Recall 19V068 affects 8,950 2017-2019 FIAT 124 Spider vehicles for incorrect TCM programming that can trigger abrupt downshifts. Repair is free at franchised FIAT dealers.
FIAT is recalling 8,950 2017-2019 124 Spider vehicles with automatic transmissions because incorrect Transmission Control Module programming can trigger an unexpected downshift and abrupt deceleration. If the downshift happens, the vehicle will suddenly lose speed and raise the risk of a crash; FIAT dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control module on the 2017-2019 FIAT 124 Spider is the computer that tells the automatic transmission when and how to shift. In Drive mode, it reads signals from the transmission and engine, then commands the clutch and gears so the car accelerates and slows in a controlled way.
On affected vehicles, the clutch control software in that module has incorrect control logic. Electrical noise in the range signal can confuse the module while the car is being driven in Drive mode. The transmission can then downshift unexpectedly, which abruptly slows the drive wheels and makes the car decelerate faster than the driver intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing lists no prior warning, so an owner should not expect a light, message, or change in normal shift feel before the abrupt downshift happens.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years, all tied to the automatic transmission control module.
| 2019 FIAT 124 Spider | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2018 FIAT 124 Spider | automatic transmission |
| 2017 FIAT 124 Spider | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 8,950 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected downshift can make the vehicle suddenly slow down, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before it happens, so schedule the software update soon and use extra space in traffic until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised FIAT dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 FIAT 124 Spider is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised FIAT dealer to schedule the free TCM software update that corrects the unexpected downshift and abrupt deceleration issue.
- Bring the recall notice if FIAT mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V068 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, and leave extra following distance in case the car abruptly decelerates.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a FIAT technician updates the Transmission Control Module software. This is the control software for the automatic transmission, and the recall repair is free. If you paid out of pocket for a related transmission software repair before the recall notice, the owner letter tells customers to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed under FCA US's reimbursement practice.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 5, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| March 27, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 27, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 27, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 28, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V068?
Recall 19V068 covers 8,950 2017-2019 FIAT 124 Spider vehicles with automatic transmissions. Incorrect TCM programming can cause an unexpected downshift and abrupt deceleration, increasing crash risk. FIAT dealers will update the TCM software for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 FIAT 124 Spider is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V068. If it is, contact a franchised FIAT dealer to schedule the TCM software update. Reference recall number 19V068 or FIAT recall V20 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For this recall, a franchised FIAT dealer will update the transmission control module software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden speed loss from an unexpected downshift. If the vehicle abruptly decelerates in traffic, crash risk increases. The free dealer repair updates the TCM software so the automatic transmission control logic works correctly.
What if I bought my FIAT 124 Spider used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017-2019 FIAT 124 Spider is included, then contact a franchised FIAT dealer and reference recall 19V068.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V068000 |
|---|---|
| FIAT customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V068 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V068000 |
Source documents
-
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →