The Lemon Index2016 Fiat 500. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,000 and 28,000 miles. Median 12,000, from 11 complaints with a mileage.
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Transmission & drivetrain | 67% |
| Electrical | 25% |
| Brakes | 25% |
| Engine | 17% |
| Stability control | 17% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 5
24V474000 Jun 2024 Tires / Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk. A TPMS warning light that fails to illuminate can result in the vehicle being driven with improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will reprogram the TPMS electronic control unit module, free of charge. Owners were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 80B.
19E044000 Jul 2019 Power Train / Manual Transmission / Floor Shift Assembly
Defect. DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the breakage of the Shifter Shaft.
Risk. If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. DLT has notified owners, and will provide a complete replacement shifter assembly with an updated shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2019. Owners may contact DLT customer service at 1-503-505-6886.
16V667000 Sep 2016 Equipment / Other / Labels
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016. The tire placard on the affected vehicles lists a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. If the spare tire is used while overinflated, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will add an overlay on the tire placard to the correct tire inflation information, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is S69.
16V302000 May 2016 Power Train / Manual Transmission
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission. The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fail, causing an inability to switch gears.
Risk. If the clutch diaphragm spring fails, the driver may not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. The remedy for this recall will include the installation of a clutch pedal limiter and a clutch pedal switch. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S34.
16V303000 May 2016 Electrical System / Propulsion System / Traction Battery
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Fiat 500e vehicles manufactured March 22, 2012, to January 29, 2016. The power inverter module (PIM) may experience voltage spikes which can cause the propulsion system to shut down and loss of motive power.
Risk. Loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PIM software, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S26.
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Pedestrian alert sounds | 2023 | 2023 |
| Closed | Electrical overstress | 2019 | 2024 |
Manufacturer communications 178
Fiat filed 178 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying…
- Front Brake Squeak/Squeal Noise This bulletin involves cleaning excessive sealant from the…
- Air Conditioning Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Manual Climate Control Module
Crash ratings by version
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500 3 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Fiat 500 Abarth 3 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No |
Engines and drivetrains 8
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | 31 / 38 / 34 | Premium | $2,300 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | Auto 6-spd | FWD | 27 / 33 / 29 | Premium | $2,650 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | FWD | 28 / 33 / 30 | Premium | $2,600 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 25 / 33 / 28 | Premium | $2,750 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Auto 6-spd | FWD | 24 / 32 / 27 | Premium | $2,850 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Auto 9-spd | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 | Regular | $2,500 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Auto 9-spd | AWD | 21 / 29 / 24 | Regular | $2,600 |
| Electric | Auto (A1) | FWD | 121 / 103 / 112 | Electricity | $650 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
YouTube repair topics
200 videos about the 2012–2019 Fiat 500, 21.5M views.
| Topic | Videos | Views |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment, battery & electrical | 1 | 147K |
| Gauges, lights & wiring | 1 | 92K |
| Oil changes & service | 3 | 90K |
| Transmission & shifter | 3 | 88K |
| Brakes & ABS | 3 | 82K |
| Heat, A/C & blend door | 2 | 67K |
| Timing chain & engine | 1 | 65K |
| No-start: theft light, key & ignition | 1 | 38K |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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