Fiat 500, 500 Abarth Recall R/2016/194: Seat May Not Perform As Expected During A Collision, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 23 Sep 2016
- Launched
- 1,045
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2016/194
- DVSA reference
Fiat recalled 500, 500 Abarth vehicles built between 7 December 2015 and 27 June 2016. The seat may not remain in position when subjected to greater than normal driving forces such as those involved in an impact. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and check the installation of the original seat guide. If it does not conform replace the seat cushion structure (guide). You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The seat may not remain in position when subjected to greater than normal driving forces such as those involved in an impact. This may possibly cause injury to the driver/passenger seated in the right hand front seat. The right hand front seat guides may not conform to design specification and installation specifications.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SEAT MAY NOT PERFORM AS EXPECTED DURING A COLLISION Defect: The seat may not remain in position when subjected to greater than normal driving forces such as those involved in an impact. This may possibly cause injury to the driver/passenger seated in the right hand front seat. The right hand front seat guides may not conform to design specification and installation specifications. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the installation of the original seat guide. If it does not conform replace the seat cushion structure (guide).
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: seat may not perform as expected during a collision.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and check the installation of the original seat guide. If it does not conform replace the seat cushion structure (guide).
Are You Affected?
500, 500 Abarth built between 7 December 2015 and 27 June 2016 may be included. Fiat estimates 1,045 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Fiat, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Fiat.
- Book with any franchised Fiat dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2016/194. See how to get a Fiat recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500, PandaIncorrect information on the registration document and CoC (certificate of Conformity) | Low | R/2023/313 | |
| 500, PandaReverse gear switch not functioning as intended | Low | R/2024/144 | |
| 500Front suspension control arm ball joint | Urgent | R/2023/283 | |
| 500The positive lead on the auxiliary battery terminal may not be tightened correctly | Low | R/2022/268 | |
| 500 AbarthIneffective/incorrect tightening of a lock nut on the steering gear rod | Urgent | R/2022/187 |
This is one of 199 Fiat recalls in DVSA’s data. The Fiat recall launched before it was R/2016/193 on 23 Sep 2016, for airbag may deploy incorrectly. The one launched after it was R/2016/225 on 28 Oct 2016, for transmission mount may fail. You can also see every Fiat recall, the Fiat Fiat 500 recall history and all recalls launched in 2016.
Source: DVSA recall R/2016/194, launched 23 September 2016. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.