Problem Lookup › Fiat › 500 › 2015
Car problem report
2015 Fiat 500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 Fiat 500 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 92owner complaints
- 4crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 32%fail the UK MOT
92 complaints, against an average of 119 for the other 6 Fiat 500 model years.
Every Fiat 500 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2015 Fiat 500?
The components named most often in the 92 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Fiat 500 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 92 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2015 Fiat 500 been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Tires: Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Manual Transmission: Floor Shift Assembly 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.
Risk: If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Manual Transmission 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015. The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) of the affected vehicles may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift to neutral.
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EVCU, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R20.
Is the 2015 Fiat 500 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASeat may not perform as expected during a collision
Risk: The seat may not remain in position when subjected to greater than normal driving forces such as those involved in an impact. This may possibly cause injury to the driver/passenger seated in the right hand front seat. The right hand front seat guides may not conform to design specification and installation specifications.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the installation of the original seat guide. If it does not conform replace the seat cushion structure (guide).
UK DVSAFront seatbelts may not function as intended
Risk: It has been identified that the front seatbelt anchorage links may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. If the link is subjected to an abnormal force then it may not perform as required.
Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles to check the link and if required replace it.
UK DVSAFront seatbelts may not function as intended
Risk: It has been identified that the front seatbelt anchorage links may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. If the link is subjected to an abnormal force then it may not perform as required.
Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles to check the link and if required replace it.
UK DVSAInterior and exterior vehicle lighting may fail
Risk: It is possible under extreme conditions that the wiring harness under the dashboard could come into contact with the steering column. This over a period of time may result in the chaffing of wires in the harness. If this should occur then it is possible both the exterior and instrument lights could fail.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to provide additional security of the wiring loom.
EU Safety GateThe guide rails of the right-hand front seat are inadequate: the seat might not click into place properly and become detached.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe belt buckle anchorage braces could break in the event of a serious collision.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe seat belt buckle anchorage braces may break in a serious collision.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2015 Fiat 500 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2015, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2015 Fiat 500 owners report?
12 of the 92 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to downshift, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while the RPM continued to rev. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was significantly difficult to move up or down, causing difficulty in engaging the brake as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the manual transmission gear pin had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was…
The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the manual transmission was unable to shift into gear. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the clutch diaphragm spring and clutch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not…
The contact owns a 2015 Fiat 500. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic noticed that the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlamps had failed to operate. The brake warning light and the headlamp warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the mechanic reconnected the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlamp connector. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the contact noticed that the headlamps failed to illuminate. The contact then stated that the rear driver’s and…
After bringing vehicle to a complete stop at a traffic light, it died and gave a propulsion system warning. After about 20 attempts to turn off and reboot the vehicle, it restarted and behaved as if nothing had happened. This was a very dangerous situation with the vehicle stuck in the middle of the road. There have been two recalls on this very specific issue (and this vehicle has had that related software updates). Vehicle did the exact same behavior for no reason. (NHTSA campaign: 16V303000 & 15V179000). And because the vehicle wasn't sold in Georgia, no local dealers know how to work on…
I was driving our Fiat 500e (31K miles) in late June, when suddenly the HV Battery System (and primarily the PIM/Power Inverter Module that controls the HV battery system and propulsion system) failed, causing my moving vehicle to lose it's ability to use power steering. I was on a steep hill and was barely able to control the car. I contacted my local Fiat dealer, had the car towed there, and it has sat there for 3.5 months, while the dealership and Fiat USA have argued over how to repair it. In the meantime, the 8 year warranty on the HV battery system has winnowed down and will go out of…
Rear end car crash. Seat back collapsed and threw me into back seat where I sufferred brain injury.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: High voltage battery system, the vehicle is available for viewing. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: Long time garage storage of vehicle and limited owners manual description on procedure to maintain high voltage battery during extended non use of vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?: The problem has been reproduced and the vehicle is currently at a Fiat/Chrysler dealership. Has the vehicle or component been…
I am a retired master certified automotive technician. Ever since I bought this 2015 Fiat 500e [it is battery electric] in 2017 with NO warning all kinds of trouble/service lights will go on as the car shuts down & stops as if it was thrown into Park, & most of the time it does this it is at highway speeds on crowded L.A. freeways, which has become very close to getting me killed several times I have taken it to local dealers for this problem since shortly after I bought it in 2017, long before the bumper to bumper warranty expired. Most of the time the dealer reads/clears the codes, then…
BEGAN LOSING CLUTCH, CLUTCH/BRAKE ASSEMBLY HAD THE 2 CONNECTING BOLTS BROKEN IN HALF. HAVE PICTURES. CLUTCH INTERLOCK ARRIVED BAD, BYPASSED IT; NOW THE POWER STEERING, ENGINE LIGHT AND EOS LIGHTS STAY ON. CAR ENGINE DIED THEN CRANKED UP ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING 60MPH STATING HIGH TEMP (PULL OVER, TURN ENGINE OFF) - HAD BEEN IN THE CAR LESS THAN 1 MINUTE, JUST LONG ENOUGH TO GET TO 60 ON THE HIGHWAY. NOW CLUTCH INTERLOCK, AND BRAKE INTERLOCK MUST BE REPLACED.
I WORK AT AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR FACILITY. WE HAVE SEEN SEVERAL HEADLIGHT BULB CONNECTOR FAILURES WHERE THE CONNECTOR MELTS. WHEN THE CONNECTOR MELTS, THE LIGHT STOPS FUNCTIONING. THE REPAIR REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF THE CONNECTOR AND THE BULB.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWNS FIAT LOCATED AT 483 NEW YORK-112, EAST PATCHOGUE, NY 11772, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 16V303000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,483.
WE HAVE RAN INTO TWO ISSUES WITH THE CAR. THE FIRST ISSUE WAS LAST YEAR THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE COMPUTER INSIDE NOT WORKING WHICH IN TURN CAUSE ISSUES WITH THE BLUETOOTH, LIGHTING, AND DASHBOARD. THE MECHANIC SAID IT COULD IN TURN RESULT IN OTHER ISSUES AS WELL. WE RECENTLY STARTED THE CAR AND IT STARTED SHAKING, THE DASHBOARD WENT OUT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT.
2015 Fiat 500: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Fiat 500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Fiat 500; the most common categories were power train (32, 34.8%), electrical system (26, 28.3%), engine (12, 13%). There are 4 safety recalls. 4 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 4 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Fiat 500?
Across 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (34.8% of complaints), electrical system (28.3% of complaints), engine (13% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (6.5% of complaints), exterior lighting (5.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Fiat 500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Fiat 500; the most recent (campaign 24V474000, 2024-06-25) concerns Tires: Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2015 Fiat 500 stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
9 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Fiat 500 (9.8%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2015 fiat 500. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was taken to browns fiat located at 483 new york-112, east patchogue, ny 11772, to be diagnosed." (NHTSA complaint 11327395, June 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Fiat 500?
3 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Fiat 500 (3.3%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "We have ran into two issues with the car. the first issue was last year there was an issue with the computer inside not working which in turn cause issues with the bluetooth, lighting, and dashboard." (NHTSA complaint 11277185, October 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2015 Fiat 500?
3 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Fiat 500 (3.3%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "I work at an independent auto repair facility. we have seen several headlight bulb connector failures where the connector melts. when the connector melts, the light stops functioning. the repair requires replacement of the connector and the bulb." (NHTSA complaint 11363384, October 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 Fiat 500 smell of burning or smoke?
3 of the 92 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Fiat 500 (3.3%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2015 fiat 500. while driving 60 mph, the contact detected an abnormal burning odor and smoke coming from under the hood." (NHTSA complaint 11071966, February 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own 500
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 500, 500 ABARTH and 500 ABARTH CABRIO.