VehicleVerdict

2015 Fiat 500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 141 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.2 times the median 500 year — the 2015 model ranks #4 of 9 500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (34), electrical system (31), and other (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

141

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other 500 years?

500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Fiat 500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3424%
Electrical System3122%
Other1611%
Engine129%
Fuel System64%
Tires & Wheels54%
Lighting54%
Speed Control54%
Steering54%
Seats43%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Brakes43%
Body & Structure32%
Suspension32%
Airbags21%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2015 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 2015 FIAT 500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS TOWED TO CLASSIC CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (111 I-20 EAST FRONTAGE RD, ARLINGTON, TX 76018, [PHONE]). THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 27, 2017 · fire

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: High voltage battery system, the vehicle is available for viewing. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: Long time garage storage of vehicle and limited owners manual description…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 18, 2021 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING A TOTAL OF 4 AND A HALF HOURS BACK HOME FROM A TRIP. MOST OF THE TRIP WAS VIA STRAIGHT FREEWAY. I WAS 2 HOURS IN WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I CALLED MY DAD WHO SAID TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY. I LET MY CAR GLIDE THROUGH THE EXIT THAT WAS COMING UP AND I NOTICED SMOKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 9, 2018 · fire

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: High voltage battery system, the vehicle is available for viewing. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: Long time garage storage of vehicle and limited owners manual description…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 18, 2021 · crash

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: High voltage battery system, the vehicle is available for viewing. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: Long time garage storage of vehicle and limited owners manual description…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 18, 2021 · crash

2015 Fiat 500 — common questions

Is the 2015 Fiat 500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 141 complaints put the 2015 model at #4 of 9 500 years. It is one of the 500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (34 complaints), electrical system (31 complaints), other (16 complaints).

Does the 2015 Fiat 500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Fiat 500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 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 2015 Fiat 500?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 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.