Old Fiat 500 Recalled Over TPMS Electronic Control Unit Module Software Issue

While that may not seem like a big deal, bear in mind that many drivers rarely check the tire pressure by themselves. Also, the recall condition results in vehicles that do not meet the requirements of a certain federal motor vehicle safety standard, that FMVSS being 138 for tire pressure monitoring systems. According to documents filed with the NHTSA by FCA US LLC, the Auburn Hills-based manufacturer identified this problem in February 2019.

Back then, the Mexico-based Toluca Assembly Plant was notified that TPMS values were programmed incorrectly during assembly. Said concern was discovered on an engineering test vehicle. Subsequent investigations revealed 38 pounds per square inch on the tire placard as opposed to an activation range of 27 to 28 pounds per square inch. That’s marginally below the 25% requirement (28.5 psi in this case) outlined by FMVSS 138, yet above the 20-psi minimum activation pressure of said safety standard.

The company's engineering department reviewed production records in February 2019 as well, then April 2019 saw the safety boffins decide on conducting a recall. Be that as it may, FCA US LLC petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration back in May 2019 for exemption from the notification and remedy requirements, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 556.

For some reason or another, the petition denial was registered in the Federal Register more than five years later. Better late than never, FCA US LLC is required to fix all potentially affected vehicles at no charge to the customers. Because the recall condition stems from incorrectly programmed TPMS values, it should come as no surprise that a software update will fix it.

Both dealers and customers will be notified beginning August 14, 2024. Any owner who paid out of pocket to remedy a problem that subsequently becomes the subject of a recall is eligible for reimbursement. The only requirement is adequate proof of payment. Think the original receipt from the authorized Fiat dealership/service center.

11,650 vehicles are affected in total, which is around fourth of the 500s delivered stateside during the calendar year 2012. Coincidentally, that was the best year of the 500 in the United States, moving a grand total of 43,772 examples.

2019 marked the final year of the 500 in the US, only for the North American half of Stellantis to revive this cutesy little thing for model year 2024. But as opposed to the original – which came with an electric option – the newcomer is exclusively electric. Enter the 2024 Fiat 500e, a tiny hatchback that will set you back $32,500 sans destination charge or $309 per month for 36 months while limited to 7,500 miles per year.

Three grades are currently available to configure, with driving range clocking in at 149 miles (240 kilometers) combined or 162 miles (261 kilometers) in the urban jungle. Obviously enough, the 500e isn’t selling all that well.