Fiat 500 Clutch Replacement Cost

The average clutch replacement cost for a Fiat 500 is between $1,800 and $2,000, depending on labor costs.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Reviewed by Pat Roache
Expect to pay around $1,133 for parts and between $678 and $855 for labor to replace your Fiat 500 clutch.
The iconic Fiat 500 was produced in the United States from 2011 to 2019. If you managed to snag one of these iconic little cars, you know there’s a lot to love. The Fiat 500 is small, zippy, great on fuel, and easy to drive in congested cities. With a manual transmission, Fiat puts the driver in control. This is great unless your Fiat’s clutch starts to fail.
Unfortunately, some Fiat 500 models between the years 2012 and 2016 had faulty clutch parts. You may need to replace the clutch if your car transmission is struggling, and your
car insurance
may not be able to help. In this guide, we’ll cover everything about your Fiat clutch—what it is, why it’s important, and how much it will cost.
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How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Fiat 500? 

A few factors determine your overall bill for a Fiat 500 clutch replacement. First, the age of your Fiat can affect the price. We’re talking big differences here. For instance, a vintage 1960s Fiat 500 is going to be more expensive to repair than a newer Fiat since parts are easier to come by.
To replace a modern Fiat 500 clutch, plan on spending between $1,811 and $1,988. The prices vary based on labor costs in your area and whether or not you use an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part. 
An
OEM clutch kit manufactured by LuK® from CARiD
will set you back anywhere from $70 to $1,777. Most mechanics prefer to use OEM parts for a complete clutch replacement, but aftermarket parts will save you a little money—unless you have
OEM coverage
, that is. 
Your trusted mechanic at an independent auto repair shop can probably replace the clutch cheaper than the technicians at a Chrysler dealership. However, if your Fiat was part of the clutch recall, you’ll want to get your 500 serviced at the dealership.

What is a clutch? 

A clutch is a critical component of the drivetrain, but you typically only hear about it when talking about cars with manual transmissions. Since the Fiat 500 is available in manual or automatic, you typically only need to worry about clutch problems if yours is a manual.
Now for a little car part lesson. You’ll find the clutch in between the engine and the gearbox since it transfers engine power to the gears. When the clutch transfers power, it temporarily disengages so you can switch gears. To make the whole process run smoothly, the flywheel, which is bolted to the engine’s crankshaft, balances the engine and dampens vibrations.
Take your foot off the clutch, and the springs between the clutch disc and flywheel make the transmission output shaft and engine spin at the same speed, so power continues to get to the transmission. Put your foot down on the clutch, and different springs disengage the engine from the transmission. This allows you to shift gears.
That was a crash course in the clutch, but it gives you a basic idea of how driving a manual car works, thanks to the clutch! However, you can also see how friction between the clutch can cause it to wear out over time. 
Clutches overwhelmingly fail because the material on the clutch plate simply wears off. Think of them like your brake pads! When the friction material wears down, you’ll start to notice clutch problems like the following:

What are the symptoms of a Fiat 500 clutch problem? 

If your Fiat 500 is inching closer to 60,000 miles, keep an eye out for noticeable clutch problems. You’ve most likely got one if your clutch sticks, slips, or is just plain hard to use.
Pay attention the next time you press down to engage the clutch. If you’ve got to push down more than usual, the clutch might be on its way out. Also, if your clutch pedal sinks to the floor and you can’t get it back up, the clutch is likely failing.
Here are a few common clutch trouble signs (which can also point out bigger transmission problems):
  • Burning smells
  • Grinding, shrieking, or squealing noises when you change gears
  • Gears slipping (there's hesitation or revving when you try to shift)
  • The gears shudder when you change gears
  • The engine revs, but your car’s speed won’t increase
If your clutch or transmission is acting up in any way, take your Fiat to a Chrysler dealership as soon as possible. Technicians will easily be able to diagnose any clutch problems.

Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch? 

You’re probably not surprised to hear that, no, it’s not safe to drive with a bad clutch. You do have a small window of time where you can limp to the mechanics, but you have no idea when the failing clutch will break. 
When the clutch breaks, you won’t be able to drive your car at all. No one wants to be stranded, so get the clutch replaced as soon as you suspect a problem.

How long should a Fiat 500 clutch last? 

There’s no hard and fast rule about how many miles you’ll get out of a new clutch. In general, you can expect to get between 60,000 and 100,000 miles before you’ve got to replace it. This is a pretty big range! 
Your mileage varies based on your driving behaviors. For instance, if you’re putting the gears through their paces and driving mountainous terrain regularly, your clutch will most likely wear out sooner.
The Fiat 500 isn’t known for having widespread clutch problems aside from their recall of 2012 to 2016 models. 

Fiat 500 clutch recalls

In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalled specific Fiat 500 cars between the model years 2012 and 2016 for a faulty clutch diagram spring. The spring might fracture and fail, which makes it impossible to switch gears. Note that this recall only affects Fiat 500s with a manual transmission.
Almost 40,000 Fiats might be affected by the recall, so check your vehicle or contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Ask about the recall number S34.
If your Fiat 500 is affected, mechanics will install a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch.
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