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Fiat 500 Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 7 model years, NHTSA lists 24 recalls and 810 owner complaints for the Fiat 500. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Fiat 500 by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Fiat 500 | 2 | 5 | |
| 2017 Fiat 500 | 2 | 14 | |
| 2016 Fiat 500 | 4 | 14 | |
| 2015 Fiat 500 | 4 | 92 | |
| 2014 Fiat 500 | 4 | 124 | |
| 2013 Fiat 500 | 4 | 165 | |
| 2012 Fiat 500 | 4 | 396 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Fiat models.
Fiat 500: questions owners ask
Which Fiat 500 year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Fiat 500 model years with the most are the 2012 (396), 2013 (165) and 2014 (124). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Fiat 500 years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2018 (5), 2016 (14) and 2017 (14), out of 7 model years from 2012 to 2018. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Fiat 500 have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 7 Fiat 500 model years, 24 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2012 (4), 2013 (4) and 2014 (4). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Fiat 500 years have the most stalling complaints?
68 owner complaints across 4 Fiat 500 model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2012 (27), 2013 (18) and 2014 (14) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Fiat 500 years have the most no-start complaints?
21 owner complaints across 2 Fiat 500 model years describe the car failing to start. The most were filed for the 2012 (14) and 2014 (7) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Fiat 500 years have the most check engine light complaints?
16 owner complaints across 3 Fiat 500 model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2014 (7), 2013 (6) and 2015 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Fiat 500 years have the most burning smell complaints?
14 owner complaints across 2 Fiat 500 model years describe a burning smell or smoke. The most were filed for the 2014 (11) and 2015 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Fiat 500 years have the most headlight and taillight complaints?
10 owner complaints across 2 Fiat 500 model years describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. The most were filed for the 2013 (7) and 2015 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Fiat 500 fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Fiat 500's first-time failure rate ranged from 6.7% for cars first registered in 2021 to 42% for 2010, across 12 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were suspension, lights and electrics, tyres. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.