2016 Fiat 500 problems

General information about Fiat-500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Fiat 500 (Italian: Cinquecento, pronounced ) is an economy / city car that was manufactured and marketed by Fiat Automobiles from 1957 until 1975. It was sold as a two-door semi-convertible or saloon car and as a three-door panel van or estate car.

Launched as the Nuova (new) 500 in July 1957, as a successor to the 500 "Topolino", it was an inexpensive and practical small car. Measuring 2.97 metres (9 feet 9 inches) long, and originally powered by a rear-mounted 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 was 24.5 centimetres (9.6 inches) smaller than Fiat's 600, launched two years earlier, and is considered one of the first purpose-designed city cars.

In 1959, Dante Giacosa received a Compasso d'Oro industrial design prize for the Fiat 500. This marked the first time a Compasso d’Oro was awarded to an automotive manufacturer.

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Common 2016 Fiat 500 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Fiat 500 2016, several common problems have been reported:

Engine Cooling Problems: Some model years of the Fiat 500X have experienced defective cooling fans, leading to engine overheating and flashing warning lights. Fiat has not yet initiated a recall for this issue .
Electrical Problems: Owners have faced various electrical issues, such as the radio and other equipment shutting off unexpectedly, attributed to a weak battery not receiving enough charge from the alternator while driving .
Brake Concerns: Reports indicate that the brakes on the 2016 Fiat 500X occasionally lock up and squeal when applied, requiring brake pad replacements and cleaning of excess sealant from the front brake-caliper adapters .
Door Handle Quality: The door and trunk handles have been reported to be of inferior quality, breaking when users attempt to open the door .
Seatbelt Safety: Some users have had to replace the seatbelt buckle due to a defective latch, posing a serious safety hazard as the buckle prevented proper fastening .
Fire Hazard: Instances of Fiat 500X cars catching fire while parked have been reported, with the cause remaining undetermined by both insurance providers and Fiat .
Clutch Problems: Owners have experienced issues with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor, preventing gear shifting, and clutch slippage under acceleration, often requiring clutch leaf spring replacements.

These problems highlight various safety and performance issues that owners of the Fiat 500 2016 have encountered. It is essential for Fiat owners to be aware of these common issues to address them promptly and ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

2016 Fiat 500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Fiat 500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Power train problems
Service brakes problems
Air bags problems
Unknown or other problems
Electronic stability control (esc) problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Fiat 500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2016 Fiat 500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Fiat 500.

2023-07-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-07-11
VIN: 3C3CFFAR8GT
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The contact restarted the vehicle and forcefully shifted the transmission into 2nd gear to prevent losing motive power. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,350.

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2022-05-13

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-05-06
VIN: 3c3cffge2gt
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: Passenger side drive axle failed on 2016 500e with only 35650 miles but no longer under warranty. Method of failure: Bolts holding axle to transmission sheered resulting in a loss of power. Car was brought to Orange County Chrysler for repair. Dealer informed me that there was a Chrysler Recall N51 for 2013 Fiat 500e for the same problem, but it didn't apply to my year. Numerous blogs on the internet show similar failures for newer models. A sound engineering fix should be developed and implemented as a Safety Recall.

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2020-03-31

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-06-20
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: 3C3CFFGE2GT
Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: MY VEHICLE WAS T-BONED ON MY DRIVERSIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS GOING 50MPH ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT. I WAS CROSSING THE STREET AT ABOUT 10-15MPH. NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG ENGAGED, SIDE CURTAIN, SEAT, ETC. IT WAS ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR THAT HIT ME WAS SPEEDING.

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2019-12-11

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-07-15
VIN: 3C3CFFGE0GT
Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: FIAT 500E VEHICLE BRAKING BEHAVIOR IS UNEXPECTEDLY HARD, SUDDEN, OR UNPREDICTABLE UNTIL THE USER USES AN OBD SCAN TOOL WITH APPROPRIATE DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE- AND INITIATES BRAKE CONTROLLER SENSOR RE-CALIBRATION. THIS OPTION IS FOUND UNDER THE DIAGNOSTIC MENU UNDER: ABS>RENENERATIVE BRAKE CONTROLLER>ACTIVE DIAGNOSTICS, AND THEN SELECTING THE PROCEDURE TO START (RBC SENSOR CALIBRATION). ONLINE FORUM USERS (PLEASE SEE LINK BELOW) ARE CURRENTLY USING 3RD PARTY SOFTWARE, AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE, TO CORRECT THE BRAKING DEFICIENCY (APPROXIMATELY $49). MY PERSONAL VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED AND WAS EXHIBITING SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED BRAKING ISSUES AT APPROXIMATELY 8,500 MILES; THIS IS IN MY OPINION A VERY LOW NUMBER OF MILES TO BE EXPERIENCING REGENERATE BRAKING AND CONTROL ISSUES. PLEASE REFERENCE THE ONGOING DISCUSSION THREAD AT FIAT 500E ONLINE FORUMS: HTTPS://WWW.FIAT500OWNERS.COM/THREADS/FIX-GRABBY-BRAKES-FOR-70.149282/#POST-1292483

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2019-09-27

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-08-19
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: 3C3CFFKR9GT
Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE MANUAL CLUTCH FAILED AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM CHANGING GEARS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A CEMENT BARRIER TO AVOID TRAFFIC. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CAUSING THE CONTACT'S HEAD TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT INJURED HER NECK, LEFT SHOULDER, AND LEFT FOOT. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY FAMILY MEMBERS. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. *DT *TR *DT*JB

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2019-03-20

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-03-01
VIN: ZFBCFXBT9GP
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS AND POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH ACADIANA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM FIAT (1700 SW EVANGELINE THRUWAY, LAFAYETTE, LA 70508, (337) 232-7361). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

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2018-08-17

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-08-01
VIN: ZFBCFYBT0GP
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION JERKED AND SHIFTED ROUGHLY. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AND FAIL TO IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (NYLE MAXWELL FIAT, 13049 RESEARCH BLVD, AUSTIN, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. COMPUTER UPDATES WERE PERFORMED TO THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

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2018-06-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-06-03
VIN: ZFBCFXCT5GP
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: CAR SWITCHES INTO NEUTRAL UNEXPECTEDLY CREATING A DANGEROUS INOPERABLE VEHICLE SCENARIO WHERE THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES ON THE OPEN ROAD AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET HIT FROM BEHIND. THIS IS A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WHICH I HAVE TO PREDICTIVELY ALLOW FOR BY ANTICIPATING THIS MAY HAPPEN.

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2017-12-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-11-28
VIN: ZFBCFYBT0GP
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Summary: ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS MY WIFE'S CARE HAS REFUSED TO SRMTART WITH NOW ANSWER FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHY, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY FIAT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY STILL SQUEAK WHEN IN REVERSE, AND LATELY IT SAYS THERE IS A TIRE SENSOR THAT IS DAMAGED OR LOW ALONG WITH DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE, THIS KEEPS US FROM USING THE AWD SYSTEM EFFECTIVELY, AND FIAT SAID THEY FIXED THE ISSUE ONCE BEFORE AND IT CAME BACK WITHIN THE WEEK. THE CAR HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE DAY SHE BOUGHT IT ALONG WITH MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH NOT STARTING AND MULTIPLE COMPUTER PROBLEMS WITH NOW HELP FROM THE DEALERSHIPS, THIS CAR IS STILL COVERED UNDER ALL WARRANTIES AND STILL CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH MY WIFE GOING TO WORK. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE ERROR CAME UP WHILE DRIVING, THIS DOESN'T ALLOW THE CAR TO OPERATE THE AWD SYSTEM LIKE IT SHOULD

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2017-11-28

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-11-19
Crash: 1
VIN: ZFBCFXBT4GP
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, CAUSING A MINOR ACCIDENT (LITTLE DAMAGE TO BUMPERS OF BOTH VEHICLES). CAR WAS RETURNED HOME (1 MILE AWAY) WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON MOVING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY LATER THAT SAME AFTERNOON, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AGAIN WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE; HAD TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. *BF *TR

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2016-08-21

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-08-20
VIN: ZFBCFYCT0GP
Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION COMPLETELY SNAPPED WITH NO ACCIDENT OR ROAD DEBRIS INVOLVED. THE WHEEL TURNED SIDEWAYS AND LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE'S ABILITY TO TURN. THE ENGINE THEN GAVE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE WARNING AND THE ENGINE CUT OUT. WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE LANE AND WAITED FOR TRIPLE A TO SHOW UP UNTIL 5AM. TOOK PICTURES OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WHICH WAS BASICALLY DANGLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS EXCEPTIONALLY DANGEROUS.

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2016-08-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-03-02
VIN: ZFBCFXCT9GP
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK WHILE USING THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

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2015-09-01

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-08-29
VIN: ZFBCFXDT6GP
Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
Summary: THE CAR STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, STARTED TO GIVE ERROR MESSAGES AND TURNED ON ENGINE SERVICE, TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKES LIGHTS. A FEW SECONDS AFTER WE JUST GOT THE MESSAGE: DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS AND MY FAMILY AND I WERE IN A TERRIBLE RISK OF HAVE A PRETTY BAD ACCIDENT. WE ARE REALLY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAPPENED TO US, WE COULD DIE THAT NIGHT.

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2016 Fiat 500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2016 Fiat 500.

2024-06-25

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.

2019-07-03

Manufacturer: DLT, LLC
Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.

2016-09-15

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.

2016-05-16

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.