VehicleVerdict

2016 Fiat 500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2016 Fiat 500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

27

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other 500 years?

500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Fiat 500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission933%
Electrical System519%
Brakes311%
Engine311%
Other27%
Airbags27%
Suspension14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Body & Structure14%

Does the 2016 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.

16V667000OtherSeptember 15, 2016 · 32 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016. The tire placard on the affected vehicles lists a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

If the spare tire is used while overinflated, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Fiat will notify owners, and dealers will add an overlay on the tire placard to the correct tire inflation information, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-888-242-6342. Chrysler's number for this recall is S69.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 19, 2019 · crash

“El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marcó muchas fallas en las cuales les tomé foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se pegó en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las fotos de los códigos que aparecen. Tuve q ser remolcado hasta ahorita la batería sigue en un…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 17, 2025

“El auto se detuvo sin avisar solo ya no quiso acelerar. Me marcó muchas fallas en las cuales les tomé foto, me tuvieron que remolcar y mi hijo se pegó en la cabeza, por suerte nada grave. Pondre las fotos de los códigos que aparecen. Tuve q ser remolcado hasta ahorita la batería sigue en un…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 17, 2025

“THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, CAUSING A MINOR ACCIDENT (LITTLE DAMAGE TO BUMPERS OF BOTH VEHICLES). CAR WAS RETURNED HOME (1 MILE AWAY) WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON MOVING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY LATER THAT SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 19, 2017 · crash

“MY VEHICLE WAS T-BONED ON MY DRIVERSIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS GOING 50MPH ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT. I WAS CROSSING THE STREET AT ABOUT 10-15MPH. NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG ENGAGED, SIDE CURTAIN, SEAT, ETC. IT WAS ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR THAT HIT ME WAS SPEEDING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 20, 2018 · crash

2016 Fiat 500 — common questions

Is the 2016 Fiat 500 reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2016 Fiat 500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Fiat 500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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 2016 Fiat 500?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.