This page covers 4 recalls, 14 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Fiat 500.
27–34 mpg combined
6.9–8.7 L/100km
Minicompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2016 Fiat 500 center heavily on the powertrain, which accounts for the largest share of reports. Owners of the 500e electric variant describe the drivetrain cutting out unexpectedly while driving, leaving the vehicle without motive power, sometimes without any warning light appearing beforehand. Several owners report the transmission slipping and losing power at highway speeds, requiring a restart or manual gear selection to keep moving. A drive axle failure also shows up, with bolts shearing where the axle meets the transmission and causing a complete loss of drive. One owner describes unpredictable, abrupt braking behavior on the 500e that reportedly required a brake controller sensor recalibration through diagnostic software to address. Airbag non-deployment in a side-impact collision appears in a single report.
14
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Fiat 500 has 4 recalls, the most serious affecting manual transmission models where a fractured clutch spring can leave the driver unable to shift gears or cause the car to suddenly lose power while moving.
Two recalls cover the same underlying issue with the spare tire pressure label: the placard on the door jamb lists an inflation pressure for the spare that exceeds the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall. If a driver follows the label and inflates the spare to that figure, the overinflated tire can fail suddenly while driving. There is also a tire pressure monitoring system recall in which the dashboard warning light may not illuminate when tire pressure drops to an unsafe level, leaving the driver unaware that one or more tires is underinflated and raising the risk of a blowout or handling loss.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure monitoring system warning light may not turn on when tire pressure is low, preventing you from knowing when your tires need air.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the tire pressure monitoring system control unit at no cost to restore proper warning light function.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire placard lists a spare tire inflation pressure that exceeds the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall, violating federal tire safety requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will add an overlay to the tire placard with corrected tire inflation information at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Tire and Loading Information Label lists an incorrect spare tire inflation pressure of 46 psi, which exceeds the maximum safe pressure of 41 psi marked on the spare tire itself. This could cause the spare tire to be over-inflated, increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
A corrected Tire and Loading Information Label will be mailed to owners with installation instructions. Owners can install it themselves or have an FCA dealer install it.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clutch diaphragm spring can fracture and fail, making it impossible to shift gears.
What the fix does
A clutch pedal limiter and clutch pedal switch will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
