Fiat 500: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 124,929 Fiat 500 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1907 and 2026.
In a sample of 395 cars, 68.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (15.2% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 10 recalls for this model; 0.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.7% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Fiat 500
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 15.2% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 13.4% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 13.4% |
| Tyre damaged | 9.9% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 9.4% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 8.9% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 7.3% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 6.8% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 5.1% |
| Brake or parking brake cable / outer cable defective | 4.8% |
Share of 395 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 14.9% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 7.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 5.1% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 124,929 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.7% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1907 to 2026 |
All Fiat 500 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-30 | suspension | – | 271 |
| 2022-10-25 | electrical system | – | 1 |
| 2022-06-09 | steering | – | 2 |
| 2022-06-09 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2021-09-29 | transmission and drivetrain | – | 380 |
| 2016-10-21 | brakes | – | 155 |
| 2016-09-08 | seats | – | 360 |
| 2015-03-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 500 |
| 2014-09-23 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 4,062 |
| 2012-12-06 | brakes | serious | 590 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Fiat 500 fail the APK?
In a sample of 395 cars first registered 2012–2021, 68.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Fiat 500?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (15.2%), tyre tread depth insufficient (13.4%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (13.4%).
Does the Fiat 500 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 10 recalls. 0.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Fiat models
Panda · Punto · 500X · 500L · Ducato · Doblo · Seicento · Bravo · Tipo · Abarth · 600
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.