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2016 Fiat 500X problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Fiat 500X has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 1safety recall
- 154owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 25%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Fiat 500X year on file: 154 complaints, against an average of 6 for the other 5 model years.
Every Fiat 500X model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Fiat 500X?
The components named most often in the 154 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Fiat 500X owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 154 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2016 Fiat 500X stall, lose power or shut off while driving?27 owners · 17.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Fiat 500X?13 owners · 8.4%
- Why is my 2016 Fiat 500X burning or losing oil?12 owners · 7.8%
- Why does my 2016 Fiat 500X overheat?6 owners · 3.9%
- Why does my 2016 Fiat 500X idle rough, misfire or hesitate?6 owners · 3.9%
- Why won't my 2016 Fiat 500X start?5 owners · 3.2%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Fiat 500X?5 owners · 3.2%
Has the 2016 Fiat 500X been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.
Is the 2016 Fiat 500X 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 DVSAIf rear seat belts are not fastened and pretensioners are deployed the latch could be released
Risk: In case of an accident if the rear seat belts are not fastened i.e. if the rear seat is not occupied by a passenger or is occupied by a child restraint system coupled only to the Isofix anchors and the pretensioners are deployed the rear seat latch could be released. The contents of the rear luggage area if unsecured could enter the cabin area
Fix: Replace the latch bezels with bezels the shape of which prevents the seat belts from interfering with the latch and releasing the seat in the event of a pretensioner deployment.
UK DVSALoss of drive
Risk: The transmission could unexpectedly switch to the N position due to a nonconformity in the transmission wiring assembly process.
Fix: On affected vehicles reprogram the transmission control module. Where necessary replace the transmission wiring
EU Safety GateA faulty latch could cause the seat back to fold forward.In the event of an accident, there is a greater risk of injury for the passengers.
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 500X 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 500X owners report?
12 of the 154 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.
3 times my car had died going under 30 mph, it must turns off or goes into this neutral position and won’t let me change gears, when i restart it, the engine makes an awful squealing sound. all these “drive mode unavailable “ “check esc system” “service electronic brake” it seems it is related to the S55 / 16V529000 safety defect …. “intermittent switch to neutral while driving”
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle using the Push-to-Start button, the engine failed to crank or start. The vehicle was started after the fifteenth attempt. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake pedal was extremely firm and difficult to depress while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
I was driving vehicle and it all of a sudden get stuck in gear in either park gear or some other gear that wont allow me to turn engine off. Sometimes it just slow down to a stop and will not go into gear again for a while or appears the gears are not engaging putting me at risk for accident on highway. Once it slowed down in traffic and I nearly got hit trying to drive it off the highway. The gears were not engaging putting me at risk of many vehicles hitting me. I was praying someone noticed I had car trouble to slow down as I was no longer in full control of vehicle. After some
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unintendedly shifted from drive(D) to neutral(N). The RPM became elevated; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. While driving approximately 15 - 20 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. While in LIMP Mode, the contact coasted to the side of the road and waited for several minutes before continuing to drive. The failure had occurred twice. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic…
Car suddenly slowed down while driving on Christmas Day. This was a very unsafe situation because I was on the highway in traffic traveling at 70 miles per hour and the car suddenly slowed down which could have resulted in an accident leading to harm. A warning light then came on to service transmission right as the car slowed down. I Tried to step on the gas pedal and it would not accelerate. There was no warning light prior to this incident. The car was towed to the dealership the next day. On the following Monday we were told the transmission needs to be completely replaced after they…
I am writing to you in regard to my 2016 FIAT 500X about multiple concerns. 1. There has been an open recall on the Emissions system since 2022. I immediately followed up and was put on a waitlist as I was told that the parts were on back order. I was told I was 27 on the waitlist. I followed up every 3-6 months for an update on getting the recall repaired but was told they have no update on the parts. It is now 2025 and my registration and inspection are expired. I was informed by FIAT service mechanic that the open recall should not impact my inspection. Upon bringing it in for inspection, I…
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear taillights failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the motherboard had failed, and the connecting wires had melted. The contact was informed that the motherboard and connecting wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,308.
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that the cover over the button needed to open the driver’s side door would frequently fall off. Over time, the driver’s side door handle had fractured upon an attempt to open the door. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The day after we had a bad storm, my car's electrical system went haywire. I was driving to work and all kinds of warning lights started flashing. Then when I came to a stop sign, stopped, then proceed to go again the car car would not go. I was still in drive but the car would not go when I pressed the pedal. So I put the car in park then back in drive and it started driving again. Then a warning came on about my power steering. I get further down the road to a stop light. I stopped and when the light turned green it would not go again while it drive. So I put it in park and back in drive and…
The sensor on right passenger air bag malfunction and air bag light stay on and no crashes happen upon message. Poor fuel consumption components include loss of power and idling and when accelerating. Driver mode unavailable lamp came on
Since the car was purchased, the electrical system seems to have an issue that no dealership has been able to diagnose or fix. The forward collision warning system will intermittently turn itself off upon starting or even while driving. The car also frequently blows passenger side lights. More recently at about 67,000 miles, the check engine and transmission warning lights came on while highway driving 2.5 hrs away from home. The car has been in and out of the shop at least 3 times over the past month and a half to try and fix the issue but they have been unable to determine what is wrong with…
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR ITS SEEMS AS IF ITS NOT CHANGING GEARS PUSHING THE GAS TO ACCELERATE ITS WILL LET OFF A RUSHING SOUND WITH NO MOVEMENTS THEN IT WILL JERK AND ACCELERATE FASTER IT MAINLY DOES THIS WHEN TAKING OFF AND TURNING ONTO ANOTHER ROAD WHERE THEIR IS BUSY TRAFFIC THAT WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE A ACCIDENT WITH ONCOMING VEHICLES IF THE ACCELERATION ISN'T AT ITS SPEED. *TR
2016 Fiat 500X: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Fiat 500X reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 154 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Fiat 500X; the most common categories were engine (52, 33.8%), power train (50, 32.5%), electrical system (48, 31.2%). There is 1 safety recall. 3 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 4 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Fiat 500X?
Across 154 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (33.8% of complaints), power train (32.5% of complaints), electrical system (31.2% of complaints), exterior lighting (9.1% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (6.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Fiat 500X have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Fiat 500X; the most recent (campaign 16V529000, 2016-07-12) concerns Power Train: Automatic Transmission. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 Fiat 500X stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
27 of the 154 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Fiat 500X (17.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "The sensor on right passenger air bag malfunction and air bag light stay on and no crashes happen upon message. Poor fuel consumption components include loss of power and idling and when accelerating. Driver mode unavailable lamp came on" (NHTSA complaint 11532404, July 2023). 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 2016 Fiat 500X?
13 of the 154 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Fiat 500X (8.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Hi, I received a recall notice from FCA regarding oil consumption - I threw the letter out, but took the car to dealer. They found the active recall W-80, , had me do the 1500 mile test, came back but for some reason, now it is not even visible anymore." (NHTSA complaint 11605737, July 2024). 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 my 2016 Fiat 500X burning or losing oil?
12 of the 154 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Fiat 500X (7.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Hi, I received a recall notice from FCA regarding oil consumption - I threw the letter out, but took the car to dealer. They found the active recall W-80, , had me do the 1500 mile test, came back but for some reason, now it is not even visible anymore." (NHTSA complaint 11605737, July 2024). 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 2016 Fiat 500X overheat?
6 of the 154 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Fiat 500X (3.9%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Engine overheated after minimal driving in manhattan despite sufficient coolant levels. safety features are defective (rear and side warning indicators) work intermittently." (NHTSA complaint 11352777, September 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 2016 Fiat 500X idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
6 of the 154 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Fiat 500X (3.9%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "500x trekking is having issues shifting randomly. coming to stop it feels like i am getting rear ended when it shifts down. pushing the gas hesitates and i feel like i am getting whiplash from the shift." (NHTSA complaint 11229679, July 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 won't my 2016 Fiat 500X start?
5 of the 154 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Fiat 500X (3.2%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "My car didn't start and then finally did. while driving it stalled,all of a sudden i got control enough to park at work . with no warning signs i proceeded to change battery after work and it still wouldn't start then after attempting to start with new…" (NHTSA complaint 11374278, November 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 do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Fiat 500X?
5 of the 154 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Fiat 500X (3.2%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2016 fiat 500x. the contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger's side turn signal intermittently failed to operate as designed." (NHTSA complaint 11394617, February 2021). 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 500X
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.