A deeper look will reveal these parts are not likely built by Fiat, they are more likely made under contract and license by Fiat. The idea and belief that one car company makes all their own stuff in this day and age is very mis-informed and mis-guided. Fiat does have the responsibility to assure the stuff built for them is correct and meets their specifications and requirements.
It was not long ago when a steering shaft designed by Toyota and parts approved by Toyota built by a contractor was discovered to be defective by design.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...77million-vehicles-steering-shaft-defect.html
Then we have studs pulling of of Toyota engine blocks.. faulty by design.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXEOAw3qp6M
Or, the dead Toyota engines due to oil sludge. Which affected 2.7 million cars complete with a class action law suite.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/car-parts-and-accessories/engine-sludge/index.htm
Recently, flying metal bits from in car gas bags that were defective product of Takata. The entire gas bag marketed and sold as a "safety" issue is a farce as they have every ability to cause further injury and death due to their inherent operation mandated by bureaucrats with little real technical and scientific expertise.
Yet Toyota remains at the top of CR's list of auto brands... why is this?
As for quality, durability, reliability and all that, discuss that with me after the specific vehicle has been with me after 20+ years, 500,000 or so miles and after it has been dissected and given judgement of it's internal bits to a much higher standard than transportation appliance expectations.
Initial "defects" tells little if anytime about the core of any given design.
Bernice
Brother has a 2012 500c.
One tire pressure sensor will not stay fixed. "Repaired" twice. Bad again.
POP sound in steering at low turn speed. Fiat says waiting on parts to repair now for 3 months.
Check engine light on...computer replaced after 30 days at dealership.