VehicleVerdict

2014 Fiat 500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 172 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.4 times the median 500 year — the 2014 model ranks #3 of 9 500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 67 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

172

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other 500 years?

500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted537 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 537 complaints2013: 215 complaints2014: 172 complaints2015: 141 complaints2016: 27 complaints2017: 19 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 0 complaints
500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Fiat 500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6739%
Electrical System2615%
Engine2012%
Other159%
Speed Control74%
Steering63%
Body & Structure63%
Airbags53%
Lighting42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Brakes42%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Fuel System21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Driver Assistance11%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2014 Fiat 500 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V474000Tires & WheelsJune 25, 2024 · 12,675 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

19E044000TransmissionJuly 3, 2019 · 740 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the shifter breaks while the vehicle is in motion, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

16V302000TransmissionMay 16, 2016 · 39,185 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

15V291000TransmissionMay 18, 2015 · 3,851 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FIAT 500. WHILE AT A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 31, 2014 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FIAT 500. WHILE AT A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 31, 2014 · fire

“WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC IN DETROIT. CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE HEAVILY AS IF ON FIRE, AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND STALLED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO IMMEDIATE DIAGNOSIS OF CAR. CAR HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON IT AND WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 18, 2015 · fire

“DRIVING CAR SUDDENLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF STREET, FIAT AFTER REPAIR SAY: BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE. AND SECOND ISSUE IS THE SHOW FLAKE SENSOR APPEARS AND SHUT DOWN AIR CONDITIONER / BLOW HEAT . THE BRAND NEW FIAT DELIVERY DATE 10-13-2013 ZERO MILES . THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 15, 2015

“WHEN MAKING A TURN, FROM A COMPLETE STOP ONTO A ROAD THAT HAS A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE ESC LIGHT FLASHES ON THE EVIC, AND VEHICLE LOSSES ALL ACCELERATION. THIS IS ON DRY, EVEN, IN PERFECT CONDITION ROADS ACCELERATING FROM 0MPH TO 5MPH, BEFORE IT DROPS BACK DOWN TO 0MPH. HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT 4X NOW AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 15, 2018

2014 Fiat 500 — common questions

Is the 2014 Fiat 500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 172 complaints put the 2014 model at #3 of 9 500 years. It is one of the 500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (67 complaints), electrical system (26 complaints), engine (20 complaints).

Does the 2014 Fiat 500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Fiat 500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Fiat 500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Fiat 500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 500 years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among 500 years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2014 Fiat 500?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Fiat 500 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.