Fiat Recalls Broken Clutches

By Chris Chase

May 20, 2016

Summary

Broken clutch springs could be caused by drivers with heavy left feet

Fiat is recalling nearly 8,000 examples of its tiny 500 hatchback and convertible with manual transmissions to fix a flaw that could result in broken clutch diaphragm springs.

That spring is what maintains pressure between the two halves of the clutch assembly, the pressure plate and the flywheel. A broken one will either result in the clutch getting stuck in the engaged position so that the driver won't be able to change gears, or the opposite, so that it will no longer transmit the engine's power to the wheels. Having experienced the former scenario in rush hour traffic, we can assure you it's no fun at all.

This recall likely comes at least partly as the result of complaints from Fiat 500 owners: it's common enough to have made the news, and here's a discussion about the issue from a Fiat 500 owner's forum.

Fiat's solution is to install a clutch pedal travel limiter, suggestion the problem is caused by driver's with heavy left feet; there's no suggestion the recall process includes an inspection of the diaphragm for signs of impending failure.

Meet the Author

As a child, Chris spent most of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement or making car sounds while riding his bicycle. Now he's an award-winning Algonquin College Journalism grad who has been playing with real cars that make their own noises since the early 2000s.