Fiat 500l problems
The Fiat 500L is a mini MPV manufactured by Fiat under the Fiat Serbia joint venture and marketed globally since its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Based on a variant of the FCA Small Wide platform, the 500L uses Fiat's Multiair variable valve timing engine technology and monovolume cab forward architecture: a packaging concept that prioritizes passenger and cargo volume. The 500L is noted for its high H-point seating, high roof, tall greenhouse, double A pillar, wide field of visibility—and its reconfigurable interior system marketed as Cargo Magic Space.
Initially only available in a 2-row, 5-seat configuration, the lengthened 3-row, 7-seat variant, called the "500L Living", began production in 2013 for the European market. For model year 2018, the 500L received an intermediate facelift, with revised front and rear fascias along with In-car entertainment (ICE) updates and interior revisions. By early 2018, production reached 500,000 units. The 500L was discontinued in the North American market after model year 2020.
The 500L derives its name from Fiat's widely known 500 models, including the original 1957 Fiat 500 and the current Fiat 500, introduced in 2007. Underscoring its increased length and overall size over other 500 variants, the suffix L denotes "large", "light" and "loft".
Social links
Common Fiat 500l problems
The Fiat 500L is known to have several common problems, primarily affecting the clutch, suspension, engine, and power steering systems.
- Suspension problems: Drivers have reported a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, especially when driving over uneven surfaces and small potholes. This problem is often associated with premature wear of the strut mounts. Suspension issues are common in compact city cars like the Fiat 500, and the average quote for a suspension repair on the Fiat 500 is £129.21 when booked with WhoCanFixMyCar.
- Engine overheating: Fiat 500Ls have experienced overheating engines, which can be caused by coolant leaks, damaged water pumps, or clogged coolant hoses. White smoke coming from the exhaust pipe is a key indicator of this problem. If you suspect your car's engine is overheating, a mobile mechanic can troubleshoot the problem for you. The average quote for a mobile mechanic call out on a Fiat 500 is £79.07 when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.
- Power steering problems: The Fiat 500L has had issues with its power steering system, causing a loss of power steering or a slow or stiff responding steering wheel. This problem can be caused by faulty wiring below the steering column, as seen in a recall issued in June 2014. Power steering problems can be dangerous if left unrepaired, so it is essential to address them promptly.
These common problems with the Fiat 500L can significantly impact the vehicle's performance and safety. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the Fiat 500L.
What problems does the FIAT 500L have?
What common problems does the Fiat 500 have? Getting the sudden whiff of fuel while you're driving along in your Fiat 500 is going to be a bit of a concern. Faulty fuel-injector seals are a common cause, and will need to be replaced. A number of people have reported a Fiat 500 clutch pedal vibration.
Is the FIAT 500L a reliable car?
Reliability Survey, the 500 ranked 15th out of 19 cars in the small car class. Its overall score was a moderate 93.2%, slightly up on its usual ratings.
What is the life expectancy of a FIAT 500L?
What is Fiat 500l lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Fiat 500l is 137,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
What Fiat 500 fault is most common?
Suspension problems are a common issue in many vehicles, and even more so in compact city cars like the Fiat 500.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Fiat 500l years
We have researched Fiat problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Fiat 500l cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Fiat 500l model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Fiat 500l model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Fiat 500l years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Fiat 500l car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Fiat 500l , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Fiat 500l vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 500l model years
A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 500l model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 500l model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 191 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Fiat 500l . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Fiat 500l vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: ZFBCFABH6EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, and the contact became aware that the vehicle had shifted into neutral independently and was unable to shift back into gear. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-16
- VIN: ZFBCFADH8EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 FIAT 500L. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the transmission began slipping out of gear. The transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: ZFBCFACH6EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, before accelerating forward. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact learned online of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V192000 (Power Train). The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
- VIN: ZFBCFADH9EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When in traffic on the highway the car all of a sudden would not shift out of first. Following that, all power was lost to the drivetrain, but accessories were still powered and working. Before the car gave no power to the drive, the oil light came on in addition to the engine light, when the oil levels were checked they were confirmed to be normal. The car has been inspected by a mechanic who suggests replacing the entire transmission.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
- VIN: ZFBCFACH5EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the transmission message was displayed, and the vehicle would not properly shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission dual clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The dual clutch kit was installed but after retrieving the vehicle the failure later reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V192000 (Power Train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 43,958.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-12
- VIN: ZFBCFADH4EZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Issues with shifting out of park. Random acceleration, stalling, lagging, & jerking while on the road & in full speed traffic. When took car to dealership was told issues with my PCM. PCM had been recalled & fixed with previous owner in 2017. Now the second time having a PCM issue, couldn't do anything with the already fixed recall so i was forced to pay almost 2,000. Now still leaving me with the same issues. Cruise control accelerates on its own, almost causing accident with other cars on highway. Will be going 60 in traffic & it will randomly start to decrease in speed while foot is fully on gas. Possible throttle body issue, RMPS rev up to red while only going 35mph.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-01
- VIN: ZFBCFABH6EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1.) Vehicle will not shift into forward or reverse. Shift lever moves but vehicle does not respond. Intermittent problem. 2.) Excessive acceleration is required before vehicle will move, then lurches forward or backwards.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-09
- VIN: ZFBCFADH8EZ
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: CAR INTERMITTENTLY SHIFTS OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL WHEN faced with an uphill grade forcing car backwards. We have had over 5 nrear accidents involving rolling off hillsides ar onto property or into traffic behind. Car will not engage we have been desperately against a steep hill many times. Also front ABS brakes intermittently grab 1 wheel forcing car sideways at 40 mph. Also car emits rattle sound coming from lower gearbox or engine area noticeable through cab, both before and after a complete $4300 transmission rebuild. Service completed by FIAT and Alfa Romeo od Van Nuys California. This car is going to kill us. Fiat is dragging their feet. I will list the first incident below at March 18, 2023 but then many more occurred after, even after trans rebuild. This design is life-threatening. Who rebuilds a trans at under 50,000 miles??
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-27
- VIN: ZFBCFADH1EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that while in reverse(R), a gear shifter message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V192000 (Power Train) which was associated with the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 139,724.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-22
- VIN: ZFBCFADH4EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My car is experiencing the same issue as a previous recall T19. Does not go when foot is pressed completely on gas . Will start & only go 25mph & sound like it is stuck & will not shift. Then randomly will jerk & accelerate. Tool to local mechanic Oct 2023. went for oil change, just befor appointment started running weird and check engine light had came on,asked him to check it out. Local mechanic said reader said knock sensor. paid for part,and went for pick up. Check engine light was off, ran good for about 5 mins on way home had to turn around. Took it back now local mechanic says theres mice damage to wiring harness. estimated 3,000-5,000 total. after already paying 800 for knock sensor and oil change. Told to try & see if insurance will cover rodent damages . Insurance has towed car to Fiat dealership, now being told there is zero mice damage to my wiring harness. Replaced knock sensor now for a second time, still not the fix. Was told the Issue is unrelated to the mice & has to do with my PCM. Repair cost is more than my car is even worth at this point. Sounds just like past PCM recall issue. Mine was apparently fixed 03/23/17. Is there a way there could be another recall? I have under 70,000 miles & do not understand how this has happened.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-24
- VIN: ZFBCFACH6EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: It only has 42,000 miles and the transmission light came on and it didn't want to go into park. The dealership won't tow it and keeps trying to day the are going to charge me for it when it still has both recalls on it. I had to play with the shifter to get it out of reverse it wanted to stay in reverse. And I was afraid it was going to run someone over because I. Couldn't park it
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-16
- VIN: ZFBCFADH4EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: While driving in bumper to bumper traffic. Started to have trouble with accelerating rhe vehicle. Noticed the car had a recall with that cause the issues thatbi was having. I took the car to the fiat dealership to have the recall fixed. But after working on the cat, it has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall. Still has the same problem.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-27
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-09
- VIN: ZFBCFACH7EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: While driving in traffic the check transmission light came on and car would no longer accelerate coming to a stop in traffic. Gears were not recognized per dash lights. Towed to shop for transmission repair which failed again within a six month time frame when once again while driving check engine light, check transmission light, check temp light all alternately started flashing, car quit accelerating and coasted to stop.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-29
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-29
- VIN: ZFBCFABH5EZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop and attempting to resume driving, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to unknown recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Fiat 500l 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-06
- Date Complaint: 2023-11-06
- VIN: ZFBCFABH7EZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: My airbag light keeps coming on. It has been happening for the last 4 years. Everytime there is a temperature change more than 10 degrees the light comes on and stays on during driving. After the car is driven for a while and it's parked and turned off it resets. I've had the dealership check it and they say there is no code that shows the light being on. The app says I don't have any unresolved recalls but I think the replacement part is faulty.
Latest 5 recalls Fiat 500l
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Fiat 500l.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Fiat 500l 2014
- Report Received Date: 2017-03-21
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration maybe incorrect, limiting the engine to idle speed and torque even when accelerator pedal is fully pressed.
- Consequence: If the vehicle does not accelerate as expected, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2017. Owners may the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is T19.
- Model: Fiat 500l 2015
- Report Received Date: 2015-09-23
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 23, 2015, to May 10, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a passenger frontal air bag that was not folded properly during the assembly process. As a result, the air bag may not deploy as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not inflate as designed, the front seat occupant is at an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy: Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Fiat customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is R54.
- Model: Fiat 500l 2014
- Report Received Date: 2014-08-06
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
- Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P42.
- Model: Fiat 500l 2015
- Report Received Date: 2014-08-06
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
- Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured March 3, 2012, to July 25, 2014. Irregularities in the folding process during assembly of the driver's knee airbag may result in its improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: If the knee airbag air bag does not deploy properly during a crash, there is an increased risk of driver injury.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on September 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P42.
- Model: Fiat 500l 2014
- Report Received Date: 2014-03-04
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles manufactured April 5, 2013, through January 22, 2014. In certain temperatures, moving the transmission shift lever may have a delayed effect or no effect on selecting a transmission gear.
- Consequence: If there is no effect, the vehicle might not shift out of the Park position. If there is a delayed effect, the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter module or update the shifter software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P06.
Latest negative Fiat 500l car reviews
Latest positive Fiat 500l car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2014
In November 2014, we purchased a 500L Easy Rosso Perla with Red/Cementite Seats and a sunroof. I really enjoy the dual clutch transmission as it gives me a manual feel without wearing out my left knee in city traffic. The adjustability of the steering column up/down and in/out is excellent. The vehicle is mainly driven in the city, but we have also taken it on a 3-hour highway trip and found the ride to be very comfortable. With the rear seats down, I was able to fit a 55-inch flat screen TV in the box with about 1'' to spare in length and width. The 500L has daytime running lights which I have enabled, and the UConnect works well with my iPhone. We recently returned the car at the end of a 39-month lease. We had no issues with the car, just some recalls and normal maintenance. We still completely enjoy the vehicle. The primary reason for returning the vehicle was that the local Fiat Studio closed, and the next closest Studio was too far away. Otherwise, we would have bought out the lease.
-
Vehicle year: 2015
I was waiting for the 2016 models to come out, but I found the body on the 2015 500L Trekking model to be more attractive and have a more Italian look. I ended up buying the 2015 500L Trekking with the
-
Vehicle year: 2014
We have a 500 and 500L. I absolutely love them both! The 500 is incredibly fun to drive and handles better than any car I've owned, especially on the highway. The 500L is also a blast to drive and more practical when carpooling.
-
Vehicle year: 2014
I've driven my car for 50,000 miles in less than two years and I haven't had a single problem. I even chipped it and abuse it every time I drive, and I've towed a 4 x 8 trailer with over 2000 lbs with no issues. Although it's automatic, I think the transmission is better suited for the European market. As a European myself, I like it, but it may take some getting used to. Some people still say 'fix it again Tony', but Tony is long gone and it's not any different in terms of reliability compared to a Honda, Toyota, Subaru, etc.
-
Vehicle year: 2016
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my 2015 500L 6-speed manual. I've put 107,000 miles on it and it has been surprisingly reliable. Changing the plugs is a breeze and I've found that using good gas and oil has helped keep it running smoothly. I had one issue caused by the dealer who didn't put the air filter assembly back together correctly, but my regular mechanic was able to fix it. I've taken it on several long trips, including a 5000+ mile round trip across the USA and multiple trips from Arizona to Texas. Even with my daily commute of 115 miles, I never would have thought this car would work so well. Thanks for listening!
Are you having problems with your Fiat 500l?
Tyrell Larkin 2024-11-01
Vehicle year: 2016
The car was under warranty, but unfortunately had many repairs within 30k miles. This negatively impacted the resale value, which was quite low.
Felix Hartmann 2024-10-28
Vehicle year: 2016
Blind spots! It's important to get to know your blind spots. The car may have sluggish acceleration and be top heavy, but it's hard not to love its size, look, and reliability.
Kaleigh Smitham 2024-10-27
Vehicle year: 2014
This car is just the right size for me and has excellent interior room. It's smaller than a CUV but still has enough space for cargo. The exterior and interior styling are unique and upscale. The tech is user-friendly and it has plenty of power, making it a fun car to drive. However, there are a few downsides to the car. The vents and cheap interior plastic can vibrate and rattle on bumpy roads, which can be annoying. Also, the Beat audio system's bass can make the plastic on the door rattle, so I usually turn it off. Additionally, the glovebox and center console can be a bit noisy if you put something in them. Finally, the car occasionally doesn't start on the first try, but it always starts on the second try.
Weldon Lindgren 2024-10-07
Vehicle year: 2015
I purchased my Fiat 500L just three weeks ago. Unfortunately, on my way to work, the car started shaking and the transmission light came on. I had to wait for Fiat to open and then have the car towed in. The team at Maxwell Supercenter has been having some difficulty repairing the car, and as a result, I have been without it for a week. While I did receive a call today, after seven days, I still don't feel entirely comfortable or safe in my Fiat. I have decided to return it. I hope that the GM, Lisa C., will be able to assist me with this process. I have been disappointed with the service I have received so far, but I am hopeful that we can come to a resolution soon.
Webster Dickinson 2024-09-28
Vehicle year: 2014
My daughter purchased a 2014 500L less than 10 months ago. Unfortunately, we were recently quoted $13,000 to replace the transmission. Despite our efforts to resolve the issue through customer service and checking the service history for a recall that matches the car's issue, Chrysler has refused to provide any assistance. The repair estimate seems exorbitant and unreasonable. It is important to note that we have had a negative experience with this particular Fiat model. Thank you for your attention to this matter.