2020 Fiat 500x problems

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The Fiat 500X (Type 334) is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), since its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Following the 500L, and produced from 2014 (from 2016 model year for US), the 500X is closely related to the Jeep Renegade. Both are manufactured at FCA's SATA Plant in Melfi, Italy.

Specifications

The 500X is based on the Small Wide 4×4 architecture, a platform evolved from the GM Fiat Small platform used for the Fiat Grande Punto and Fiat 500L.

The Fiat 500X is available with several engines with optional all-wheel drive with most. At launch, engines available outside of North America included: one gasoline, the turbocharged 1.4 MultiAir2, and two MultiJet turbodiesels displacing 1.6 and 2.0 litres.

In North America, the Fiat 500X features:

  • A 1
  • A normally aspirated 2
2020 Fiat 500x

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Common 2020 Fiat 500x problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Fiat 500X 2020, several common problems have been reported:

  1. Engine Problems:
    • Complaints include burning oil, broken motor mounts, and stalling while driving.
    • Burning oil can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
    • Broken motor mounts can cause excessive engine movement and noise.
    • Stalling while driving poses a significant safety risk, especially at high speeds.
  2. Electrical Issues:
    • Owners reported continuous electrical problems, such as batteries needing frequent replacement.
    • Headlamps intermittently losing power can reduce visibility, especially at night.
    • Infotainment system failures can affect entertainment and navigation features.
  3. Transmission Failure:
    • Complete transmission failure has been a significant issue.
    • Specific complaints mention reverse synchronizer failure, which can prevent smooth gear shifting.
    • Transmission slipping can lead to poor vehicle performance and safety concerns.
  4. Exterior Accessory Failures:
    • The driver's door handle is a common failure point, with reports of it falling off during use.
    • Issues with exterior accessories can affect the convenience and aesthetics of the vehicle.
  5. Brake Problems:
    • The electronic parking brake is a top-reported brake issue.
    • When stuck in the locked position, it can immobilize the vehicle, posing a safety hazard.
    • Brake problems can compromise the vehicle's ability to stop effectively.
  6. Daytime Lights Malfunction:
    • Daytime lights not operating properly, turning off and on intermittently.
    • Malfunctioning lights can reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.

These common problems reported by Fiat 500X 2020 owners highlight various safety, performance, and reliability issues that can impact the overall driving experience and ownership satisfaction.

2020 Fiat 500x engine

Do Fiat 500 have engine problems?

The Fiat 500 is generally considered a reliable car. It has above-average reliability ratings from RepairPal and J.D. Power, scoring a 3.5 out of 5.0 and 70/100, respectively. Second-generation Fiat 500s were reported to have a couple of problems with their suspension, steering, and engine.

Why is my Fiat 500X struggling to start?

The most common reasons a Fiat 500X won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

Is Fiat 500X a reliable car?

Although Fiat's poor reliability reputation has been improving recently, the Fiat 500X came last in the reliability and build quality category out of the 75 cars featured in our 2018 Driver Power survey. We'd hope that the new, more modern engines will help the car's reliability record in the future.

Is Fiat 500X being discontinued?

The smallest Jeep is getting the axe, as the Renegade will exit the U.S. market after the 2023 model year. Fiat also confirmed that the related 500X will say goodbye for 2024.

2020 Fiat 500x car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Electrical system problems
  • Electronic stability control (esc) problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Fiat 500x vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2020 Fiat 500x complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Fiat 500x.

2020-08-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-07-28
  • VIN: ZFBNFYA17LP
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: DE EL MAP SENSOR. _SE PRO7EDIO A REEMPLAZAR EL MAP SENSOR. CODIGO VOLVIO A PRESENTARSE. DIAGNOST7CO INDICA QUE SI EL CODIGO VULVE REEMPLAZAR EL THROTTLE. SE PR~CEDIO . REEMPLAZAR EL THRTTLE DE LA UNIDAD. SE PROCEDIO A CORRER UNIDAD. UNIDAD NO VOLVIO A PRESENTAR CONDICION. UNIDAD PREPARADA **************************************************** D GENERAL CONCERN #3 [CI UNIDAD LE PRENDIO AVISO DE DRIVE MODE UNAVALIBLE] VE VER COMENTARIOS POR EL TECNICO 3024 CPF . 0.00 REFERENTE A LA LINEA #C UNIDAD PREPARADA. **************************************************** E** COURTESY LOANER CAR, SE ORIENTO AL CLIENTE SOBRE LOS TERMINOS, CONDICIONES Y RESPONSABILIDAD. UNA VEZ LISTO SU VEHICULO DEVOLVERA LA UNIDAD EN UN TERMINO MAXIMO DEL PROXIMO DIALABORABLE LUEGO DE LA NOTIFICACION. SE BRINDO AUTO DE CORTESIA FIAT S00X GP335561 GRACIAS AL DEPT DE VENTAS FIAT ALFA ROMEO DE SAN JUAN. CAUSE: LOANER AGREEMENT OK. LOANER COURTESY LOANER CAR, SE ORIENTO AL CLIENTE SOBRE LOS TERMINOS, CONDICIONES Y RESPONSABILIDAD. UNA VEZ LISTO SU VEHICULO DEVOLVERA LA UNIDAD EN UN TERMINO MAXIMO DEL PROXIMO DIA LABORABLE LUEGO DE LA NOTIFICACION. 3024 CPF *************************** ************************* ON BEHALF OF SEAVICING OEALEA, 1 HEAEBV CEATIFY THAT THE STATEMENT OF OISCLAIMEA INFOAMATION CONTAINEO HEAEON IS ACCUAATE UNLESS OTHEAWISE THE TACTORY WARRANTY CONSTITUTN ALI SHOWN. SERVICES DESCAIBEO WEAE PEAFOAMEO AT NO CHAAGE TO OT THE WARRANTLES WITH RESPECT TO OWNEA. THEAE WAS NO INOICATION FAOM THE APPEARANCE OF THE THE SALE OT THLS LT1M~T1M1. THE SELIER HEREBY EX~ESSLY DISCLALMS ALI VEHICLE OR OTHEAWISE, THAT ANY PART REPAIREO OA REPLACEO WARRANTLES EIT R EXPRW OR UNOER THIS CLAIM HAO BEEN CONNECTEO IN ANY WAY WITH ANY LMPLLED, LNCLUDLNG ANY LMPLIED ACCIOENT, NEGLIGENCE

2020 Fiat 500x recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2020 Fiat 500x.

2024-07-03
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
  • Consequence: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
2019-12-19
  • Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
  • Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X vehicles. The right rear brake caliper could have been fractured during the casting process.
  • Consequence: A cracked right rear brake caliper can fail, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE8.

Negative 2020 Fiat 500x car reviews

  1. Leon Pouros 2024-07-15

    These vehicles do not have good horsepower. My grandmother's car is better. The transmission lags behind badly. Sometimes I have to slow down because it's not shifting gears properly. The gas mileage, in my opinion, is not good. It seems like I'm always putting gas in it. My best advice is to not try to pull out in traffic and think it's going to get up and go because it won't. I am disappointed badly.

  2. Houston Hirthe 2024-03-16

    I leased the vehicle in December 2016. Unfortunately, the car had engine lights come on and had to be towed within 24 hours of getting it home. I was told there was a bad sensor in my side view mirror. About 2 months later, while driving with my kids on the highway, a “drive mode unavailable” warning came on. I was left stranded on the highway with 2 small children in a new car. They came and towed it, but I never got a clear answer for the problem. I told them to check the transmission, which they said was “fine”. They returned the car to me with the warning light off over a week later, but the transmission was worse than ever. The jerking that occurs from the stop position to first gear is horrible, and it is like driving in a manual transmission car with someone learning how to shift. As someone with a neck injury, some days driving this car is like torture. I have owned other Chrysler family vehicles in the past with no issues, so I never dreamed I would be this disappointed. I travel for work and drive rental cars three weeks a month, and I don’t see this problem with other manufacturers. Also, if you are having troubles, don’t expect help from any other dealerships in the Chrysler family. They like to defer you to only Fiat dealerships, which are few and far between.

  3. Lamar Flatley 2024-02-06

    This car has unfortunately experienced some issues, and despite multiple visits to the dealership for service, the problem has not yet been resolved. It is frustrating that FCA has not taken action to address these known issues.

  4. Hollis Rau 2024-02-01

    I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to bring to your attention an issue I have been experiencing with my 2017 FIAT 500x Trekking car, which I purchased from Peake Chrysler in Sodus NY 14551. Unfortunately, the car has been spending a lot of time in the shop due to a heating issue. Although the dealership has been working to fix the problem, it has not yet been resolved. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in resolving this matter. Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.

Positive 2020 Fiat 500x car reviews

  1. Ryley Bosco 2025-08-22

    The car is overall great, but the trunk space is quite limited, so a roof rack is essential for any trips. Living in NYC, I get decent gas mileage, around 22 mpg in the city and about 30 on the highway, depending on driving style. I use premium gas from Costco. The interior is modest, but modern, with a touch screen and Apple and Android pass-through. The AWD is excellent in the snow and rain, and the car has power, although not acceleration, but it can go fast with great control. It's very conspicuous, and I've had the car for three years without being pulled over once, even though I do my fair share of speeding. One thing I've noticed is that the headlights aren't very bright, and the car is bulb-specific, so if you don't put the correct bulb, the dash will say the light is out, even though it isn't. You need the correct bulbs, which any shop can order, but those auto stores don't carry them, and they give you options that will work, but that dash light will be on. Overall, it's a great car that I will definitely keep.

  2. Leone Carter 2025-08-08

    I have a bit of a bias towards the Fiat brand, having owned a 128 Sport Coupe in the 70s and currently owning a 2012 500 Abarth. The 500x was something I was interested in, but I had to do a little convincing to get my wife on board. We traded in her uncomfortable Jeep Wrangler Sport, and we were both happy to say goodbye to it. Moving into the 500x, we did sacrifice a little space, but aside from that, we really love this vehicle. The ride is comfortable, the handling is precise, the acceleration is adequate, and it's an absolute treat to drive. That's one thing about my Fiats that sets them apart from all the other vehicles we've owned - they're just plain fun to drive! As of 02/06/2018, this vehicle has only gotten better with age, and we still enjoy all aspects of it very much.

  3. Hester Cremin 2025-07-13

    I recently upgraded from my 2013 FIAT Abarth to the 500x Trekking AWD and I couldn't be happier! While I loved my Abarth, it was difficult for me to drive due to my physical disabilities and its small size made it hard for other drivers to see me. The 500x Trekking offers the comfort and space I was looking for, along with the high quality of a precision Italian SUV. The interior is stunning and the technology features are impressive, although it may take me some time to learn how to use everything. The styling is fantastic, especially with the optional 18

  4. Reymundo Wuckert 2025-05-24

    I absolutely love this car! It's so stylish and unique, and I love that there are so few on the road. While the performance may not be as good as my previous car, the Subaru Crosstrek, the ground clearance on the 500X is just as good and the seats ride higher, providing better road visibility. The cabin noise is also much better in the 500X, and the rear visibility is improved as well. I haven't noticed any issues with the 9-speed transmission that some professional reviews have mentioned. And let's not forget the most important thing - this car is hot! I'm 5'11

  5. Wellington Lueilwitz 2025-05-04

    I have a 2019 500X in the Trekking trim. It's a really comfortable car, and the new 1.3 turbo gives you a class leading 210 lb-ft of torque at just 2200 RPM. In normal mode, it's peppy enough, but put it in sport mode and it really goes! I have no complaints about the power of this car and the handling. I've noticed that some people complain about the transmission, but in normal mode, it tries to hold down the revs so you achieve better mileage. If you're like me, just leave it in sport mode and you get good crisp shifts at higher revs and the car comes alive. People notice it too! I'm often asked how it drives and if I like it, and I always say that I definitely enjoy the ride! I came from a Dodge Challenger when I finally realized I needed the safety of all-wheel drive and the cargo space. Is it as fast as a Challenger? Of course not! But if you want a fun, peppy, satisfying car to drive every day, you cannot go wrong with the 500X.

Leave your review of 2020 Fiat 500x

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Fiat 500x problems:

500x owners - is it a reliable car? | FIAT 500X | The FIAT Forum
500x owners - is it a reliable car? | FIAT 500X | The FIAT Forum
https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/500x-owners-is-it-a-reliable-car.480155/

Apr 25, 2020 ... Unfortunately I am out of warranty and I hope it is not a big problem. Last edited: Jun 22, 2020.

Fiat 500x reliability/ common problems : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Fiat 500x reliability/ common problems : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/go9yg7/fiat_500x_reliability_common_problems/

May 22, 2020 ... Fiat 500x reliability/ common problems ... My wife has decide she likes the fiat 500x. She doesnt drive that often and it's usually just around ...

Unreliable Vehicles To Avoid: Fiat 500X | Endurance Warranty
Unreliable Vehicles To Avoid: Fiat 500X | Endurance Warranty
https://www.endurancewarranty.com/learning-center/make-model/unreliable-vehicles-to-avoid-fiat-500x/

Oct 30, 2023 ... There are many common problems with the Fiat 500X, with the top reported including engine problems, electrical problems, and transmission ...

2020 FIAT 500X Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2020 FIAT 500X Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/fiat/500x/2020/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2020 FIAT 500X? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

2014 Fiat 500L Trekking...ugh such trouble! | Fiat 500 Forum
2014 Fiat 500L Trekking...ugh such trouble! | Fiat 500 Forum
https://www.fiat500owners.com/threads/2014-fiat-500l-trekking-ugh-such-trouble.137385/

Jan 31, 2017 ... It was determined that some Fiat 500L models may experience a loss of communication from the Gear Shift Module (GSM) to the transmission which ...

Other years of Fiat 500x

fiat 500x 2022 photo
500x 2022
Fiat

1

1

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
fiat 500x 2016 photo
500x 2016
Fiat

137

1

40

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
fiat 500x 2017 photo
500x 2017
Fiat

13

1

37

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
fiat 500x 2018 photo
500x 2018
Fiat

10

1

42

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
fiat 500x 2019 photo
500x 2019
Fiat

3

2

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
fiat 500x 2020 photo
500x 2020
Fiat

1

2

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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