Fiat Lemon Law

Confirmed NHTSA recalls affecting US-market Fiat vehicles include: a 2024 TPMS recall (Campaign 24V-474) on ~11,650 units of the 2014–2019 Fiat 500 for a sensor programming error that prevents the low-tire-pressure warning from illuminating; a 2016 clutch diaphragm spring fracture recall (Campaign 16V-302) on ~39,217 units of the 2012–2016 Fiat 500 with manual transmission, which can cause loss of gear-shifting ability; and a 2024 airbag buckle-switch sensor connector recall (Campaign 24V-510) on ~5,115 units of the 2019–2023 Fiat 500X, where the front airbag may fail to deploy in a crash. Owners also report engine stalling, rough dual-clutch or automatic transmission shifting, and electrical/infotainment failures. Whether any defect qualifies under your specific warranty and repair history depends on the facts of your case.

California lemon law claims for Fiat vehicles are filed against FCA US LLC, the US subsidiary of Stellantis that manufactures and warrants Fiat vehicles, under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civil Code §§ 1793.2, 1793.22). To pursue a claim, gather all repair orders showing the defect was reported during the warranty period, confirm the number of repair attempts, and document any days the vehicle was out of service. An attorney who focuses on California lemon law can evaluate whether your case meets the statutory thresholds — typically two or more repair attempts for a safety defect, or four or more attempts for any substantial defect, or 30+ cumulative days out of service.

An open NHTSA recall can strengthen a California lemon law claim in several ways. If the recall addresses the same defect you have been experiencing and the manufacturer has failed to remedy it within a reasonable number of attempts, those repair visits may count toward the statutory thresholds under Song-Beverly. Recall notices also constitute FCA's own acknowledgment that a safety-related defect exists, which can support your case's credibility. However, a recall alone does not automatically make your vehicle a lemon — the defect must have substantially impaired the use, value, or safety of the vehicle during the warranty period. An attorney can advise whether the recall and your repair history align with a viable claim.

Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a qualifying lemon law buyback from FCA US LLC typically includes: a full refund of the purchase price (including down payment, monthly payments made, and sales tax), minus a usage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt; or a replacement vehicle of equal value. In cases involving willful violations of the Act, you may also be entitled to a civil penalty of up to two times your actual damages. Attorney fees and costs are paid separately by the manufacturer when you prevail, so you generally pay nothing out of pocket for qualified legal representation.

Yes, in most situations. California's Song-Beverly Act covers leased vehicles as long as the lease is for a new vehicle and the defect occurred during the manufacturer's warranty period — the remedy for a leased vehicle is typically a lease cancellation and refund of payments and fees. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Fiat vehicles are also covered if the defect arises during the manufacturer's CPO warranty; after-market or third-party warranties may be treated differently. The specific facts of your lease or CPO agreement and repair history will determine eligibility.

For qualifying cases under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, attorney fees are paid by the manufacturer (FCA US LLC / Stellantis) — not by you — if you prevail. Most lemon law attorneys who handle Fiat cases in California work on this fee-shifting basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket for legal representation. It is important to confirm the fee arrangement with any attorney you consult before proceeding.

California lemon law claims under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date the defect was or should have been discovered, though this timeline can vary depending on the specific theory of relief. Because the limitations period can be shorter in some circumstances, it is advisable to consult a lemon law attorney as soon as the repair history suggests a defect has not been resolved after a reasonable number of attempts. Delaying may reduce the strength of your claim or foreclose it entirely.

Among the Fiat models sold in the US, the Fiat 500 (2014–2019) and Fiat 500X (2016–2023) are the primary models covered by Margarian Law's current practice. The 500 has been the subject of NHTSA recalls for TPMS sensor programming (Campaign 24V-474) and manual transmission clutch spring fracture (Campaign 16V-302). The 500X has been recalled for an airbag buckle-switch sensor connector defect (Campaign 24V-510) and has generated owner complaints about transmission and electrical issues. If you own a different Fiat model with recurring defects, contact Margarian Law for a free case evaluation — coverage depends on the warranty period and repair history.