repaired · 2018 Q1
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
2016 FIAT 500xProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 154 owner complaints about the 2016 FIAT 500x, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 16V-529 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 FIAT 500x has problems
154 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
52Engine1 crash/fire/injury
50Power train
48Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
14Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
10Electronic stability control (ESC)
10Vehicle speed control
8Steering
7Structure
5Air bags
2411 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 52 | 1 |
| Power train | 50 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 48 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 10 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 7 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 3 |
| 11 other systems | 24 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2016 FIAT 500x 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.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
32kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 36 engine complaints. 94% were reported before 100,000 miles.
12under 30k miles34under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other 500x 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 500x median. How we score
'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 FIAT 500x safety ratings
2016 Fiat 500X SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What 500x owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 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…
While driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off completely in the middle of the road, forcing me to come to a full stop and make several attempts before it restarted. During the incident, all electrical power was lost—I was unable to use hazard lights or blinkers, and I’m unsure if the brake lights…
Own a 2016 500x?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.