repaired · 2026 Q2
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating 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.
2016 FIAT 500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2016 FIAT 500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-474 the manufacturer reports only 34% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 22, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 FIAT 500 has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Power train1 crash/fire/injury
3Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system
3Engine
2Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Suspension
1Wheels
1Structure
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 8 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 FIAT 500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Other: labels
Risk. If the spare tire is used while overinflated, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Power train: manual transmission
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with FIAT.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other 500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 500 median. How we score
'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 FIAT 500 safety ratings
2016 Fiat 500 3 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 FIAT 500, and the recalls they led to.
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
In owners' words
What 500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2016 500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.