2012 Fiat 500 — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Fiat 500 is a hatchback offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 35–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Fiat 500 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2012 listings: Fiat 500 Abarth, Fiat 500 Cabrio.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.4L 4-cyl · 1.4L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Length | 2970 mm |
| Width | 1627 mm |
| Height | 1325 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 76 cu ft (2,152 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 7 cu ft (198 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 36 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 30 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 173 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,550 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2012 Fiat 500 across 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 29 to 32 mpg (US), or 35 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (27/33) | 190 | $2,850 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (30/37) | 173 | $2,550 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (28/33) | 184 | $2,750 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 76 cubic feet (about 2,152 litres) and luggage volume at 7 cubic feet (about 198 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Fiat 500
Running Costs: 2012 Fiat 500
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Fiat 500 at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Fiat 500 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Fiat 500 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (3), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 19V817000, reported 15 November 2019. Risk: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the transmission may not shift into the gear selected by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These…
- Power train — campaign 19E044000, reported 3 July 2019. Risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 16V302000, reported 16 May 2016. Risk: If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Service brakes — campaign 11V550000, reported 10 November 2011. Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Owners have filed 396 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Fiat 500. The most-reported areas are Power train (201), Electrical system (63), Engine (51). Complaints include 21 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 17 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 92 complaints across the 7 Fiat 500 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Fiat 500
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (3 recall campaigns · 201 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (63 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (51 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Fiat models in our database average about 35 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Fiat 500's 38 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 173 g/km CO₂ figure is 22 g/km lower than the 195 g/km Fiat average.
Of the 12 Fiat 500 model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 6th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 41 mpg). See every Fiat 500 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Fiat 500
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Fiat 500 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Fiat 500: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.4L 4-cyl with a manual 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Fiat 500?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 35 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Fiat 500 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,550 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 3 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Fiat 500 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Fiat 500 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (3), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Fiat 500?
Among the 396 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (201 complaints), Electrical system (63 complaints), Engine (51 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Fiat 500 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 76 cubic feet (about 2,152 litres) and luggage volume at 7 cubic feet (about 198 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.