The Fiat 500, a popular compact car, underwent rigorous frontal offset crash testing in the 2012 model year. This article delves into the results of those tests, specifically focusing on a 2012 Fiat 500 Sport two-door, highlighting potential safety concerns and subsequent improvements made by Fiat Chrysler.
Initially, crash tests revealed a significant issue: high forces impacting the driver’s head upon collision with the steering wheel, even with airbag deployment. This indicated a risk of head injuries. Further investigation uncovered a structural flaw – a steel cross tube within the seat structure was prone to dislodging, causing the seat to pitch forward and the driver’s head to move excessively into the airbag.
Fiat Chrysler responded swiftly to this critical finding. They implemented modifications to the seat structure for vehicles manufactured after July 2011, aiming to enhance occupant protection in frontal crashes. This emphasizes the importance of verifying the manufacturing date of a Fiat 500, which can be found on the certification label typically located on the driver’s door or the adjacent B-pillar.
Action shot of the second frontal offset crash test conducted on a Fiat 500.
Subsequent tests on a Fiat 500 with the modified seat structure showed improved results. The forces on the driver’s head were reduced, mitigating the risk of head injuries. However, a new issue emerged: the driver’s side door unlatched during the crash.
Comparison of driver’s survival space in both crash tests. The second test (shown) demonstrates well-maintained space despite the door unlatching.
Detailed post-crash analysis revealed that the door unlatching was caused by a specific interaction between the crash test dummy and the door handle. The dummy’s arm broke the interior door handle, and a bolt access hole near the dummy’s elbow inadvertently engaged and activated the door latch. This was deemed an anomaly related to the crash test dummy’s construction, unlikely to occur in a real-world crash scenario.
Comparison of head impact forces in both tests. The second test (shown) exhibits reduced forces due to seat modifications.
Despite the door issue in the second test, the overall structural integrity of the Fiat 500 remained unaffected. The overall evaluation of the vehicle’s structure and safety cage received a “Good” rating.
Close-up of the damaged door handle and the bolt access hole (circled) that caused the door to unlatch in the second test.
The driver injury measures revealed a mixed bag, with “Good” ratings for chest and left leg/foot, and “Acceptable” ratings for head/neck and right leg/foot. The driver restraints and dummy kinematics received a “Good” rating. While initial tests revealed concerns related to head injuries in a Fiat 500 Crashed in a frontal offset collision, Fiat Chrysler addressed the issue with structural modifications to the seat. The subsequent door unlatching issue was deemed an unlikely occurrence in real-world crashes.
