Fiat 500 common problems
Owners of 2015–2019 Fiat 500 vehicles have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (82% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 124
- Owner complaints
- 14
- Recall campaigns
- 9
- Crash-related reports
- 7
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 5 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Investigation closed2015 500
NHTSA closed investigation EA19001
Electrical overstress
- Investigation closed2016 500
NHTSA closed investigation EA19001
Electrical overstress
- Investigation closed2017 500
NHTSA closed investigation EA19001
Electrical overstress
- Investigation closed2018 500
NHTSA closed investigation EA19001
Electrical overstress
- Investigation closed2019 500
NHTSA closed investigation EA19001
Electrical overstress
- Recall2015 500
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.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Fiat 500 problems?
- Across 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2019 Fiat 500 vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (82%), seat belts (9%), airbags (5%).
- Which Fiat 500 model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2015 Fiat 500 has the most owner complaints, with 92 filed.
- Are Fiat 500 problems dangerous?
- Of the 124 complaints on record, 9 mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 7 mention an injury. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2015 accounts for the most complaints (92). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.