for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 FIAT 500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific FIAT 500 is included in recall 16V302. If it is, contact a franchised FIAT dealer and ask for the S34 recall repair. The dealer installs a clutch pedal limiter and clutch pedal switch at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and this recall repair is free at a franchised FIAT dealer. FIAT's remedy is the installation of a clutch pedal limiter and clutch pedal switch.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of shifting or motive power while driving. If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver can lose the ability to change gears or the vehicle can stop providing power to the wheels, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my FIAT 500 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012-2016 FIAT 500 with a manual transmission is included, then give the dealer recall number S34 when you call.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V302000 |
|---|---|
| FIAT customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V302 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V302000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →