Problem Lookup › Fiat › 500 › 2016
Car problem report
2016 Fiat 500 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 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
- 14owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 26%fail the UK MOT
14 complaints, against an average of 132 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 2016 Fiat 500?
The components named most often in the 14 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2016 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.
Equipment: Other: Labels Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016. The tire placard on the affected vehicles lists a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: If the spare tire is used while overinflated, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will add an overlay on the tire placard to the correct tire inflation information, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is S69.
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.
Is the 2016 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 DVSAReduced brake performance
Risk: It has been identified that the rear brake shoe lining material may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This could result in a reduction in brake performance from the rear brakes.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check the conformity of the brake linings and if found to be incorrect replace with new brake shoes which meet the correct conformity.
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).
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
How often does the 2016 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 2016, 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 2016 Fiat 500 owners report?
12 of the 14 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.
El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marcó muchas fallas en las cuales les tomé foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se pegó en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las fotos de los códigos que aparecen. Tuve q ser remolcado hasta ahorita la batería sigue en un 47% pero aún así sigue sin funcionar el vehículo
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The contact restarted the vehicle and forcefully shifted the transmission into 2nd gear to prevent losing motive power. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,350.
Passenger side drive axle failed on 2016 500e with only 35650 miles but no longer under warranty. Method of failure: Bolts holding axle to transmission sheered resulting in a loss of power. Car was brought to Orange County Chrysler for repair. Dealer informed me that there was a Chrysler Recall N51 for 2013 Fiat 500e for the same problem, but it didn't apply to my year. Numerous blogs on the internet show similar failures for newer models. A sound engineering fix should be developed and implemented as a Safety Recall.
MY VEHICLE WAS T-BONED ON MY DRIVERSIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS GOING 50MPH ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT. I WAS CROSSING THE STREET AT ABOUT 10-15MPH. NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG ENGAGED, SIDE CURTAIN, SEAT, ETC. IT WAS ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR THAT HIT ME WAS SPEEDING.
FIAT 500E VEHICLE BRAKING BEHAVIOR IS UNEXPECTEDLY HARD, SUDDEN, OR UNPREDICTABLE UNTIL THE USER USES AN OBD SCAN TOOL WITH APPROPRIATE DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE- AND INITIATES BRAKE CONTROLLER SENSOR RE-CALIBRATION. THIS OPTION IS FOUND UNDER THE DIAGNOSTIC MENU UNDER: ABS>RENENERATIVE BRAKE CONTROLLER>ACTIVE DIAGNOSTICS, AND THEN SELECTING THE PROCEDURE TO START (RBC SENSOR CALIBRATION). ONLINE FORUM USERS (PLEASE SEE LINK BELOW) ARE CURRENTLY USING 3RD PARTY SOFTWARE, AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE, TO CORRECT THE BRAKING DEFICIENCY (APPROXIMATELY $49). MY PERSONAL VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED AND WAS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE MANUAL CLUTCH FAILED AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM CHANGING GEARS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A CEMENT BARRIER TO AVOID TRAFFIC. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CAUSING THE CONTACT'S HEAD TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT INJURED HER NECK, LEFT SHOULDER, AND LEFT FOOT. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY FAMILY MEMBERS. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS AND POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH ACADIANA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM FIAT (1700 SW EVANGELINE THRUWAY, LAFAYETTE, LA 70508, (337) 232-7361). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS MY WIFE'S CARE HAS REFUSED TO SRMTART WITH NOW ANSWER FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHY, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY FIAT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY STILL SQUEAK WHEN IN REVERSE, AND LATELY IT SAYS THERE IS A TIRE SENSOR THAT IS DAMAGED OR LOW ALONG WITH DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE, THIS KEEPS US FROM USING THE AWD SYSTEM EFFECTIVELY, AND FIAT SAID THEY FIXED THE ISSUE ONCE BEFORE AND IT CAME BACK WITHIN THE WEEK. THE CAR HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE DAY SHE BOUGHT IT ALONG WITH MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH NOT STARTING AND MULTIPLE COMPUTER PROBLEMS WITH NOW HELP FROM THE…
THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, CAUSING A MINOR ACCIDENT (LITTLE DAMAGE TO BUMPERS OF BOTH VEHICLES). CAR WAS RETURNED HOME (1 MILE AWAY) WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON MOVING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY LATER THAT SAME AFTERNOON, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AGAIN WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE; HAD TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. *BF *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION COMPLETELY SNAPPED WITH NO ACCIDENT OR ROAD DEBRIS INVOLVED. THE WHEEL TURNED SIDEWAYS AND LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE'S ABILITY TO TURN. THE ENGINE THEN GAVE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE WARNING AND THE ENGINE CUT OUT. WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE LANE AND WAITED FOR TRIPLE A TO SHOW UP UNTIL 5AM. TOOK PICTURES OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WHICH WAS BASICALLY DANGLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS EXCEPTIONALLY DANGEROUS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FIAT 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK WHILE USING THE KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
THE CAR STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, STARTED TO GIVE ERROR MESSAGES AND TURNED ON ENGINE SERVICE, TRANSMISSION AND PARKING BRAKES LIGHTS. A FEW SECONDS AFTER WE JUST GOT THE MESSAGE: DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE AND THE CAR STOPPED. IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS AND MY FAMILY AND I WERE IN A TERRIBLE RISK OF HAVE A PRETTY BAD ACCIDENT. WE ARE REALLY LUCKY THAT NOTHING HAPPENED TO US, WE COULD DIE THAT NIGHT.
2016 Fiat 500: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Fiat 500 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Fiat 500; the most common categories were power train (8, 57.1%), electrical system (3, 21.4%), engine (3, 21.4%). There are 4 safety recalls. 3 complaints mention a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Fiat 500?
Across 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (57.1% of complaints), electrical system (21.4% of complaints), engine (21.4% of complaints), service brakes (21.4% of complaints), air bags (14.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Fiat 500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 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.
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 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 500, 500 ABARTH, 500 ABARTH CABRIO, 500 BEV and 500 CABRIO.