Fiat
Fiat is the largest automaker in Italy. For a long time it was the largest automaker in Europe, and for several decades it was the third largest auto manufacturer in the world behind GM and Ford. Fiats continue to be sold in America up to the present, although the make’s presence in the U.S. is less today than it once was. While foreign models on the whole are subject to lemon law complaints less often than American automakers, Fiats are not without their issues and are regularly the subject of recalls that could affect their use, value or safety. Learn about recent problems Fiat vehicles have experienced below, and contact California lemon law attorney Nick Nita at the Nita Lemon Law Firm if you find yourself owning or leasing a Fiat with problems that can’t be satisfactorily repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
Fiat Facts and Figures
Fiat Automobiles S.p.A., formerly part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, is now a subsidiary of Stellantis, which was formed as a merger of Fiat Chrysler and French PSA Group, makers of Peugeot, Citroën, Opel and other brands. With its multinational footprint, Stellantis ranks fourth worldwide in terms of sales.
Fiat is nearly as old as the automotive industry itself. The first model, the Fiat 4 HP, was introduced in 1899, less than a decade after the first four-wheeled vehicle with a gasoline engine appeared on the scene. Fiat today produces cars in Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Poland and Mexico. Fiat offers many current models, including the Topolino quadricycle, several hatchbacks including the 500 and 500e, two sedans, a station wagon, crossover SUVs, vans, minivans and pickup trucks.
Although there are currently no U.S.-based plants making Fiats, they have a long history of being sold here. Once popular in the states for its sporty models, U.S. sales have been steadily declining in recent years, from around 9,000 vehicle sales in 2019 to only 605 sold in 2023. However, sales picked up considerably in 2024 with the introduction of the 500e all-electric vehicle. Fiat was even absent from the U.S. market from 1982 to 2009, reentering following the deal with Chrysler. A few hundred Fiat dealerships are currently operating in the United States, including about 18 in California.
Fiat Safety Issues
Over the last ten years, Fiat has experienced recalls of nearly half a million vehicles. Affected models include the 500, 500e, 500L, and 500X crossover. In 2015, 5,660 2013-15 500e models were recalled for problems that could cause the vehicle’s propulsion system to fail. The following year, over 16,500 500e models from 2013-2016 were called back for different issues causing the same problem.
2016 was a big year for Fiat recalls. First, over 329,000 vehicles including the 2016 500X with a 9-speed automatic transmission were pulled. The problems prompting the recall were powertrain and transmission control module and sensor issues that could make the transmission shift into neutral without warning. Then, over 39,000 2012 500 city cars with manual transmissions were recalled due to a defect in the clutch diaphragm spring that could cause a loss of power or prevent drivers from switching gears. The following year, Fiat recalled over 25,000 2014 500L models for accelerator-pedal malfunctions.
More recently, Fiat has issued frontal airbag recalls for its 2020-2023 500X and 2024 500e. The 20202 124 Spider was also recalled for a problem with the airbag restraint control module that could cause the airbag to deploy with excessive force, injuring occupants. A separate issue with the 2020 500X dealt with the hydraulic service brakes, prompting a recall to replace cracked right rear calipers liable to cause brake failure.
Contact Nita Lemon Law Firm if You Own or Lease a Fiat in California With Warranty Defects That Aren’t Being Fixed
California has enacted fairly strong protections for owners and lessees of defective vehicles while they are under warranty, including giving consumers the option of returning the car, getting a replacement, or recovering compensation for their economic damages. However, pursuing a lemon law claim successfully requires assistance from a skilled and experienced lemon law attorney with a thorough knowledge of California lemon law. You’ll find that here at the Nita Lemon Law Firm. Call 213-232-5055 in Los Angeles or 877-921-5256 statewide for a free consultation. You can also contact us online or send an email to attorney Nick Nita at nick@nitalemonlaw.com. Attorney Nita will personally evaluate your case and respond promptly to your inquiries.
